Does it matter who is the primary borrower on a mortgage?

Asked by: Ruthie Thompson  |  Last update: January 2, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (21 votes)

Does it matter who's the borrower and who's the co-borrower? Since the borrower and co-borrower are equally responsible for the mortgage payments and both may have a claim to the property, the simple answer is that it likely doesn't matter.

Does it matter who is the primary applicant for a mortgage?

No. You can apply for a mortgage using only the strength of your own credit. You may want to apply individually if your spouse has a poor credit history. However, you may qualify for a higher balance if you both apply together since lenders consider the income of both applicants when approving a mortgage.

Does it matter whose name is first on a home loan?

In general, the lender evaluates the application the way the applicants submit it, without regard to whose name is listed first.

Can a primary borrower be removed from a mortgage?

Yes, removing someone from a mortgage is possible, but the most common method is refinancing the loan solely in the name of the person who will retain ownership of the property. This involves obtaining a new mortgage that pays off the existing one, releasing the other party from their obligation.

Can you be a co-borrower on a mortgage and not on the title?

Generally, co-borrowers share the title of the home. But this isn't always the case since the loan and the title are separate. Be aware that if you're a co-borrower and your name isn't on the title, you'll still be responsible for paying off the mortgage – but won't have the right to use the house.

What Is A Co-Borrower On A Mortgage? - CountyOffice.org

40 related questions found

Does it matter who is listed as borrower and co-borrower?

Since the borrower and co-borrower are equally responsible for the mortgage payments and both may have a claim to the property, the simple answer is that it likely doesn't matter. In most cases, a co-borrower is simply someone who appears on the loan documents in addition to the borrower.

Can two people be on mortgage but only one on title?

In short, a mortgage is an agreement to pay back the loan amount borrowed to buy a home. A title refers to the rights of ownership to the property. Many people assume that as a couple, both names are listed on both documents as 50/50 owners, but they don't have to be.

Who is the primary borrower on a mortgage?

However, the primary borrower is the one to typically complete the loan application first and thus serves as the main point of contact for the loan. For both borrowers, the lender considers income, credit history and financial stability as crucial factors for loan approval and terms.

Can you remove one person from a mortgage without refinancing?

While refinancing is the most straightforward and obvious way to remove a person from a mortgage, that option isn't always available or optimal. Doing so without refinancing is possible via mortgage assumption, loan modification or even bankruptcy.

Do all borrowers need to be on title?

It is possible for a borrower to be on the loan but not on the title of a property. This can occur in situations where the borrower is acting as a non-occupant co-borrower to help a relative or friend qualify for a mortgage, but does not have any ownership in the property.

Is it better to be on the mortgage or the deed?

Regarding property ownership, two essential documents are the deed and mortgage. Out of these two, the deed is undoubtedly the most important one. It acts as concrete evidence of your rightful ownership of the property.

How to get out of a joint mortgage?

How can I take my name off a joint mortgage?
  1. Ask them to buy you out.
  2. Consider selling the property and splitting any equity.
  3. Ask if they'd like to take over the mortgage.
  4. See if they'd like you to sell their share to a third party.

Can you have multiple borrowers on the same mortgage?

Depending on the loan type and the lender, you can have three or more borrowers on a mortgage loan. You may be able to have up to five borrowers on a conventional loan, and government-backed loan programs do not stipulate a maximum number of borrowers. But lenders can set their own limits.

How do lenders know if its your primary residence?

A property is considered a primary residence if it meets the following criteria: Occupied by the borrower for at least six months out of the year and the address of record for taxes, voter registration, etc. Located within a reasonable commuting distance to the borrower's place of employment.

What is the difference between primary and secondary applicant?

In a visa application the primary applicant is the person seeking to satisfy the primary criteria for grant of the visa, while secondary applicants are members of their family unit such as their spouse or de facto partner and/or dependent children.

What happens if only one person is on the mortgage?

A couple can jointly own assets, but only if both names are on it. In a common law state, only putting one person's name on the mortgage and home deed means their spouse has no ownership interest in the property. They have no right to the property if their spouse wants to sell it or dies and leaves it to someone else.

What rights does a co-borrower have on a house?

Rights of co-borrowers

All areas of the property are accessible to each individual. Also, each owner decides who receives her share of the property when she dies. So not all owners will receive their share. The other co-owners must consent to the sale of an owner's share.

Can you sell a house if you are on the deed but not the mortgage?

Selling a property with your name on the deed but not on the mortgage creates added levels of complexity and requires more collaboration with third parties. However, you can achieve a successful sale with careful planning and the right support.

Can I sue my ex for not paying the mortgage?

You can take legal action against them for breaching the agreement you both made or seek a court order to force the sale of the property. It's important to consult with a lawyer to understand your legal rights and options and to make the best decisions for your situation.

How do I remove a primary borrower from my mortgage?

There are several ways to take your name off a mortgage, such as refinancing, loan modification or assumption, selling the home, or paying off the entire mortgage.

Who is considered a primary lender?

Banks, mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, and credit unions are all primary lenders and are part of the primary mortgage market.

What is primary vs secondary borrower?

Borrowers in the primary market can choose from various loan types, such as fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgages, whereas the secondary market deals with trading these loans among investors. The secondary market helps stabilize the mortgage system by replenishing lender funds, potentially lowering costs for borrowers.

Does it matter whose name is on the mortgage?

When there are two names on a title deed, it means that there are joint owners of the property and each person owns an equal share of the property. The mortgage does not need to include both names to be valid. Even if the mortgage only lists one spouse, it does not affect the share of the ownership of the property.

Will my bad credit affect my husband buying a house?

If your spouse has a bad credit score, it will not affect your credit score. However, when you apply for loans together, like mortgages, lenders will look at both your scores. If one of you has a poor credit score, it counts against you both. You may not qualify for the best interest rates or the loan could be denied.

Can my wife be on the title but not the mortgage?

Yes, someone can be on the title and not the mortgage. The two terms “deed” and “title” are often used synonymously. A person whose name is on a house deed has the title to that particular house. The house deed is the physical document that is used to transfer title and thus proves who owns the house.