How do I add my girlfriend to my mortgage?

Asked by: Johanna Ritchie  |  Last update: March 12, 2024
Score: 5/5 (27 votes)

Can I add my partner's name to the mortgage after buying the house? Whether you're getting married or simply want to split ownership of the home, the only way to add your partner's name to the mortgage is to refinance into a new loan.

Can you add someone to an existing mortgage?

The simplest way to add someone to a mortgage is to approach your existing lender and ask them. In rare cases, lenders will allow you to add additional people to a mortgage although all will have different requirements around doing so.

Can I put my girlfriend on the title but not the mortgage?

If your name is on the deed but not on the mortgage, your position is actually advantageous. The names on the deed of a house, not the mortgage, indicate ownership. It's the deed that passes real estate ownership from one entity to another.

How do I add my partner to my mortgage?

There are 2 ways of adding someone to a mortgage. You can either ask your existing lender if they can add a name to your mortgage. Or you can swap your current mortgage for a new, joint one with a different lender – known as remortgaging.

Can two people who aren't married be on a mortgage?

To be co-borrowers means you and your partner are applying for a mortgage together for a property you both own. Any two people can apply for a mortgage, but whether you are pre-approved for a mortgage together is a different question.

How to add new spouse to the house deed and mortgage

40 related questions found

Do all states have common law marriage?

Only Nine States Still Allow New Common Law Marriages

To be exact, as of 2020, only eight states still allow common law marriages to be formed in them. An additional five states allow common law marriages, but only if those marriages were formed before a specific date (meaning new common law marriages are allowed).

What tenancy is best for unmarried couples?

Joint Tenancy. If you take title as joint tenants, you share equal ownership of the property and each of you has the right to use the entire property.

Can I add someone to my mortgage without refinancing?

Adding a co-borrower requires refinancing.

If you want to add a co-borrower to your mortgage loan, it's not as easy as calling your mortgage company and asking. You can't add a co-borrower without refinancing your mortgage. It allows you to change the terms of your home loan and add or remove names from mortgages.

How easy is it to add someone to a mortgage?

Add Someone To A Mortgage Summary

You'll first have to contact your lender and ask for approval. They'll need to subject your partner to an income and credit check. If their details check out, your lender will give you the joint account.

How do I add someone to my house?

Unlike some other types of property, you can't just add their name to the existing deed. To add someone to your house title, you must create a new deed that transfers the title of the property to both you and the other person.

What if my partner dies and the mortgage was in their name only?

A mortgage lives on after the death of the borrower, but unless there is a co-signer or, in community property states, a surviving spouse, none of the deceased person's heirs are responsible for paying the mortgage. Those who are in line to receive an inheritance may be able to take over payments and keep the house.

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

If you own a house, then you definitely want your name on the deed. A house deed is an important legal document that proves that you are the true legal owner of your house. It gives you certain title rights, such as the right to take out a mortgage, or to buy, sell, rent or transfer the house.

What does adding someone to the deed mean?

Many people who are seeking ways to simplify things for their loved ones after they're gone consider adding one or more of their children or other family members to the deed to their home. If you add an adult child, for example, to your deed, they become a co-owner of the property while you're alive.

What is it called when you add someone to your mortgage?

A co-borrower, also referred to as a co-applicant or co-requestor, is an additional person on a mortgage. In a co-borrowing situation, both borrowers complete an application, and the mortgage lender considers your qualifications and those of the co-borrower, including assets, credit history and income.

Can you add someone to a mortgage but not the deed?

You are not the property owner when your name appears on the mortgage but not on the deed. Your role on the mortgage is merely that of a co-signer. Because your name appears on the mortgage, you are responsible for making the payments on the loan, just like the property owner.

Should I add someone to my mortgage?

Adding a co-borrower to your loan application can also help if you lack a credit history. With no credit or a low score, a lender may be hesitant to lend to you. You may be more likely to be approved by having a co-borrower (or co-signer — but remember, they're different), who acts a a guarantor for your loan.

Can I add my new wife to my mortgage?

There's no harm in asking your bank or mortgage company if you can simply add a person to your mortgage. Be prepared for them to say no, however—in fact, this will be their answer in most cases. Instead, they will likely make you refinance your home, in effect taking out an entirely new mortgage.

How many people's names can go on a mortgage?

While there's no actual legal limit as to how many people can be on a home loan, getting a bank or mortgage lender to accept a home loan with multiple borrowers might be challenging. As a rule of thumb, no more than four borrowers are typically allowed on a conventional mortgage loan.

Can two friends share a mortgage?

As long as you and your friend(s) can agree on a way to share ownership of the home and can both qualify for and afford the mortgage, you can typically buy a house together.

What happens if I died and my wife is not on the mortgage?

But, if the surviving spouse is not listed on the mortgage, there must be a transfer of ownership in order for the surviving spouse to keep the house. Once ownership is transferred to a surviving spouse or any other heir, it is up to them to continue making payments until they decide what to do with the house.

How do I know if my mortgage is assumable?

To know whether your mortgage is assumable, look for an assumption clause in your mortgage contract. This provision is what allows you to transfer your mortgage to someone else.

Does it matter whose name is on the mortgage in a divorce?

While the name on the mortgage can influence who is responsible for the debt, it doesn't necessarily dictate how the property is divided.

Is my girlfriend entitled to anything if we break up?

If your relationship ends you have no legal responsibility to provide your former partner with financial support. Many cohabiting couples choose to start a family together. Unmarried parents can't claim spousal support if the relationship breaks down, but child support may be payable.

What states have cohabitation laws?

It's Still Illegal For Unmarried Couples to Live Together In Two States. Florida JUST made it legal, but there are two states still holding out. If you live in Michigan or Mississipi, you're commiting an actual crime if you and a significant other are living together and not married.

What to do if you break up with someone you bought a house with?

Essentially, based on your circumstances, you have three options.
  1. Purchase each other's interest. An easy solution is for one of the parties to quitclaim their interest to the other. ...
  2. Sell the house outright. ...
  3. Partition the property.