What does it mean if my name is on the deed but not the mortgage?

Asked by: Stacey Schuster V  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.7/5 (57 votes)

If your name is on the deed but not the mortgage, it means that you are an owner of the home, but are not liable for the mortgage loan and the resulting payments. If you default on the payments, however, the lender can still foreclose on the home, despite that only one spouse is listed on the mortgage.

What does it mean to be on the deed but not on 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.

Does a deed mean you own the house?

A house deed is the legal document that transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer. In short, it's what ensures the house you just bought is legally yours.

Can a person be on the deed but not on the mortgage?

It is possible to be named on the title deed of a home without being on the mortgage. However, doing so assumes risks of ownership because the title is not free and clear of liens and possible other encumbrances. Free and clear means that no one else has rights to the title above the owner.

Is it more important to be on the deed or mortgage?

So, as a rule of thumb, if someone is on the Deed, they must be on the Mortgage.

What Are the Advantages of Being on the Deed and Not on the Mortgage

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Does being on a deed affect your credit?

Having your name on a deed by itself does not affect your credit.

Who holds the deed to my house?

The title deeds to a property with a mortgage are usually kept by the mortgage lender. They will only be given to you once the mortgage has been paid in full. But, you can request copies of the deeds at any time.

Who owns the house if you have a mortgage?

While your home serves as collateral for your mortgage, as long as the terms of that mortgage are met you, as a borrower, are the owner of your home.

What rights do I have if my name is not on the mortgage?

Real estate owned prior to marriage remains separate property. ... If your name is not on your home's title for these reasons, you would not own the home; neither would you be held responsible for loan repayment or any other lien placed on the property, even if it resulted in foreclosure.

What are my rights if my name is not on the mortgage?

If your name is on the deed but not the mortgage, it means that you are an owner of the home, but are not liable for the mortgage loan and the resulting payments. If you default on the payments, however, the lender can still foreclose on the home, despite that only one spouse is listed on the mortgage.

Is a deed the same as a title?

The biggest difference between a deed and a title is the physical component. A deed is an official written document declaring a person's legal ownership of a property, while a title refers to the concept of ownership rights.

How do you prove you own a house?

Proving Ownership. Get a copy of the deed to the property. The easiest way to prove your ownership of a house is with a title deed or grant deed that has your name on it. Deeds typically are filed in the recorder's office of the county where the property is located.

What are the three types of deeds?

What are the Three Most Common Types of Deeds?
  • General Warranty Deed. ...
  • Special Warranty Deed. ...
  • Quitclaim Deed.

Can my girlfriend be on the deed and not the mortgage?

It's perfectly legal to co-own a house with someone to whom you're not married. You can put your name on the deed even if you don't sign the mortgage, provided the lender agrees. Taking title as unmarried partners or friends, however, is often more complicated than when a married couple buys a house.

Should I put my girlfriend on the deed to my house?

You should NOT put your girlfriend's name on the house. You can change this AFTER you are married, IF you get married. You can have a separate agreement with your girlfriend that you will put her name on the house if you should get married, but DO NOT put her name on the deed now.

What happens if your spouse dies and you are not on the mortgage?

If there is no co-owner on your mortgage, the assets in your estate can be used to pay the outstanding amount of your mortgage. If there are not enough assets in your estate to cover the remaining balance, your surviving spouse may take over mortgage payments.

Can someone be on the title but not the loan?

The entire definition of a “mortgage” requires a borrower to be on title because a mortgage refers to a debt instrument or promissory note that is tied to real estate as collateral. If the borrower is not on title, the property cannot be tied to the promissory note. Buyers can be on title without being on the loan.

Is my wife entitled to half my house if it's in my name?

Your spouse is not entitled to half of the house simply because he or she made payments on the mortgage principle. Your spouse is entitled to a reimbursement for half of the principle pay down during the marriage (i.e. date of marriage to date of separation).

Can you sell a house if your name is not on the mortgage?

Because the people who are listed on the title have full ownership of the home, they have full rights to sell the property, even if they are not on the mortgage.

What are my rights if my name is on the mortgage?

Generally, your name is on the deed to the home, then you you own an interest in it. The bank cannot foreclose since you did not transfer your interest to the bank. This means that you still own your share of the home. ... The lender would only have the interest of the person who signed the mortgage (your spouse).

Does it matter whose name is first on a house title?

California law allows multiple parties to own real estate together. Property owner names are listed on deeds, which typically are recorded in county public land records. The order in which owner names appear on deeds does not affect ownership rights.

Does it matter whose name is first on a mortgage?

When evaluating borrowers for a joint mortgage, the lender cares less about who is listed first, and more about the sum of the applicants' earnings and debts. In general, the lender evaluates the application the way the applicants submit it, without regard to whose name is listed first.

What happens to title deeds when mortgage is paid?

When you pay off your mortgage you might be required to pay the mortgagee (the lender) a final fee to cover administration and the return of your deeds). At this time your deeds will be sent to you for safekeeping. You can either keep them safe or ask your bank or solicitors to hold them for you.

What is a mortgage deed?

What is the Mortgage Deed? ... Your mortgage deed is usually a 1 or 2 page document that, once signed, provides confirmation that you're happy to proceed based on the terms of your mortgage offer. Upon completion, the signed mortgage deed is a legally binding document.

Can you register a property without deeds?

In order to register a property without title deeds, a conveyancer would need to reconstitute the deeds. This involves putting together sufficient evidence to allow the Land Registry to determine if registration is possible. Each application will be determined on its individual facts.