
There are often two options for those wanting to add a spouse onto the mortgage:
- Tenants in common – typically the couples in this situation each own a percentage of the house, which they are able to pass down to their children in the event of their death.
- Joint tenants – the most common option, you will both have equal rights to the whole property, and in the event of a death the property passes on to the other owner.
Can I add my spouse to my mortgage?
If you own a house and you recently got married or are planning to soon, you and your new spouse may want to share the cost of the mortgage. You might think that you can simply contact your lender and add your spouse’s name to the mortgage, but the process is actually more complicated than that.
How do I add my spouse to my refinance?
Tell the representative that you want to refinance the loan so you can add your spouse to the mortgage. Ascertain which documents the mortgage company will require. Photocopy and provide all required documents. When you’re refinancing a mortgage, you typically must prove income and assets in the same manner as you did to obtain the initial loan.
What do you need to know about getting a mortgage with spouse?
That means you and your new spouse will need to demonstrate that you’re both creditworthy. Before you try to make any changes to the mortgage, your spouse should request copies of his or her credit reports, check them for errors and dispute any inaccurate information.
Can I add my partner to my home loan?
Likely, you’ve recently married and want to add your partner to your home loan. But changing any aspect of an existing mortgage, including something as seemingly simple as adding a name to the paperwork, requires going through a refinancing process.

Can you add someone to an existing 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 I put my wife on the title but not the mortgage?
Yes, you can put your spouse on the title without putting them on the mortgage. This would mean that they share ownership of the home but aren't legally responsible for making mortgage payments.
What happens if wife is not on mortgage?
If your spouse is not on the mortgage, they are not responsible for paying it. However, the mortgage lender can foreclose on the house if the mortgage is not paid.
Can I add my spouse to my mortgage without refinancing?
Adding a co-borrower to a mortgage loan isn't as simple as calling your mortgage company and making a request, and you can't add a co-borrower without refinancing the mortgage. A refinance allows you to change the original terms of your home loan.
How much does it cost to add spouse to mortgage?
Putting your spouse on title (adding them to the ownership) is a simple process. All you need to do is have a grant deed prepared, sign it in front of a notary public, and then have it recorded. The cost is usually under $100.
Should your wife be on the house title?
One good reason to add a spouse to the deed of your home is for estate planning purposes, which may allow the property to transfer to your spouse outside the probate process, depending on the transfer language utilized in the granting clause. Another reason is for creditor purposes.
Is my wife entitled to half my house if it's in my name?
It depends on who is named on the mortgage. This is called joint and several liability. You are both responsible and liable for paying the mortgage. That doesn't mean you are both liable for half each though – if one person doesn't pay their share, the other can still be held responsible for the whole mortgage.
Do both spouses need to be on mortgage?
Married couples buying a house — or refinancing their current home — do not have to include both spouses on the mortgage. In fact, sometimes having both spouses on a home loan application causes mortgage problems. For example, one spouse's low credit score could make it harder to qualify or raise your interest rate.
Is it better to have both spouses on mortgage?
If you're part of a two-income household, getting a mortgage with both spouses usually means you'll qualify for a larger home loan. However, if your spouse isn't on the loan with you, your lender can't consider your spouse's income when determining how much you'll qualify for.
How many people can be on a mortgage?
Can three people be on a mortgage? There is no legal limit to how many people can be on a mortgage, but your lender may have restrictions in place. Remember that everyone on the loan also has to be able to qualify for it to be approved, and some lenders may see a big group of names as a potential risk.
Can I put my partner on my mortgage?
The first step you should take when considering adding a partner to your mortgage is talking to your current mortgage lender. In the same way that you were required to, your partner will need to undergo credit and affordability to checks to make sure that they can also keep up with repayments.
Can a non working spouse be on a mortgage?
Adding a non-working spouse to your home loan may or may not affect your ability to qualify for the loan. This depends on whether your spouse's credit score is in the good to excellent range, or just fair.
Is my wife entitled to half my house if it's in my name?
It depends on who is named on the mortgage. This is called joint and several liability. You are both responsible and liable for paying the mortgage. That doesn't mean you are both liable for half each though – if one person doesn't pay their share, the other can still be held responsible for the whole mortgage.
Do married couples have to apply for a mortgage together?
Married couples buying a house — or refinancing their current home — do not have to include both spouses on the mortgage. In fact, sometimes having both spouses on a home loan application causes mortgage problems. For example, one spouse's low credit score could make it harder to qualify or raise your interest rate.
Is it better to have both spouses on mortgage?
If you're part of a two-income household, getting a mortgage with both spouses usually means you'll qualify for a larger home loan. However, if your spouse isn't on the loan with you, your lender can't consider your spouse's income when determining how much you'll qualify for.
Can a non working spouse be on a mortgage?
Adding a non-working spouse to your home loan may or may not affect your ability to qualify for the loan. This depends on whether your spouse's credit score is in the good to excellent range, or just fair.
How do I add a child in the event of my death the house will pass to him?
You must do this in your will with a lawyer.
Can a new wife be added to her husband's house mortgage if she has bad credit?
The wife will need to qualify for the loan. If her credit score is below the minimum, she cannot be added.
Do I have to add my spouse to the title to add them to mortgage?
Yes, anyone on the mortgage should also be on title.
What happens if my spouse has a low credit score?
If your spouse has a low credit score because of high credit card balances, late or missed payments, bankruptcy, or foreclosure, the mortgage application could be rejected. The lender might decide to approve the application but charge a higher interest rate than you had for the initial loan, which could raise your monthly payments.
What happens when a mortgage is refinanced?
Whenever a mortgage is refinanced, the homeowner (s) have to pay for an appraisal and closing costs. Those could total thousands of dollars that you might not have been expecting to pay. Content Square 2. If your spouse has a low credit score because of high credit card balances, late or missed payments, bankruptcy, or foreclosure, ...
Can you get a mortgage loan from a different company?
Whether you stick with your current lender or apply for a mortgage from a different company, you aren’t guaranteed an approval just because you were granted a loan in the past. If a lender approves the application, any future mortgage statements will include both your and your spouse’s names.
How old do you have to be to get a mortgage?
An individual must be over 18 years of age to be added to a mortgage in the USA.
How long does it take to get a mortgage underwritten?
Work with your lender as they process the new loan. Mortgage underwriting usually takes up to a few weeks. If your lender requests more information or documents from you, respond in a timely manner to help the process along.
Can you add a spouse to a deed of a house?
Think about adding this person to the deed of the house. If you want your spouse, parent, or child to have a stake in the house (when it comes to inheriting, for instance) but don’t want to go through the hassle of refinancing, consider adding this person to the deed of the house. He won’t be legally liable for the mortgage the same way you are, but he will be one of the owners of the house (once the bank is paid off). Keep in mind that this process can be expensive.
Can you deduct interest on taxes at closing?
No, only the person that completed the tax form at closing may deduct the interest on taxes.
Can a wife be added to a mortgage?
The wife will need to qualify for the loan. If her credit score is below the minimum, she cannot be added.
Do you add a person to your mortgage?
Sign your documents and pay closing costs. You will now have added this person to your mortgage. Before you do, however, think about your personal situation in relation to the other options that are out there.
Can you have someone on your mortgage on the title?
Yes, anyone on the mortgage should also be on title.
How to add spouse to mortgage?
Call your current mortgage company once you’ve determined that your spouse doesn’t have any serious credit problems. Tell the representative that you want to refinance the loan so you can add your spouse to the mortgage. Ascertain which documents the mortgage company will require.
How to get credit report for spouse?
Obtain a current credit report for your spouse. AnnualCreditReport.com is the only federally approved website where Americans can get one free credit report each year from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. If your spouse has already used his free credit reports for the year, updated reports may be purchased online using a credit or debit card. As of 2010, credit reports ordered online usually cost about $9 depending on your state of residence and the type of document requested. You should not check your spouse's credit reports without his permission. A brief identity verification process is required in which you or your spouse must answer several multiple choice questions in order to obtain credit reports online. Typical topics include the name of a relative, a former street address, the name of a former creditor, or the amount of the monthly payment on an existing loan.
Do you have to prove income to refinance a mortgage?
Photocopy and provide all required documents. When you’re refinancing a mortgage, you typically must prove income and assets in the same manner as you did to obtain the initial loan . Your spouse will also be required to prove income and show assets.
Can you add your spouse to a mortgage refinance?
Read all paperwork carefully. You may choose not to add your spouse by refinancing if the new mortgage will cost significantly more than the original loan.
Why add your spouse to your mortgage?
The only advantage of adding your partner to your mortgage would be if you want to borrow more money and you need your partner’s income to be assessed as well in order to so. For couples who are planning to start a family and upgrade their home or move to a pricier location, taking on a larger mortgage may be necessary to fund this process.
What about my spouse’s right to the property?
You may think that having your spouse’s name on the mortgage for the property will demonstrate their ownership but the truth is, just because a person is listed on a mortgage, does not mean that they immediately have ownership. This would require their name being on the title deed.
Why did Alex and Emma decide to apply for a loan together?
Alex knows that he won’t be approved to borrow this amount of money with only his income taken into account so Alex and Emma decide to apply for the loan together to provide a more accurate picture of their household income now that they are married.
What happens if you split your house?
While each case will be different, if you and your spouse have been sharing the home, they will be entitled to declare an “interest” in the property. Legal advice should be sought in all matters of this nature if you require more information.
What happens if you take out a mortgage in your single days?
Chances are, if it’s been a while since you took out the loan in your single days, your lifestyle may have changed and your loan requirements along with it. You may want to look into fixing your rate for the first couple of years to secure some financial stability for your newly married life.
Can you declare an interest in your spouse's home?
While each case will be different, if you and your spouse have been sharing the home, they will be entitled to declare an “interest” in the property. Legal advice should be sought in all matters of this nature if you require more information.
Can you refinance with your partner?
If you are planning on refinancing your loan and adding your partner , then it is advisable to use this chance to make sure you’re still getting a good deal on your mortgage. Use this as an opportunity to do a quick mortgage health check of your interest rate, the fees you’re paying and the features you want to have access to. Chances are, if it’s been a while since you took out the loan in your single days, your lifestyle may have changed and your loan requirements along with it.
How to secure a mortgage with spouse?
Hand over all the required documents to secure the new mortgage with your spouse. Usually this will include verification of income, debt and assets, so be ready to show them tax returns, income of both you and your spouse, and credit card, bank, brokerage and retirement fund statements for each of you. Many lenders have a checklist of items they need to streamline your search. Ask for one to quickly gather every necessary document.
How to get your mortgage rate to jump?
Track the mortgage process to ensure it's handled in a timely manner. Unless you’ve locked in your interest rate, an extended process may cause your projected rate and payment to jump if interest rates rise dramatically. Communicate with your lender regularly and ensure they have everything they need to process your loan. Once the loan is ready, meet with your lender to sign any required documents.
Why do lenders ask for a refinance?
They’ll nearly always demand a refinance because a loan is a legal contract between you and the lender, and you’re adding a name to the contract. If they are willing to simply add your spouse’s name, ask what paperwork they’ll need and gather the appropriate documents.
How much does it cost to add a spouse to a mortgage?
All you need to do is have a grant deed prepared, sign it in front of a notary public, and then have it recorded. The cost is usually under $100.
What happens if you have a lien on your spouse's property?
If your new spouse has judgments or liens that are unpaid, those creditors can now attach a lien to the property and to force you to pay. They may also become inflexible when negotiating because they have access to an asset they know you do not want to lose.
Can a child be a co-owner of a property after marriage?
If you have children from a prior marriage and you intend to give them the property after your passing, your children may be co-owners with your new spouse depending on how you chose to “hold title.” . Click here to download the PDF on How to Hold Title
Is adding a spouse to a title a financial decision?
However, adding your new spouse to title may not be a straight forward financial decision; and when dealing with your assets there are five things you should consider.
Can my spouse stay in my house after my death?
If you are simply trying to ensure that your spouse is able to stay in the house in the event of your death , there are other vehicles to do so. For example, you could put in your will or trust that this is your wish.
