There are situations where a married couple may not want to apply for a mortgage together. We’ll look at the reasons what that might be the case below. But, is that even possible? Will a mortgage lender only consider giving a home loan to one spouse and leave the other out of it?
Below we’ll answer the common question, “can I apply for a mortgage without my spouse?”
Today, we will share with you information on whether you can apply for a house loan without a spouse and other information on applying for a mortgage.
Can I Apply For A Mortgage Without My Spouse?
The answer to your question is yes. You can apply for a house loan on your own. It is possible to apply for a home loan without placing a spouse’s name along with yours.
In fact, applying for a home loan without a spouse’s name can be beneficial for certain reasons. But getting a loan for a house without a spouse also presents a unique set of challenges.
Here are some reasons and benefits of having one spouse named in a house loan:
One Spouse’s Credit Score Is Low
Credit score is one of the factors that lenders always examine when borrowers apply for a mortgage. It is common knowledge that the lower the credit score, the harder it gets to qualify for a mortgage.
And in cases where two spouses apply for a home loan, lenders will usually look at the individual with the lowest credit score between the two.
Thus, sometimes it is recommended to just have the mortgage in the name of the spouse with a higher credit score.
To Save Money On Mortgage Interest
In addition to our credit score tip, you can also save money on interest rates if the spouse with a better credit score is the one named on the mortgage. See, your mortgage rate is partly dependent on your credit score. The higher the score, the better a rate you can get. So by leaving the spouse with the low credit score out of the mix, you can possibly get a better rate.
Divorce
Not all marriages last. And when a marriage fails, a couple often reconfigures their living arrangements. In a divorce, a division of property is always there. And if the divorce happens, it is best to have the mortgage named under you so that you will not have to apply for another.
Although you can have the home loan named to you, there are still some differences if you live in a common-law state or a community property state. We will explain to you why.
Common-Law States vs. Community Property States
In a community property state, every asset that you and your spouse gained during your marriage is your joint property. Even if that is the case, you can still apply for a mortgage without your spouse’s name in it.
But if you choose to apply for an FHA or VA loan, your lender will still consider your spouse’s debts once you apply. So this has the potential to increase your debt-to-income ratio if your spouse incurs a lot of debt.
In a common-law state, you need not include your spouse’s name in the mortgage. Your lender will only take a look at your records, as you are the person named in the mortgage.