The Pros and Cons of a Getting Mortgage without Marriage

There was a time when a higher percentage of people were married before they committed to buying a home together, but it’s a lot more common to invest in a home together as friends, partners, roommates or just as an investment property for financial gain.

If you’re considering the commitment of a mortgage without being married, here are some things to be aware of before you start searching the market.

Relationship Status Won’t Affect Your Rates

It might seem like there are greater risks involved if individuals purchasing a property are not legally bound, but it actually makes no difference to the mortgage lender. If any number of people are buying a home together, the lender is going to be assessing their credibility based on their individual credit reports and financial history, not on their relationship to each other.  All the proof, as far as lenders are concerned, is in the numbers.

What’s Your Credit History?

Most people are aware of their credit history, whether they’ve had financial hiccups in the past or are still paying off a significant amount of debt. However, it is more difficult for some to know the financial background of their partners.  Because the lender will be looking at credit scores, if you or your partner(s) have had financial issues in the past, it can have an adverse impact on your application. While you may have a nearly perfect credit history, if your partner does not this can make mortgage approval more difficult.  If this is the case, even in a marriage, it may be better for the prospective buyer to obtain the mortgage without considering the other party on the application.  You may be eligible for better rates and terms when only you are on the application.

In The Event Of Conflict or Separation

Home ownership can involve significant hurdles after a divorce, but there will still be some legal and financial issues to wade through if you’ve never been married. Since it’s likely that you won’t want to continue to own property together, there’s the possibility that one party will have to buy the other out, which can be a sizeable financial burden. While this type of situation may never come to fruition, it’s important to be aware of what might occur so you can be prepared.

There can be a lot of complexities involved in investing in home ownership whether you’re married or not, but it’s important to have an awareness of your partner’s financial history, be prepared for financial hurdles and plan for an exit strategy if the partnership is no longer working.  Give me a call for more information – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

630 E Laguna Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$649,999

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,112 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6783954

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A stunning single-family home located in the heart of Phoenix has 5-bed, 2-bath with 2112 sqft, 2-carport, and covered patio. Brand new windows throughout. You will be greeted by a bright & airy floor plan that is perfect for entertaining. The kitchen comes with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops & brand-new white & black shaker cabinets. Brand new vinyl wood & carpet flooring throughout the home. Enjoy the fully upgraded, spa like bathrooms with high end shower system, framed mirrors, shower niche, & custom vanities. No HOA. Walking distance to parks and bike paths. Do not miss out!

View Property

1941 E Medlock Drive Phoenix, AZ 85016

$649,999

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,438 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785564

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Discover this beautifully maintained mid-century gem at 1941 E. Medlock Dr., located in the highly desirable Camelback Corridor of Central Phoenix. This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhome exudes character and charm, offering a perfect blend of classic details set in a spacious and open floor plan. The inviting living room space boasts vaulted ceilings, fireplace, and large windows that let in abundant natural light while the kitchen features granite countertops, beautiful appliances, and plenty of cabinet space. Whether you are looking to entertain friends and family or spend a quiet night in, this space is perfect for any occasion. Situated in a quiet, established neighborhood just minutes from Biltmore Fashion Park, top restaurants, and easy freeway access. Enjoy the best of urban living with quick access to downtown Phoenix and the Camelback Corridor.

View Property

1628 E Magellan Drive New River, AZ 85087

$649,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,978 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6683844

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Motivated Seller! Will look at all offers. LIKE NEW home. Voted BEST VALUE by Desert Hills New River tour agents! All the updated features. Large kithchen, with center counter. White cabinets and granite countertops. Open great room with lots of windows for the mountain views. 3 bedrooms 2 bath spllit floorplan. The garage is a large oversized 2 car with a space for your tools. Full one acre for your enjoyment. Shared newer well, 2 party. Plus a new rear yard fence to be sure your animals are safe. Central vac. You won't want to miss this well maintained home!

View Property

3145 W Sandra Terrace Phoenix, AZ 85053

$649,999

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,601 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736381

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the perfect home in a super convenient location! This beautifully maintained residence offers 4 spacious bedrooms, a huge den, and 3 bathrooms. Enjoy 3 expansive living rooms, one with a cozy fireplace, and a grand great room, ideal for family gatherings and entertaining. The heart of the home is the spacious island kitchen, perfect for meal prep and family time. Step outside to a huge backyard, ideal for children, gardening, or hosting get-togethers. Plus, enjoy the convenience of a 3-car garage. With 3,601 sqft of living space, this home provides ample room for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to make this incredible home yours.

View Property

7326 E Portland Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$649,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,741 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6744851

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PERFECT Rental! This rare gem in Scottsdale boasts 4 bedrooms plus a den, a 2-car garage, and a refreshing pool. Inside, discover an inviting open-concept layout complemented by sleek concrete floors, exposed metal beams. The kitchen is a culinary paradise, featuring stainless steel countertops, backsplash, and appliances, along with ample white cabinetry. Renovated bathrooms offer modern tile work and fixtures. The spacious master suite grants access to the backyard oasis, complete with a sparkling pool, and covered patio with a bar area. Situated in downtown Scottsdale, it's conveniently close to Fashion Square, dining, entertainment, and major attractions like the botanical gardens and the Phoenix Zoo and spring training stadiums! A rare blend of luxury and convenience.

View Property

2771 E State Route 260 Highway Overgaard, AZ 85933

$649,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,208 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752564

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Here's your opportunity to own a piece of nostalgia with the storied Irish Castle. The exterior retains its original castle charm, continuing to captivate passersby with its unique appeal. Inside, you'll find a completely renovated space that masterfully blends modern comforts with the exterior historic character. This landmark offers a distinctive blend of old-world charm & contemporary interior living. This would make an outstanding bed & breakfast or airbnb with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, huge kitchen and separate gathering spaces. All updates have been done within the last 2 years which include items such as mini splits in each room, new roof, new septic, flooring, painting, windows, spray insulation &so much more. List of updates/upgrades attached. Only 219 a square foot!

View Property

4232 N 161st Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$649,999

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,122 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756990

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

4 Bedroom 3.5 Bath, 3 Car Garage & RV GATE. Custom Iron Gate Entrance into Private Courtyard. Beautiful Custom Tiled Entrance as you enter. TILE T/O except bedrooms. Open Floor Plan W/ Large Open Dining Area & Den. Great Room & GOURMET KITCHEN. Kitchen Features Beautiful GRANITE Countertops, Island, Stainless Steel Appliances, GAS STOVE ,DOUBLE OVENS, HUGE WALK IN PANTRY & 42'' CABINETS for Storage. PLANTATION SHUTTERS. Spacious Primary Suite with gorgeous bathroom w/ a Glass WALK-IN SHOWER, Separate Tub & double Sinks w/ Granite Countertops. 8' Interior Doors & 3 Secondary Bedrooms w/ Generous Closets. Garage W/ Cabinets & Overhead Storage Racks. Large Backyard professionally landscaped with ARTIFICIAL TURF & covered patio

View Property

21747 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$649,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6674425

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy this beautiful Pomona Opportunity with Guest Suite! This true split floorplan provides space to spread out! Your guests will find the spacious Kitchen/Dining /Great Room area quite comfortable for making memories for years to come. Included features: Timeless Stone Creek Collection Interior Design with cool tones. Upgraded Shaker Cabinets, Quart Kitchen Counters, 6X35 Tile flooring, Carpet in Bedrooms. Matte Black Hardware. Insulated 3 Car Garage with 8' Garage Doors, Gas stub at patio, Gas Range at Kitchen, Gas Dryer Hook up, Paver driveway and courtyard and Tankless water heater included!! Elevate your lifestyle today with the Amazing Pomona Floorplan!

View Property

21673 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$649,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6702202

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Light Sky Ranch and the Pinecrest plan! This 2390 square foot home epitomizes modern luxury and comfort, boasting a well-appointed design that caters to both relaxation and functionality. With three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a dedicated study, there's ample space for both privacy and gathering. The gourmet kitchen stands as the focal point, featuring quartz counters, upgraded shaker cabinets, and a spacious center island ideal for culinary endeavors or casual meals. The master suite is a tranquil oasis, offering dual closets and a spa-inspired shower for indulgent relaxation. Enhanced by 10-foot ceilings and a multi-slide door, the home is flooded with natural light. Outside, a single-car garage and a 2-car garage offer ample storage for vehicles, outdoor gear, and more. With amenities such as a tankless water heater for efficiency and a charming paver driveway, this home seamlessly blends convenience with sophistication.

View Property

20271 W Hollyhock Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$649,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6717642

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

8760 sqft lot - Gourmet kitchen, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, white cabinets w/extension at nook, pendant lights at island, stainless steel appliances w/pyramid hood & gas cooktop - Center-meet doors at great room - Walk-in shower at primary bath - Pre-plumb locations at laundry room, soft water loop, gas to patio - 9 x 35 tile floors throughout except for carpet in bedrooms - Matte black fixtures throughout - Ceiling fan pre-wires at bedrooms, patio and great room - 10-foot ceilings - Single additional gate non-garage side - Two-tone paint - Garage service door.

View Property

21680 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$649,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721113

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Pinecrest plan is on a generous sized lot with a South facing front and borders a community greenbelt in central Queen Creek. The smart floorplan is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 3 car garage. Interior finishes include 10' ceilings, Gourmet Kitchen appliances with a gas cooktop and a 36'' vent hood, beautifully designed separate tub and large shower with His and Hers closets in the Primary Bathroom, expansive multi-slide glass door system from the Great Room to the covered patio, and much more! Awesome location close to Queen Creek Marketplace, a brand new Costco and Fry's, and all that Queen Creek has to offer.

View Property

21664 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$649,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721119

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

View Property