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.

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3017 W Sahuaro Drive Phoenix, AZ 85029

$644,900

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,143 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6510059

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Currently a very successful Air BnB! Fully renovated 5 BEDRM & 2 BATH Luxury Home is located in the center of Phoenix. Walking distance to shops and restaurants. 15 miles to PHX Cardinal football Stadium and Suns basketball arena. This Home features - Diving Solar Heated Pool - 2 Stall Garage with brand new door and myQ Opener - Walk-in Closet - Indoor Fireplace and outdoor firepit - new front/back landscape (pavers/tuff) - Vaulted ceilings - new heater - Freshly painted inside/outside.

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7233 W Corrine Drive Peoria, AZ 85381

$644,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,982 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6510891

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This fully renovated 4 bedm, 3 bath Luxury Home, is currently a very successful AIR.B.n.B. Walking distance to shops and restaurants. 7 miles to PHX Cardinal football Stadium / Westgate District. This Home features - Solar Heated Play Pool with connected Spa - 2 Stall Garage - Walk-in Closet - Indoor Fireplace - new front/back landscape (pavers/tuff) - Vaulted ceilings - New water heater - Freshly painted inside.

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7008 E Lynx Wagon Road Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

$644,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,655 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6733564

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to beautiful Stoneridge. This home has it all. With plenty of space for friends and familyand all the amenities you need. Main level living with additional bedrooms upstairs. The open floor plan invites you to enjoy family gatherings, perfect for entertaining. Enjoy breathtaking views from the large open lot. Walking distance to the golf course, restaurant and parks. Call today before this home is gone!

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2826 E Victor Hugo Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85032

$644,900

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,154 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769787

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautifully updated home in the peaceful Shadow Mountain neighborhood is surrounded by picturesque mountain views & offers a blend of modern upgrades and serene outdoor living. The spacious, low-maintenance backyard is one of the main features of the home with newly planted citrus trees, covered patio and a newer aqua blue Pebble Tech pool making it the perfect oasis for relaxation. Step inside to find a stylish kitchen and living area with sparkling white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, fireplace, sit in dining room and a tankless water heater for energy efficiency. The home has been thoughtfully upgraded with brand new flooring(2024), a new septic tank system (2023), a new block wall for privacy (2023), and an upgraded main electrical panel (2023), Updated Plumbing. Other recent updates include: Refurbished HVAC unit installed in (2023), New remote-controlled ceiling fans (2023), New French patio doors (2023), New vinyl windows(2023) throughout. Also close to great shopping, & minutes from the 51 making easy commutes. This home combines modern convenience with natural beauty, making it a must-see property! Don't miss the opportunity to make it yours.

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4823 E Presidio Road Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$644,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,750 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6737405

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New Photos Coming, Beautiful updated home in desirable 85254. No HOA. Single level, 3BR/2BA/2CG. Formal LR/DR and family room with fireplace are great for entertaining. Updated Quartz countertops throughout. Large backyard, with new turf and putting green with plenty of room for a pool. Please inquire with any questions.

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4703 N 206th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$644,900

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,297 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722802

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing this highly desirable Lennar NextGen home, which is ONLY available as a resale in the sought-after Victory at Verrado community. Boasting 2 bedrooms, den, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 great rooms, courtyard, covered rear patio with extended pergola, and two add'l rear patio areas. This open-concept home is perfect for those who love to entertain. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with a gas range, hood, and a spacious island, flowing seamlessly into the eat-in breakfast nook. The NextGen suite has a separate entrance and features a full bathroom, bedroom, living room, and kitchen, providing a private retreat for you or your guests. Plantation shutters add a touch of elegance and privacy to this beautiful home.

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7315 E Night Watch Way Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

$644,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,123 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779660

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the exquisite Lupine Plan in the sought-after Stoneridge Golf Community. This home is in pristine condition, boasting a new roof and fresh paint on the exterior and interior as of August 2024. 2.5-car insulated garage with two 240 outlets for car charging or hobbies. The home features 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room, and 2 baths, Remodeled kitchen includes granite island, under-counter LED lighting, updated black stainless appliances, slide-out shelves, and a walk-in pantry. High ceilings and custom barn doors. Solid surface flooring throughout. Both primary and secondary bathrooms have been beautifully remodeled. The garage has epoxy flooring, work area, and water softener, Oasis of a backyard!! Dog door leads to secure dog run with HOA approved 6' fence. See documents for feature Unique paver stone driveway and walkway. Enjoy the mornings or evenings on the extended, covered patio.

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2825 N 42nd Street Unit 11 Phoenix, AZ 85008

$644,888

3 Beds

4 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6671892

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This sophisticated and contemporary residence boasts three spacious master suites in addition to generously sized rooms for office use. The main level presents an expansive open floor plan featuring a gourmet kitchen, a generously sized great room, a convenient half bath, and direct access to a two-car garage. 2 of the master suite offers substantial walk-in closets and full baths complete with dual vanities. The rooftop patio provides a delightful vantage point for glimpsing mountain views. The sought-after Edgemont community provides residents with access to a pool, a gated pet park, and a BBQ grill. Conveniently located less than two miles from Arcadia's fashionable dining venues, shops, the 202 freeway, minutes away from the Biltmore, Downtown Phoenix, and the Airport. location Location!! Location!!

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10133 S Bickwell Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$644,823

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,094 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768151

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover a unique home and buying experience at Laurel at Blossom Rock! This 2-story Heritage design is currently under construction and features a spacious, open-concept floorplan. The inviting kitchen flows seamlessly into a bright great room that opens to a private, covered outdoor space, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The 3-car garage includes a convenient drop zone, and the home offers 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a great room, and a kitchen with an island. Plus, $61,000 in premium upgrades are already included, and special financing options are available. The home is anticipated to be completed by September. Blossom Rock is designed for outdoor living, with community parks, miles of scenic trails, beautiful lakes, and signature events that bring the community together.

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18602 E Avenida Del Ray -- Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$644,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,886 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6760968

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Built in 1990 this well maintained Santa Fe Territorial is comfortably tucked into the active adult golf community of Rio Verde. This home is move in ready and boasts 14 foot ceilings a split 3 bed 2 bath open concept floor plan. View the beautiful Mazatzal mountain tops from the covered back patio living space, accessed by a living room slider and primary bedroom which has its own private patio access. Spacious kitchen with extra long granite bar and a dining room area. A cozy Fireplace to keep you warm on crisp desert nights. Large mature desert landscaped corner lot with a long driveway providing even more privacy. 2 car garage with a separate side entrance golf cart garage. Golf membership information available upon request. Social membership included with purchase. Rio Verde's active adult Golf Course community offers an array of activities for all. There is a private gate to access all of McDowell Regional Parks 21,000 acres of hiking and mountain biking trails. Rio Verde has a very active Tennis and Pickle Ball community. Bocce Ball parties every Wednesday and Friday afternoons, A brand new 2700 sq/.ft workout facility, lap and social pool which offers water sports and class activities, a community art room, resort style library and a separate Billiards Room - all makes for an enjoyable part of the Rio Verde lifestyle. All the above mentioned amenities are included with home ownership in Rio Verde. Golf membership information available upon request- Rio Verde has two different 18 hole courses within the community.

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8413 E Hubbell Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$644,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,475 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749186

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Become the proud owner of this charming fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence on a desirable corner lot, no expenses spared! All new plumbing and sewer lines as of 2024. Featuring a garage, a convenient RV gate, a low-maintenance yard, and a cozy front patio. Inside, the great room boasts a soothing palette, blinds, and stylish wood-look flooring. The spotless kitchen showcases quartz counters, abundant wood soft closing cabinetry, pendant/recessed lighting, a chic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a center island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The main bedroom offers a private bathroom with dual sinks. Venture outside to the lovely backyard, complete with a covered patio, artificial turf for year-round greenery, drip system to all exterior plants, alley access, and a shed for additional storage. Make this gem yours or turn it into the perfect air bnb or VRBO!

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20254 W Hollyhock Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$643,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6718219

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home to the Estates at Arroyo Seco, our newest Buckeye Community. This Deacon floorplan includes an attached RV garage, plus a tandem two car garage, a 220 V 50AMP, pre-plumb for utility sink, soft water loop, garage service door and an RV cleanout. Inside a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with 42'' upper white cabinets, brushed nickel cabinet pulls, quartz countertops, tile backsplash and GE Plus Stainless-steel appliances with a chimney hood and 36'' gas cooktop, also includes a walk-in pantry and is flanked by a great room and a dining room with center meet sliding doors leading out to a covered patio. You'll also appreciate the versatile flex-room, two secondary bedrooms with shared access to a full bath with dual vanities, and a primary suite with a private bathroom featuring a deluxe tiled shower with rain shower, dual vanities and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom and walk-in laundry room round out the interior of the home. This home also includes two-tone paint, 9 x 35 tile flooring throughout and carpet in the bedrooms only. Ceiling fan prewires at all bedrooms, great room, flex room and covered patio; a gas stub at the patio; pre-plumb for a sink at the laundry room; pendant lighting at the kitchen island; exterior coach lights; paver driveway and walkway and front yard landscaping complete the home. This home is situated on an 8760 square foot South facing lot with a double side gate.

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