Buying A Home Jointly – Facts You Need To Know
If you’ve been rejected for a home loan because your credit and income wouldn’t qualify, consider purchasing a home together with a family member or roommates in the same situation. With your combined financial resources, you’ll have a higher chance of being approved by a lender. If you and your roommates decide to cobuy a property together, at least you’ll minimize the typical adjustment period associated with a new co-owner.
One type of property to consider is a dwelling with separate units, like a duplex or triplex. Each of you would enjoy the benefits of a separate entrance, kitchen, and more. While you may physically be living in separate units, you still have the joint responsibility regarding ownership and maintenance costs associated with the land and roof.
One cost effective option is to buy a single home and divide the living area into separate sections. The only problem with this setup is you lose the benefit of having your own private space. If possible, try to buy a house where the layout allows you to easily separate the living space.
Before you hastily jump into a joint arrangement, you’ll have to discuss major financial issues and other issues particular to a joint ownership. One of the biggest issues will be concerning splitting the down payment and monthly expenses. Will this be an even split or a percentage split depending on the amount of down payment put in, the size of bedroom occupied, or some other factors. Be aware your tax benefits will be dependent on how you split ownership.
Another significant concern is what happens to a co-owner’s portion of the property when he or she dies? Will his or her heirs have rights to it? How will you deal with circumstances where one co-owner decides to move out-does he or she have the option to sell his or her portion of the home, require the other co-buyers to buy his or her portion out, or force the sale of the property?
Knowing which form of title to list on the property deed shouldn’t be taken lightly. Some typical forms of ownership include tenants in common or joint tenants with the right of survivorship. Consult with an experienced attorney who can advise you on the most suitable form of ownership for your needs.
Other cobuying concerns include agreeing on how long everyone plans to stay in the house (and what happens when someone gets married or when a parent needs long term care); how the monthly expenses will be covered when one owner goes through tough financial times; how the house will be decorated; and rules about how the space will be shared (cleaning up, buying house supplies, music volume, and rules regarding overnight guests).
Joint ownership can be a good way to get into the real estate market but it’s essential to find the right co-owner to live with. Spend adequate time to discuss all possible issues that can arise and solidify it in writing with the help of an attorney.
Are you looking to buy a home in Orange County, CA? Check out these Tustin realtors and Yorba Linda Realtors to help you find one!