When a marriage ends, the house is often the biggest asset to divide. I help clients keep it, buy out the other spouse’s share or buy the next home, and I can tell you early what is realistic before terms are set.
How I help your clients
- Equity buyouts. A refinance that pays the other spouse their share under the settlement, often treated more favorably by lenders than an ordinary cash-out.
- Removing a spouse from the loan, so the spouse who keeps the home holds the mortgage in their own name.
- Qualifying with support income. Spousal and child support can count as income once it has been received for a time and will continue.
- The next home. Pre-approvals for the spouse who moves, timed to the settlement.
- Early, neutral answers. I can tell you and your client what a buyout or a new purchase would take before the terms are final.
Situations I see often
- One spouse wants to keep the home and pay the other their share of the equity.
- A client needs to know whether they can qualify on their own before agreeing to keep the house.
- A client will receive support and needs it counted to qualify.
- Both spouses need to buy separate homes after the house sells.
Programs and tools
Questions
Can my client buy out their spouse’s share of the home?
Yes. A refinance can pay the other spouse their share of the equity as set out in the settlement, and lenders often treat that buyout more favorably than an ordinary cash-out refinance.
Can support income count toward qualifying?
Usually, once it is documented in the agreement or order, has been received for a period the lender requires, and will continue for at least a few years. See also: Debt-to-income calculator.
When should my client talk to you?
Before the terms are final. Knowing what a buyout or a new purchase would take helps everyone agree on a plan that can actually close.
