Buying A Home With Family Or Friends – How To Make It Work

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 scenario to consider is purchasing a property with individual units like a duplex or triplex. You’ll enjoy some of the same benefits as your own home such as a private entrance, separate kitchen, and more. While this arrangement may seem advantageous, you’ll still have to address the issues of joint responsibility regarding ownership and monthly maintenance expenses for the land, roof, and other common areas.

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.

It’s important to spend time discussing some key financial issues and issues unique to co-ownership before you jump feet first into a co-buying situation. One vitally important concern will be how the down payment and monthly expenses will be apportioned. Are you going to divide everything evenly or will you divide everything on a percentage based on the amount of down payment invested, the size of bedroom assigned, or other criteria? A good idea is to check with a tax professional on how your arrangement will affect your tax situation.

Another major concern is who inherits the property if one joint owner dies? Will it pass to the other owner or to the deceased heirs? What about if one owner wants to move out-can he or she rent their part of the home, sell it, or force the other owners to sell or buy their portion out?

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.

Some additional concerns that should be addressed are what length of time does everyone plan on staying in the property (and what are the options when one owner gets married or their parents need extended care); how will the common areas be maintained (cleaning, home supplies, music volume, and overnight guests); decorating the house, and what happens when one owner gets into financial problems.

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.

Want to find out more about buying a home in Orange County, CA? Check out these Tustin realtors and Yorba Linda Realtors to help you find one!