First Time Home Buyers - Do I Qualify?

by John P.
(USA)

I'm married, my wife owns a home. We are separated but not getting a divorce at the time for the sake of our son and I don't want to waste money with rent, so I would like to buy a home.

I want to purchase a home in my name and my name only. Can I qualify for first time home buyers loan? I have never bought a home.

=====ANSWERS=====

Hello John,

Thank you so much for visiting my website and asking your question. I like to help people the best I can understand the home buying process.

As I think over your situation, I believe you may have a problem trying to do what you want to accomplish.

Since I do not know what state you live in, plus I cannot possibly know the laws of every state, it is very important you get professional advice before entering into a contract to buy a home.

As far as a mortgage goes, you can buy a house without your spouse and be the only person on the mortgage. But when it comes to selling the house, you may not be able to do so without your wife signing off on the deed.

The laws of each state is different in this regard.

For example, I know in Michigan where I live, if I qualify for a mortgage, I can buy a home without my wife but cannot sell it. Michigan has dowry rights that favor the wife. At the same time, she can buy and sell a house without my permission.

Now you can see why I suggest you get to know the laws of your state before going to far.

So even though you have never bought a home before, you can possibly qualify for a first time home buyer loan, buy the house and move in, but when you go to sell it, you may face some problems. Of course that would not be a problem if your wife was agreeable.

However being in a situation like you explained above, I'm not so sure that is the best way to go.

I hope you have found this website helpful. If you do, please pay it forward and visit my home page and "LIKE" us in your FaceBook account. This way you can help someone else and do me a HUGE favor.

Kind Regards,

Jeffrey Ragan