RE Q&A: Should We Buy a Starter Home?
Unmarried couples can successfully buy a home together with proper planning. A co-ownership agreement clarifies responsibilities and protects both parties.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: My boyfriend and I want to move in together but cannot find an affordable rental that allows pets. With interest rates and prices inching down, we are thinking about buying a starter home. We both have good jobs and strong credit. My mom reads your column and suggested I ask if this is a good idea. Thanks! —Rita
Answer: I cannot say if it is a good idea because I have not met your significant other, but with proper planning, buying property together can work out well.
Whenever people who are not married to each other buy property together, I recommend drafting a written agreement that outlines what each of you will be responsible for and discussing what happens if you break up.
This is especially important if one of you is providing more down payment than the other. Should your relationship sour, having an agreement in place will make dealing with the property easier and less costly.
The process of preparing a co-ownership agreement can also help set you up for success. Among other details, you will need to discuss who is responsible for the costs and maintenance and what happens if one of you has a career setback or falls ill and cannot pay their share.
While drafting an agreement is not fun (unless you are a lawyer), dealing with these potential issues in advance can make a big difference in your relationship by ensuring you are both on the same page.
If you cannot cooperate well enough to draft an agreement, it strongly indicates that you may not be ready to buy a home together.
If conflict cannot be avoided, having a co-ownership agreement will make resolving the dispute easier and less expensive.
For example, adding a requirement to attend mediation before a lawsuit can be filed often helps prevent a minor dispute from becoming a years-long legal battle. Even if it becomes a lawsuit, it will be less expensive because the agreement will set out your rights and responsibilities, leaving your lawyers less to argue about.
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