Buying A Home On A Tight Budget-Joint Ownership With Family And Friends

By Sarah P. Shimanski

If your finances alone won't qualify to buy a home, consider a joint purchase with a compatible friend or family member (or two) in the same circumstances. By combining your finances together, you'll be able to increase your chances of qualifying for a home. If you plan to buy a home jointly with your roommates, the adjustment will be easier since you're used to living together.

One viable option to consider is a residence with separate units, such as a duplex. Everyone would have the privacy of their own separate entrance, kitchen, and more. Even though there may be advantages with this setup, the issues of maintenance costs for the land and property still need to be discussed.

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 issue to be discussed is what happens to a co-owner's share of the property when he or she dies? Will their share automatically pass on to the beneficiaries of their will or trust? What happens in situations when one owner decides to move out-do they have the option to rent their share of the house, sell it, or require the other co-owners to sell or buy him or her out?

Taking proper title to the property can have major consequences when not done wisely. It's best to seek the advice of a trained attorney before deciding on what kind of ownership to list on the deed. Some popular ways to list ownership on a deed are joint tenants with rights of survivorship or tenants in common.

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.

Buying a home jointly with another party is a huge commitment and it's vital you choose the right person to partner with. Be sure to discuss all issues with your future co-owner and put the agreement in writing with the help of an attorney. - 31862

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