When couples set out to buy a new home, they are often faced with the question of who?s name or names should be listed on the mortgage and title. It can be said that many will want a 50/50 split of the asset for equal ownership. But how do you know that a 50/50 split is the best financial decision? Buying a home is often the largest purchase a couple or an individual will make in their lifetime, so ownership can have big financial implications for the future.

Title vs. Mortgage

When buying a home it is important to understand that the term property title and mortgage are not interchangeable.

A mortgage agreement establishes who is responsible for repaying the debt. A mortgage agreement doesn’t dictate ownership, though. In some cases, a borrower can be held responsible for the loan without having an ownership interest. In other cases, one could have ownership in the property without being financially responsible for the debt.

Making sense of mortgages

When a couple applies jointly for a mortgage, lenders don?t use an average of both borrowers??FICO scores. Instead, each borrower has three FICO scores from the three credit-reporting agencies, and lenders review those scores to acquire the mid-value for each borrower. Then, lenders use the lower score for the joint loan application. This is perhaps the biggest downside of a joint mortgage if you have stronger credit than your co-borrower.

So, if you or your partner has poor credit, consider applying alone to keep that low score from driving your interest rate up. However, a single income could cause you to qualify for a lower amount on the?loan.

Before committing to co-borrowing, think about doing some scenario evaluation?with a lender?to figure out which would make more financial sense for you and your family.

True ownership

If you decide only one name on the mortgage makes the most sense, but you?re concerned about your share of ownership of the home, don?t worry. Both names can be on the title of the home without being on the mortgage. Generally, it?s best to add a spouse or partner to the title of the home at the time of closing if you want to avoid extra steps and potential hassle. Your lender could refuse to allow you to add another person ? many mortgages have a clause requiring a mortgage to be paid in full if you want to make changes. On the bright side, some?lenders?may waive it to add a family member.

In the event you opt for two names on the title and only one on the mortgage, both of you are owners.

The person who signed the mortgage, however, is the one obligated to pay off the loan. If you?re not on the mortgage, you aren?t held responsible by the lending institution for ensuring the loan is paid.

Not on mortgage or title

Not being on either the mortgage or the title can put you in quite the predicament regarding homeownership rights. Legally, you have no ownership of the home if you aren?t listed on the title. If things go sour with the relationship, you have no rights to the home or any equity.

To be safe, the general rule of homeownership comes down to whose names are listed on the title of the home, not the mortgage.