4 responses to “Can only a spouse have credit to qualify for a mortgage?”

• 

  Chrys February 8th, 2011 at 12:46

  Ramon

  if you’re both buying the house both of you need good credit scores, but if you buy the house in YOUR name ONLY, then they only check your credit. If you don’t make enough to buy the house on your own, then they aren’t going to sell you the house.

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  ConfusednOHIO February 8th, 2011 at 12:56

  Eva

  Both of you do not need to be on the loan. I went through the same thing when I bought my house. Husband had crappy credit and was not included. Although, since we were married his name went on the deed. Hope this helps. Good luck!!

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  Noneya February 11th, 2011 at 09:01

  Claude

  it depends.

  Do you live in a community property state?
  Do you make enough money on your own to qualify for the mortgage payment?

  It’s ok if you need your husbands income to qualify. If you husband does not have credit (this is different than having bad credit) you can use alternative trade lines to help establish a credit history for him. This will only work on FHA, USDA and VA loans. A lender can use things like car insurance, cell phone bills and utilities to establish a credit history as long as these bills show an on time payment history and they are in good standing.

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  Doctor Deth February 12th, 2011 at 13:28

  Alex

  sure, but you would have to qualify based on ONLY YOUR INCOME – you can’t use spouse’s income if you don’t use their credit – spouse would not be on any mortgage paperwork. if you DO make enough to get the mortgage yourself, spouse can be on deed and help pay the mortgage, of course