Does Waiting for a Divorce Refinance Prevent You from Buying a Home?
One of the most common mistakes I see in divorce negotiations involves the timeline for refinancing or removing a spouse from the mortgage. Many people believe that if their name remains on the marital mortgage after divorce, they won't be able to qualify to buy...
Credit After Divorce: The Hidden Barrier to Homeownership
When people think about qualifying for a mortgage after divorce, they usually focus on one thing: Income. How much support will I receive? Will I make enough to qualify? But there’s another piece—one that can completely derail homeownership plans: Credit. It’s Not...
Understanding the Appraiser’s Role in Divorce: Why Accurate Home Valuation Matters More Than You Think
Understanding the Appraiser’s Role in Divorce: Why Accurate Home Valuation Matters More Than You Think When you’re navigating a divorce, one of the most emotionally charged and financially impactful questions is: What is the home really worth? Determining fair market...
Understanding Mortgage Interest Deduction vs. Standard Deduction (Important IRS Rules)
📌 Mortgage Interest Is Only Deductible if You Itemize To benefit from the mortgage interest write‑off, you must itemize deductions on your federal tax return (Schedule A of Form 1040). If your total itemized deductions — including mortgage interest, property taxes,...
Homeownership After Divorce: Understanding Your Housing Options
One of the biggest misconceptions people have during divorce is the belief that there is one “right” housing decision. For many divorcing homeowners, the reality is far more complex. Some people truly have very limited options. In certain situations, there may be no...
How the Garn–St. Germain Act Protects Your Mortgage in Divorce (And Where It Doesn’t)
Divorce can disrupt nearly every part of your life—but if you understand the Garn–St. Germain Act, your mortgage doesn’t have to be one of them. This federal law can be a powerful tool for divorcing homeowners who want to stay in their home and avoid refinancing at a...
I Don’t Advocate for Divorce—But I Do Advocate for Homeownership
Let’s be clear: I don’t advocate for divorce. What I do advocate for is protecting your ability to stay in homeownership—during and after divorce. Because your home isn’t just an asset. It’s your anchor. And the decisions you make about it today will shape your...
Should You Stay on the Mortgage After Moving Out?
Only if there’s a clear, enforceable plan to get you off of it—fast. This is one of the most misunderstood and high-risk areas I see in divorce mortgage strategy. And unfortunately, it’s often overlooked until it’s too late. Let me show you what I mean. A Real Case...
Can You Assume Your Mortgage After Divorce? (Most People Get This Wrong)
One of the biggest myths I hear from divorcing homeowners is: “My lender told me I can’t assume the mortgage, so I’ll have to refinance.” The truth? In many divorce cases, you can assume the loan — even if it’s a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan. It’s called a release...