Splitting assets, who keeps the home

CONSIDERATIONS IN KEEPING THE HOME

  • How much equity is in the home?
  • Would your spouse buy you out of the home?
  • Is this a financial or emotional decision?
  • What are the alternatives to buying your spouse out of the home?
    • Equivalent homes in area
    • Do you want to stay in the area?
    • Cost of moving and what would it cost for something else?
  • How long would you stay in the home?
  • How much will it cost to refinance?
    • Assuming that your spouse is on the current mortgage.
  • Can you afford the new payment if there is an increased mortgage payment?
  • How would you buy your spouse out of the home?
    • Are there other assets to buy out?
    • Would you take less (can you afford) maintenance or child support?
  • Do you need that size home?
    • Is it larger than you need?
    • Are your kids about to move out?
  • Do you understand the tax impact of selling the home, being bought out of the home, keeping the home short-term, keeping the home long-term?
  • What is your underlying reason to stay in the home?