For divorcing US homeowners, assuming an eligible mortgage was often the simplest, lowest-cost path to sole ownership, keeping current terms and avoiding a new loan.
In the current high-rate market, replacing an older mortgage could raise housing costs sharply; one example moved from ~4% to mid-6%, lifting payments to ~$1.4K.
Assumption was not universal: only certain government-backed loans typically allowed it, covering about one-fifth of US mortgages, and the remaining spouse still needed lender approval.
If assumption or refinancing did not fit, couples could sell and split proceeds, arrange a buyout, or delay changes so one spouse stayed temporarily.
The decision depended on who kept the home, how payments would work, and each spouse’s long-term goals, with financial advice potentially clarifying best fit.
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