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Marital Home Buyout Options During Divorce

When one spouse wants to keep the house: buyout strategies, refinancing, and what to do when a buyout isn't feasible.

Can One Spouse Keep the House?

Yes, but it requires a buyout: one spouse pays the other their share of the home's equity. For example, if the home is worth $300,000 with a $200,000 mortgage, the equity is $100,000. In a 50/50 split, the buying spouse would need to pay the other $50,000 — and refinance the $200,000 mortgage into their name alone.

Buyout Methods

Cash-Out Refinance: The buying spouse refinances for more than the current mortgage and uses the excess cash to buy out the other spouse's share. Requires sufficient income and credit to qualify alone.
Trade Assets: Instead of cash, the buying spouse trades other marital assets — investment accounts, retirement funds, vehicles — of equal value to offset the buyout amount.
Sell and Split: When neither can afford the buyout, selling to a cash buyer, splitting the proceeds, and both moving on is often the cleanest solution. No ongoing financial ties to the property or each other.

A cash sale is the simplest path when a buyout isn't practical: guaranteed close, no repairs, clean proceeds division, and both parties walk away unencumbered.

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Selling During Divorce in Michigan →Main Divorce Guide →

Buyout Not Feasible? Sell for Cash.

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