Both mortgage guidelines and the economy have tightened since 2006, bringing more attention to “joint homeowners” — non-spousal partners that buy and share a home as roommates.

The practice is not new, but, anecdotally, co-purchasing is becoming more common.

In the video above — filmed two years ago but still on-target today – real estate expert Barbara Corcoran provides good advice for co-purchasing partners.  Like any business relationship, it’s important to plan ahead.

• Hire an attorney to draft contracts and agreements
• Have a plan for when one or both parties wants to move or sell
• Consider life insurance policies on each other

The over-riding theme for co-purchasing arrangements is to be prepared.  Done right, however, they can create two proud homeowners where there would have otherwise been none.

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