Planning to Get a Home Together? Read This First

You and your partner are ready to move in together. It's time to have an open, honest discussion - about money. Especially if you're going to rent or buy that home jointly. Here are the four things you should share with one another:

  • Your incomes

  • Your assets

  • Your debt levels

  • Your credit scores

Each of these factors can have a major impact on the outcome of your home search. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and address potential issues before getting too far into the process. We'd also suggest you discuss how much of your income you want going towards housing and how you'll divvy up expenses and responsibilities.

We know it's a bit unromantic (especially on the day after Valentine's Day!), but trust us. After forty years together we know a thing or two. In the long run frank conversations like this will have a much greater and longer-lasting effect than a dozen long-stemmed roses or a heart-shaped box of candy (though they're awfully nice too).

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