20 · Ask Andrew · Buying

Can I assume the seller's mortgage?

A straight answer on assumable mortgages, what has to happen before the deal is real, and when assumption is actually practical.

The short answer

Yes, if the loan is assumable and the current lender approves. VA and FHA are the programs most often discussed; conventional assumption is possible only when the loan documents permit it, which many do not.

What assumption actually requires

An assumable mortgage lets a buyer take over the seller's existing loan terms, but the deal is not real until the lender or servicer approves it and the buyer qualifies under that program's rules.

When it is practical

The gap between the loan balance and the sale price is what usually decides whether assumption is practical. Any claim of an easy assumption should be verified against written lender approval.

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Next step

Verify any assumption claim against written lender approval.

Bring the loan details and we will walk through whether assumption is practical for the home you are considering, with no invented guarantees.

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