<prompt> Human: I see this posted on Reddit a lot but I dont understand. If both of your names are on the house when you buy it, what difference does it make when you try to sell it if youre married or not? Im just curious because I never understood this. Thank you!  <response>: What if you break up and your ex decides they would rather not sell the house? If youre both on the loan, you are still responsible for paying the mortgage and have no way to force a sale since both parties need to agree on selling. The only option then would be to stop paying, foreclose, be sued for the negative equity if there is any and have your credit ruined. In a perfect amicable break-up sure, no problem. But divorce courts and lawyers offer a lot of protections you simply dont have before youre married. 