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Marcus is a real estate licensee helping a buyer finance a home purchase in Kailua. The buyer asks whether Hawaii is a community property state and whether that affects how the mortgage will be structured for a married couple. Marcus should correctly advise the buyer that:

Correct Answer

B) Hawaii is not a community property state; it follows common law principles, though married couples may hold title as tenants by the entirety

Hawaii is NOT a community property state. It follows common law (separate property) principles, meaning property acquired by one spouse is generally that spouse's separate property unless titled jointly. However, Hawaii does recognize tenancy by the entirety, a form of joint ownership available only to married couples that includes rights of survivorship and certain creditor protections. This distinction is important for how mortgages and title are structured for married couples in Hawaii.

Answer Options
A
Hawaii is a community property state, so both spouses must sign both the promissory note and the mortgage regardless of whose income qualifies
B
Hawaii is not a community property state; it follows common law principles, though married couples may hold title as tenants by the entirety
C
Hawaii is a community property state only for real property acquired during marriage, requiring both spouses to be listed on the mortgage
D
Hawaii follows quasi-community property rules, treating all marital assets as community property upon divorce or death

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

community_propertycommon_law_statetenancy_by_entiretyhawaii_financingmarital_property

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