Caller Describes Plan for Divorced Family to Buy Shared Property

A caller named Teresa told The Ramsey Show that she and her ex-husband remain on friendly terms and spend time together with their two adult children and his girlfriend. The group has discussed purchasing a large piece of land and building separate homes on it to create a shared family compound.

Teresa said the children, ages 23 and 21, hold steady jobs and carry no debt, yet homeownership remains difficult for them. The proposed arrangement would allow each adult to own a portion of the property while living near one another. Dave Ramsey said the plan carries more downside than upside.

He stated that all variables would have to align perfectly for the arrangement to succeed without conflict.

Ramsey warned that future marriages or changes in relationships could create disputes over ownership and use of the land. He noted that decisions about the property might require unanimous agreement among multiple owners. Ramsey also said second marriages statistically end in divorce at higher rates than first marriages, which can add legal and financial complexity to shared real estate.

Teresa suggested an alternative of buying separate houses on the same street. The segment did not indicate whether the family has taken further steps.