My boyfriend of 8 mos wants to buy a house

Find a local lender and ask this questions. State law varies and you definitely need advice before you do this. You can also contact any title company and they will guide you. Be smart.

Being married just means it is a bit harder to 'breakup' :). If you are both on the loan, you will both be legal owners of the house. Neither one of you can sell or refinance without the knowledge of signature of the other person, so you are automatically protected. If only he is buying, then you will need him to add you to title after the fact with a document known as a Quit Claim deed.