SHOULD MOM AND DAD CO-SIGN?

Years ago, most young people purchased their first home with help from Mom and Dad or other family members.  For most families in the 50's, 60's, 70's, less cash was available so they helped by co-signing. In the 80's and 90's and 2000's we experienced a surge of affluece across all generations and loans were easier to obtain.   We were seeing very few co-signers.  Today we've turned
the corner again.  Tighter lender standards and an unstable job market have made it tougher for some people, especially those just starting out, to qualify for a home mortgage on their own. So, some home buyers are turning to family members or close friends with good credit to co-sign a home loan.

Making sense of the story

• While becoming a cosigner may seem like a good solution, money manager and lenders caution against those who are asked to be the cosigner.
  
• A cosigner, even if not living in the house, is really a coborrower, meaning he or she still is responsible for payments if the occupant is unable to meet his or her obligations. In other words, if the principal party defaults on the loan, the cosigner is on the hook.
  
• One financial planner suggests potential cosigners take a less risky alternative, such as providing a cash gift for the down payment. Under current tax laws, a person can give as much as $13,000 to a person, free of gift taxes, or $26,000 per person, if a married couple filing jointly is giving the money.
  
• Those considering cosigning a mortgage must conduct due diligence. First, the cosigner must understand why the family member or friend is asking for help. Potential cosigners shouldn’t be afraid to look into the requestor’s personal finances to help determine whether he or she will be able to repay the loan. Perusing credit reports also will show the track record he or she has for paying off debts. A discussion about worst-case scenarios also should take place before signing on the dotted line. Working out a written contract containing an agreement about what would happen in the event of a default, also is recommended.
  
• Cosigners also should keep in mind that the mortgage will show up on their credit report, and could affect their own ability to borrow money or buy a second home. If the principal borrower makes a late payment, that also will show up on the cosigner’s report.

Call me and I can help you review all your options before agreeing to co-sign for financing in today's market.  We should always look at the long term effects of any financing before signing on the dotted line. 

Check with Team South Bay Realty for all your real estate and financing needs.  We have a team of qualified professionals who are accountable and ready to help.  We're your Realtors For Life!