05/12/2026
Be aware of the following implications if you're considering co-signing a loan as a way to help a family member or loved one overcome stress testing and borrowing limits:
➡️ Credit History: If you are acting as a co-signor on any loan, you essentially allow access to your credit history. This means, if the borrower is late on the payments or there are issues with the loan, it will affect your credit score as well as theirs.
➡️ Legal Implications: Always be sure to understand the taxes, legal and estate situations that go along with co-signing, should the borrower fail to pay.
➡️ Timeline: Understanding how many years the co-signer agreement will be in place and your options for making changes will help you determine when the borrower could be able to assume the entirety of the mortgage on their own.
➡️ Personal Income Tax: Depending on the loan, you may have an obligation to pay capital gains taxes so it is a good idea to review your personal tax situation with an accountant prior to signing off on the co-borrower agreement.
➡️ Relationship with Borrower: Do you trust the individual? Are you aware of their financial situation? Are you willing to potentially put yourself at risk to assist them? Many of us may want to help out family or loved ones, but it is important to ask these questions to ensure that the individual is reliable.
➡️ Future Finances: Consider your future finances and if you have any future plans that could be impacted by an additional loan. How much flexibility do you need for yourself and your family? If you have plans to refinance for a renovation or make changes to your own mortgage, being a co-signor could affect your options.