Co-borrowers and Mortgages

First-time homebuyers may face challenges when it comes to securing a mortgage loan. They may not have a long enough credit or work history, and they are often paying off student loans, among other reasons. Many turn to co-borrowers to make their dream homes come true.

Co-borrowers can be anyone, including a spouse, who is willing to be co-liable for repaying the mortgage loan. According to The Lenders Network, a co-borrower’s income, assets, and better debt-to-income ratio (DTI) can be equally considered with the main borrower’s, improving the chances of getting loan approval for more money and with a lower interest rate. Lenders will consider the credit scores of both the main borrower and co-borrower, but will use the lower of the two.

A co-borrower is equally liable on the loan documents regarding repayment, but they may not have ownership interest in the home. In this case, the co-borrower is called a co-signer and is not on the title of the property, meaning the co-signer can’t borrow against the home as an asset.

If the home is sold, the co-borrowers split the proceeds, while a co-signer is not entitled to split any profit. Because the co-borrower or co-signer risks their own DTI ratio and potentially their credit score, as well as liability for loan payments should the main borrower default, why would they participate?

It’s a matter of love, trust and the expectation that once the main borrower’s financial situation improves, they’ll refinance the home into their name only.



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