Co-Borrower or Co-Signer. What is the Difference?

What is a Co-Borrower?
A co-borrower is a co-owner of the property. The co-borrowers name would be on the title of the home, right alongside yours. Beyond having their name on the title, co-borrowers' assets, credit history, employment history, and debts are assessed as they are also applying for the home loan with you. Using a co-borrower is helpful if you're trying to qualify for a larger loan or if you are attempting to qualify for a better interest rate thanks to the co-borrowers' high credit score. From the perspective of the co-borrower, the advantage is that they would co-own the property. Through co-borrowing, they were able to purchase a property that would otherwise be difficult had they each applied on their own.

What is a Co-Signer?
A co-signer applies for the home loan right along with you. However, they are not on the title of the home. The co-signers name is only on the loan, meaning that while they are financially responsible for paying back the mortgage, they do not have ownership of the property. The reasons for having a co-signer vary but are always related to assisting in the home purchase. If you need to boost up the debt-to-income ratio, need to show a higher credit score, or otherwise prove stellar financial history, a co-signer can do that for you.

Choosing a Trustworthy Co-Borrower or Co-Signer
The details of who is making the monthly payments and how much is contributed to the monthly payments is something that you and your co-borrower or co-signer will have to agree upon personally. That's why it is critical that you choose a person that you trust and is financially responsible.

Remember that if for some unforeseen reason your co-borrower or co-cosigner cannot make their contribution, you are still responsible for the loan.

If you are on the other side of the fence, meaning that you are the co-borrower or the co-signer, and the other party does not make the payments, you are still responsible. However, you have an advantage if you are the co-borrower in this situation. If the other party stops making payments, as co-owner, you can take possession of the property. This is not the case as a co-signer. Remember that a co-signer is not on the title of the property and cannot take ownership of it.

Applying for a Home Loan with a Co-Borrower or Co-Signer
Getting a home loan with a partner is the same as if applying solo. Each party will need to provide proof of income, assets and bank statements, proof of identity, and other documents. Starting the application process is also just as easy and can be done right here, on our website. Just fill out the online form located throughout our site, and you'll be on your way to home ownership!