Co-signing a loan often comes from a place of support — whether you're trying to help a family member or friend qualify for a car, student loan, or even a mortgage. But before you put your name on the dotted line, it's important to understand what co-signing really means for your credit, financial future, and relationships.

In this episode of State 48 Homeowner, we break down how co-signing works, the legal and financial responsibilities involved, and why it may have more consequences than benefits — even when everything goes right.

We're also joined by Steve Farrington, our lending and mortgage expert, who explains how co-signing affects mortgage approval, why lenders use the lowest credit score between borrowers, and what to consider before agreeing to co-sign.

Finally, we discuss practical alternatives that allow you to support someone financially without risking your credit or long-term goals.

Whether you've been asked to co-sign or you're thinking about asking someone else to, this episode offers clear, balanced guidance to help you make an informed decision.

00:00 – Introduction 01:00 - What is Co-signing? 02:02 - The Problem with Co-Signing 02:50 - Co-Signing for a Mortgage 03:50 - The Emotional Trap 04:42 - Real World Fallout 05:42 - Smarter Ways to Help 05:52 - Coach, Don't Co-Sign 06:08 - Help Them Build Credit 06:22 - Gift What You Can 06:45 - Connect with a Lender Early 07:01 - The Run-Down 07:49 - Next Steps