Are You Going to Co-Sign a Loan? Consider the Following Things!

At times, you get to show your generosity to the family members, close friends and anyone dear to you by co-signing a loan taken by them. Undoubtedly, there is always a soft corner for our loved ones saved in our heart. At the same time, while you may fulfil this helpful gesture, you should know that co-signing a loan is more than just your signature. Therefore, knowing the roles and responsibilities as a co-signer ultimately becomes an issue of paramount importance.

Keeping in mind the repercussions, here are three things that you should consider before co-signing -

• Do Not Jump into the Agreement, Know the Risks  
  What shall be more risky than being equally responsible for the loan taken by some other person? However, you are not meant to receive even a single penny of the loan demanded, whatsoever negative activity is connected to the loan, will affect you equally. For instance, suppose that the actual borrower fails to make the payments on time, this will be added as a negative point on your credit report too.
  
  
• Know Not Only the Risks, Read Out the Terms and Conditions
  No loan is granted without a set of certain terms and conditions. In addition, so will be the loan your closed one has applied, come with- a set of terms and conditions. Since your credit report is equally at stake, you should surely read out the set of those terms and conditions proposed. This shall include reading out the total amount of the loan, length of the loan, interest date as well as the due date. You determine if your family member or friend would easily be able to make the payments. Assume that he/she fails to do so and in that case, imagine yourself making payments. Make sure you’ll be able to, in such case.
  
  
• Stay Always Ready With an Exit Plan
  “Plan B” shall always be there. It’s not necessary that things go wrong, but, in case they do, you have to be steady and ready with your exit strategy. You can keep your credit report from taking a hit if you plan to have a leeway in the return payments. For instance, if the borrower is not able to make the payments, you can think of using the money kept aside for an inevitable misshapen. There are cases that the loan has not been out for some time. This implies that you might not be able to remove your name from the loan. Adding, be aware of the fact that only some loans do actually have the option that allow you to remove your name.

Make sure that you ask everything you’re not so sure about. Bad Credit Rating would certainly not be an option you may consider, anyhow. So, in most of these kinds of financial processes, just use the power of your knowledge smartly and wisely!