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How to Be Knowledgeable About Co-signing

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By Sush56
User-Submitted Article
(8 Ratings)
Co-signing
Co-signing

You may be asked by a friend or a family member to co-sign a loan. Co-signing a loan with someone, is a decision that should be taken seriously. Before you co-sign a loan, be sure that you are knowledgeable about the consequences that may occur. Here are some important steps to follow when co-signing.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • A co-signer
  • A loan
  • A contract
  1. Step 1

    Before considering co-signing a loan, get details about the loan, such as the terms and conditions of the loan, the length of it, the amount and the type of loan.

  2. Step 2

    Choose a person who you trust, to co-sign with. Remember that when you co-sign with someone, you are responsible for paying off the loan if any unfortunate circumstances should happen to the co-signer. If there are missed payments or late payments, it will also affect your credit score.

  3. Step 3

    Consider the loan amount that you are con-signing for. When you co-sign a loan, you are responsible for paying off that debt if, the co-signer defaults on the payments. Be sure that the loan amount can be paid in full, incase something like this should happen.

  4. Step 4

    Before co-signing a loan, make sure that you keep in contact with the borrower. You should be informed of the whearabouts of that person, if he is planning to move.

  5. Step 5

    When co-signing with someone, you are legally responsible for the loan. Think seriously before co-signing on a loan. This is something that you should consider carefully before entering into it.

Tips & Warnings
  • Hire a lawyer to draw up a contract.
  • Always obtain copies of the loan.
  • Check your credit report regularly with the three credit bureaus.
  • Always read the Terms and Agreement, carefully before signing it.

Comments  

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on 9/17/2008 Great article. My stepmother recently cosigned a loan and got burned.

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on 9/17/2008 Important topic, great read thank you for sharing.

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on 9/17/2008 Excellent advice on co-signing. Thanks!

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on 9/17/2008 Great reminder. I refuse to cosign for anyone.

oneloved said

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on 9/17/2008 Great info! Co-signing usually means that if the lender can't trust your friend enough to pay it back, neither can you!

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