5 Things You Need to Know Before You Co-Sign a Mortgage!

Diane Buchanan • August 16, 2018

So you’re thinking about co-signing for a mortgage? Okay, do you really know what that means do you know what you are getting yourself into? Co-signing isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but there is certainly a lot of misinformation floating around on the subject. Although its nice to be in a position to help someone close to you qualify for a mortgage, It’s not a decision that should be made lightly. Co-signing on a mortgage could have a significant impact on your future.

Here are some things you should consider before co-signing a mortgage application. 

1. Regardless if you’re the principal borrower, co-borrower, or co-signor, If you’re on the mortgage, you’re 100% responsible for the debt of the mortgage and everything that goes along with that. Although the term co-signor makes it sound like you are somehow removed from the actual mortgage, you have all the same legal obligations as everyone else on the mortgage. 

2. If the person who you’re co-signing for is unable to make the payments for any reason, you will be expected to make them on their behalf. By signing the mortgage documents, you assume full responsibility for the payments (even if it’s not you making them). 

3. If payments aren’t being made, there is a chance the lender will take legal action against you. This includes all available collection methods such as obtaining a judgement in court or garnisheeing your wage or bank accounts. Worse case scenario, they could actually go after your property or assets in order to cover their loses. Now, this is highly unlikely, but not out of the realm of possibility. 

4. Once the initial term has been completed, you will not automatically be removed from the mortgage. The person who you co-signed for will have to make a new application for the mortgage in their own name and qualify on their own merit. If they don’t qualify at this time, you will be kept on the mortgage for the next term. 

5. When you co-sign for a mortgage, all of the debt of the co-signed mortgage is counted against you. This means that if you’re looking to buy another property in the future, you will have to include the payments of the co-signed mortgage in your debt service ratios, even though you aren’t the one making the payments. This could significantly impact the amount you can borrow in the future. 

If you have any questions about co-signing on a mortgage, or about the mortgage application process in general, I’d love to discuss it with you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime!

DIANE BUCHANAN
 Mortgage Broker

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Get Unbiased Advice: Work with an Independent Mortgage Pro

By Diane Buchanan • April 1, 2026
Why Work With an Independent Mortgage Professional? If you’re in the market for a mortgage, here’s the most important thing to know: Working with an independent mortgage professional can save you money and provide better options than dealing directly with a single bank. If that’s all you read—great! But if you’d like to understand why that statement is true, keep reading. The Best Mortgage Isn’t Just About the Lowest Rate It’s easy to fall for slick marketing that promotes ultra-low mortgage rates. But the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the lowest cost . The best mortgage is the one that costs you the least amount of money over time —not just the one with the flashiest headline rate. Things like: Prepayment penalties Portability Flexibility to refinance Amortization structure Fixed vs. variable terms …can all affect the true cost of your mortgage. An independent mortgage professional looks beyond the rate. They’ll help you find a product that fits your unique financial situation , long-term goals, and lifestyle—so you’re not hit with expensive surprises down the road. Save Time (and Your Sanity) Applying for a mortgage can be complicated. Every lender has different rules, documents, and policies—and trying to navigate them all on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. When you work with an independent mortgage professional: You fill out one application They shop that application across multiple lenders You get expert advice tailored to your needs This means less paperwork , less stress , and more confidence in your options. Get Unbiased Advice That Puts You First Bank specialists work for the bank. Their job is to sell you that bank’s mortgage products—whether or not it’s the best deal for you. Independent mortgage professionals work for you. They’re provincially licensed, and their job is to help you: Compare multiple lenders Understand the fine print Make informed, long-term financial decisions And the best part? Their services are typically free to you . Mortgage professionals are paid a standardized fee by the lender when a mortgage is placed—so you get expert guidance without any out-of-pocket cost. Access More Mortgage Options When you go to your bank, you’re limited to that bank’s mortgage products. When you go to an independent mortgage professional, you get access to: Major banks Credit unions Monoline lenders (who only offer mortgages) Alternative and private lenders (if needed) That’s far more choice , and a much better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs and goals. The Bottom Line If you want to: Save money over the life of your mortgage Save time by avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth Access more lenders and products Get honest, client-first advice …then working with an independent mortgage professional is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Let’s Make a Plan That Works for You If you're ready to talk about mortgage financing—or just want to explore your options—I'm here to help. Let's connect and put together a strategy that makes sense for your goals and your future. Reach out anytime. I’d be happy to help.

What Is a Cashback Mortgage and How Does It Work?

By Diane Buchanan • March 25, 2026
Cashback Mortgages: Are They Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know If you’ve been exploring mortgage options and come across the term cashback mortgage , you might be wondering what exactly it means—and whether it’s a smart move. Let’s break it down in simple terms. What Is a Cashback Mortgage? A cashback mortgage is just like a regular mortgage—but with one extra feature: you receive a lump sum of cash when the mortgage closes . This cash is typically: A fixed amount , or A percentage of the total mortgage , usually between 1% and 7% , depending on your mortgage term and lender. The money is tax-free and paid directly to you on closing day. What Can You Use the Cashback For? There are no restrictions on how you use the funds. Here are some common uses: Covering closing costs Buying new furniture Renovations or home upgrades Paying off high-interest debt Boosting your cashflow during a tight transition Whether it’s to help you settle in or catch up financially, cashback can offer a helpful buffer— but it comes at a cost . The True Cost of a Cashback Mortgage Here’s the part many people overlook: cashback mortgages come with higher interest rates than standard mortgages. Why? Because the lender is essentially advancing you a small loan upfront—and they’re going to make that money back (and then some) through your mortgage payments. So while the upfront cash feels like a bonus, you’ll pay more in interest over time to have that convenience. Breaking Down the Numbers It’s hard to give a blanket answer about how much more you’ll pay since it depends on: Your interest rate The cashback amount The mortgage term Your payment schedule This is why it’s important to run the numbers with a mortgage professional who can help you compare this option with others based on your personal financial situation. Are You Eligible for a Cashback Mortgage? Not everyone qualifies. Cashback mortgages generally come with stricter requirements . Lenders often want to see: Excellent credit history Strong, stable income Low debt-to-income ratio If your mortgage file includes anything “outside the box”—like being self-employed or recently changing jobs—qualifying for a cashback mortgage might be tough. What If You Need to Break the Mortgage? This is one of the biggest risks with cashback mortgages. If your circumstances change and you need to break your mortgage early, you could be on the hook for: Paying back some or all of the cashback you received, and A prepayment penalty (typically the interest rate differential or 3 months’ interest—whichever is higher) That can be a very expensive combination. So if there’s even a chance you might need to sell, refinance, or move before your term is up, a cashback mortgage might not be the best fit. Should You Consider a Cashback Mortgage? Maybe—but only with eyes wide open. Cashback mortgages can be helpful in the right scenario, but they’re not free money. They’re a lending tool that benefits the lender , and the key is knowing exactly what you’re agreeing to. Final Thoughts: Talk to an Expert First Choosing the right mortgage isn’t just about the lowest rate or the biggest perk—it’s about making a choice that fits your whole financial picture. If you’re considering a cashback mortgage, or just want to explore all your options, let’s talk. As an independent mortgage professional , I can help you weigh the pros and cons of various products, so you can make a confident, informed decision. Have questions? I’d be happy to help—reach out anytime.