A guarantor loan involves a guarantor to support and endorse the loan for the borrower. The guarantor steps in as a collateral provider and partner. This helps the borrower who doesn’t have enough to cover the loan initially. In practice, the guarantor acts as a safety net just in case the loan is not paid.
There are benefits and also risks when participating as a guarantor. Know some of these details and what they can also do for borrowers. The details on this short discussion can also help you with initial concerns and long-term commitments.
Getting a Guarantor Loan
A guarantor loan can be done when a borrower needs a loan with incomplete funds. The borrower may have certain circumstances and are not eligible for any loans. It’s usually bad credit and low income that is preventing them.
There’s also a good possibility of not completing the loan. In case the debt is not completed, the guarantor takes over the remaining total amount, including any fees and rates.
This is a guarantee but not the actual result of the loan. Their involvement in the loan guarantees it will be paid. The loan gets going only upon approval. Both the guarantor and the borrower should have an understanding of their involvement in the loan.
Where are Guarantor Loans accepted?
Many banks and finance companies accept guarantor loans. Borrowers with bad credit, incomplete funds, and are low-income can get a guarantor to get a loan approved. Loan companies and banks will consider your situation and agree to the loan when a guarantor with good standing agrees to safeguard the repayment of the loan.
Before agreeing and finalising this kind of loan, a pre-agreement has to be taken between both parties. They should have discussed the terms already before signing into the loan agreement.
Benefits of a Guarantor Loan
Some benefits to borrowers who will be using guarantor loans:
- You receive the property earlier
- Afford the loan with incomplete or no funds
- Borrow a bigger amount
- Save your property from being used as security or collateral
- Avoid related fees
Any benefits from these loans lean more towards the borrower. Most guarantor loans are for bigger purposes such as housing and business. They need the extra security of a confirmed guarantor.
Types of Guarantor Loans
Guarantor Home Loans are the most common guarantor loans in Australia. Many Australians can benefit from it as it avoids the Lender’s Mortgage Insurance in many instances. This is a payment for people getting home loans and can’t afford the minimum 20% deposit.
The Commonwealth Bank accepts guarantor loans mainly on their home loans; It is called Guarantor Support. Guarantors are usually family members and close friends who agree to the loan. They complete the deal when other loans are not available, or the borrowers can’t meet requirements. Many banks have guarantor loans mainly for buying homes or real estate.
There are also general loans from companies and banks that accept guarantor set-ups. Most of the borrowers may not be eligible for loans in general or are short. Guarantors help them get loans approved fast especially for smaller amounts.
Requirements for guarantors
Being a guarantor needs a few more requirements other than having the guaranteed money and the discussed agreement. In case there are issues with the borrower they are expected to take over the loan. Whether they are repaid later by the borrower is up to their signed agreement.
Before committing to these types of loans, guarantors have to be ready:
- They have agreed to the loan’s terms and conditions
- Can provide financial information
- Are financially secure
- May pay an initial deposit depending on the loan terms
- Can cover the minimum amount of the loan in case of a shortfall
- If their property is included in the guarantee in the equity, it can be sold to pay off the debt
Borrowers have to work with their guarantors to meet the requirements. It speeds up the process and takes the extra effort from them for a smooth transition. Borrowers have to also safeguard them from the risks from the trust given to them.
Risks Involved
Being a guarantor helps relatives, family members, and friends with financial shortfalls. This becomes a boost to the remaining total that needs to be covered on a loan. The risk is higher on the guarantor’s side because their money is already at stake. So a guarantee for the borrower to pay back or avoid this is riding on an unsure chance, at times.
It is difficult to guarantee that repayments will be completed 100%. Changes in circumstance, employment, sudden expenses, and other factors can affect the loan. Be sure to discuss these with the borrower before signing on to the loan. Make sure there are plans for different outcomes.
Some alternate contingency plans that can be done with your loan borrower may include offering property for collateral direct to you as a guarantor. They can also direct their future payments and income to your account for sure repayments. There are also other ways they can guarantee their repayments to take care of your risks.
Consent: Guarantor Loans must be legally agreed upon
To avoid legal action on borrowers, agreements have to be final and legal. It has to be with full consent and not made in illegal terms, such as forced agreements or to solve issues between the parties, where the guarantor is not given a choice. The terms have to be clear and transparent and have no undisclosed terms or fees, or later adjustments after the guarantor has agreed to commit to the plan.
Are there alternatives to guarantor loans?
You may be able to still get a loan without a guarantor to help out. But the lending or loan conditions will change. Some of these will involve higher interest rates, fees, collateral, and other security.
For those with bad credit, low income, or unemployed may still get unsecured loans with certain loaner companies but there are more risks involved; These may lead to a new debt trap. Only secure loans like these if they are repaid as fast as possible and the incoming minimum funds are sure.
