90% of Co-Buying Home Deals Fail. Here’s Why


Author: Ella Gurfinkel January 13, 2026 Duration: 7:30
Podcast episode
90% of Co-Buying Home Deals Fail. Here’s Why

Thinking about buying a house with friends or family? Pause — this could destroy both your relationships and your finances.
In today’s market, co-buying is trending fast. But after 30 years in mortgages, I can tell you the hard truth: 90% of joint purchases end badly — financially, emotionally, or both.

I’m Ella Gurfinkel, Senior Loan Officer with 30 years of experience and over 2,000 families served. In this episode, I break down exactly why co-buying usually fails, when it can work, and what smarter alternatives look like if you can’t afford a home on your own (yet).

💡 You’ll learn:

  • 🚩 Why most co-buying arrangements turn into disasters
  • 🤝 The difference between co-borrowers and co-signers (and which is riskier)
  • 💳 How co-signing can quietly ruin your credit and future buying power
  • 🧠 The red flags that scream “don’t do this”
  • 🏠 When co-buying can work — and the strict rules it requires
  • 🔄 Better alternatives if you’re not ready to buy solo

Whether you’re thinking about buying a duplex with friends, asking parents to co-sign, or pooling money for a down payment — listen before you sign anything.

👉 Ready to talk through your options the smart way?
 📅 Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/teamella/a-conversation-with-ella-gurfinkel


More episodes

Duration: 6:02
In this eye-opening episode, mortgage veteran Ella Gurfinkel reveals the critical refinancing details that most lenders never explain. With over 30 years of experience and more than 2,000 families served, Ella breaks dow…

Duration: 56:27
Thinking of Renting Out Your Home? Watch This First.In this episode of Ask Ella Show, I sit down with Noel Denton, the most badass property manager I’ve ever worked with, to unpack everything you need to know before rent…

Duration: 30:26
In this eye-opening conversation, Ella Gurfinkel sits down with Chris Medelin from Loan Depot to pull back the curtain on the mortgage industry. This candid discussion reveals what really happens behind the scenes when y…

Logo
Select station
VOL