Duplex for my 18 yo son

[John Kaftan]

We live in Syracuse and my Junior in HS is looking to go the local college Syracuse University.  Naturally the last thing he wants to do is live with mom and dad.  Could he by a duplex for 3.5% down and house hack?  Would the bank give him a loan if I co-sign and give him the down payment?  Is there anything I can do now to make him more attractive to the banks?

I am thinking the banks will want to see that he earned and saved up the money.  Otherwise I am really just using him to buy a house for less money down.

Thanks,

John

[Bryan O.]

@John Kaftan it looks like you may need to look at an FHA loan where you are a non-occupying coborrower. That can allow the low down payment without forcing you to live there. There is an exception for blood relatives. Check with your mortgage lenders to be sure. @Upen Patel is a genius with this kind of thing and can tell you exactly what it is called and possibly even lend when the time comes.