Down payment help from a parent vs. co-sign mortgage?

[Will Reynolds]

If a generous parent wanted to help out with a first property, can/should they co-sign the mortgage? Or if it is down payment help, is there a particular way banks like to encounter that? Does it need to be seasoned, etc. Thanks!

[Saravanan Saravanan]

@Will Reynolds

As a personal suggestion; it is better not to involve parents for co-sign.  If things go bad; elder folks would be bigger trouble.  Due to younger age; may be consider build additional income or wait for couple more years.