looking to purchase a first home. Is there a way to have a cosigner that gets removed from the loan afterwards? I don't want their credit to be affected adversely.

The whole point of a co-signer is that they qualify with you for the loan, they are on the hook as much as you are maybe more. Any change to the warranty deed is a direct violation of the documents you sign at closing...

Yes and no.. If you have insufficient credit or income to qualify on your own, then you will need a co-signer.. but to remove them afterwards, you will need to refinance.. and to do that, you will most likely need to wait a year or so until you can qualify on your own.. But you cannot just remove them the day after you close.. I'm a Broker here in Scottsdale AZ and I only lend in Arizona. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. William J. Acres, Lender411's number ONE lender in Arizona. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com NMLS# 226347