Accepting payments on the sale of real estate might have made sense at the time, but circumstances change.
Many sellers discover they would now prefer cash today rather than the small amount that trickles in each month.
Here are just a few reasons people have sold all or part of their seller financed mortgage notes for cash:
Keeping an accurate record of the payments received on a mortgage note is essential for knowing how much the buyer still owes. This also establishes a record of their payment habits – with an added benefit.
The value of a note can be improved by presenting note buyers a verifiable payment history!
There are two main ways to keep track of payments on seller-financed mortgage notes: 1) outside serviced, or 2) seller direct.
The first and easiest is to let a professional handle it. The payments are made to a third party servicing agent that keeps track of the balance and sends the money along to the seller. They will also send out the annual 1098 Mortgage Interest Statements and can hold original documents in safe keeping.
If a seller chooses the “Do-It-Yourself”’ method over a third party pro they will need to follow these steps:
1. Place original note and other original documents in a safe deposit box.
2. Make a copy of each check or money ordered received. Accepting cash is not recommended since it is hard to verify the payment history without a paper trail.
3. Deposit the payment and keep a copy of the bank record of deposit. It is best to deposit each payment separately rather than combining with other checks.
4. Create a ledger or spreadsheet reflecting the date and amount of payments received.
5. Calculate the amount applied to interest, principal, late fees (if any), and the resulting principal balance. An amortization schedule or financial calculator can be helpful. Once calculated, record in the ledger.
6. Send out an annual statement to the buyer or payer along with the IRS1098 Mortgage Interest Statement.
7. Verify the real estate taxes and property insurance are being kept current. Consider establishing a tax and insurance escrow where the buyer pays 1/12th of the annual amount into a reserve account each month.
8. Send collection letters as necessary for late payments, lapsed insurance, or delinquent real estate taxes.
When an investor agrees to purchase a note they will request a payment history. A verifiable payment history can improve the value of a note as it provides proof of timely payments. A payment history is considered verified when it is either provided by a third party or is backed up by the documents and records outlined above.
Unfortunately many sellers fail to keep track of the payments received. When they go to sell the note, contract, or trust deed they try to recreate the history from memory. Without any proof of payments received, a note buyer has to go on faith. Sometimes a payment history affidavit can substitute for a payment record but it still doesn’t add the value of verifiable proof.
Protect the value of your mortgage note! Set up a payment tracking method today.
Want freedom from collecting payments for the next 10, 20, or even 30 years?
Prefer a lump sum of cash today?
If you sold property with seller financing chances are you’ve wondered about selling the real estate note. Here’s how to sell a mortgage note, trust deed, or contract in 7 easy steps.
- Just complete a short informational worksheet to receive a free no obligation quote. This can be submitted online, by fax, or over the phone.
- To get started note buyers like to see copies of these three documents:
It is also a good time to be sure you know where the originals are located, especially the Promissory Note, as they will be requested at closing.
- Once an offer is accepted it will be outlined in a written agreement. In addition to stating the price, the agreement will specify conditions of closing and who pays costs.
- The mortgage note buyer will perform a detailed review of the transaction, known as due diligence. This includes a review of the buyer’s credit, current tax and insurance status, payer interview, and other important items. They may also request copies of additional documents including a payment history, insurance policy, and existing title report.
- The note investor will order an evaluation of the current property value. This usually takes the form of a Broker’s Price Opinion (BPO) or Drive-by Appraisal. The investor wants to be sure the property value is still equal to or greater than the sales price. If the value comes in low, the note investor may present a revised offer for consideration.
- The title search verifies ownership of the property and the mortgage note. It saves time and money to work with any title report that might exist from the original sale date. If the title search shows money is still owed on a prior mortgage it will usually be paid from proceeds.
- When all steps are complete the note buyer will send the final closing documents for signature. The title company is often used to handle the exchange of money for the original note and transfer documents. Funds are typically paid in the form of a wire transfer or cashier’s check. You are also encouraged to have your attorney review and advise with the closing process.
Selling your mortgage note can be a simple process when you work with an experienced note buyer. Just take a few minutes upfront to gather your information and documents and we will handle the rest for you!
