Special offer

An interest free seller financing solution, on an unfinished property

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., NHRE# 02863

Yes that is a mouth full, and there are probably many reading this thinking a zero interest loan is not legal, by statute (correct) you win the prize, in this creative solution test. But, I recently put a deal together for my seller motivated to part with an unfinished condominium project. Here are the issues we faced: can't get conventional financing as the unit was just studded on the inside (exterior completed), Could have gotten a construction loan but they are harder to come by and require a bigger equity position than the buyer could manage (and he would then be required to have all the additional money to complete out of pocket). The buyer had some money and could do the labor himself, so we set about to make a deal work. The solution was to have 10% down (leaving the buyer with funds for materials) and recording a balloon note (payable all in arrears) at 8%, which is due in 6 months with the interest waived if payment is made at the 6 month demand note pay-off date. This will allow the buyer to complete the project (with NO monthly payments) and seek permanent financing prior to the 6 months and in all likelihood will have plenty of equity to pay off the note and take some cash out, and have a loan to value which will not require PMI.

 Yes there was more to the deal we had to get permission from the association, a real estate attorney to write the mortgage and note, a letter from the fire chief, a town building permit,and builders liability insurance naming the seller as the loss payee (plus a few other items).

 But the seller is comfortable with the deal , has enough money to proceed with a legal remedy if necessary, will have improvements made to the unit (if he has to own it again), I got paid, the association will get a finished property, the town will re-assess the completed condo, and buyer gets a below market value property and has the skills to make it a show place and in this case everybody wins.

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                                                                                                                                                                              Your-White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert

                    steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898

                        MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com

                         My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com

                    Lincoln NH &  Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln

    Grafton County NH MLS search

Comments (9)

Sunny Yu
Durham, NC

win - win - win

 

that's what it's all about -

 

thanks for sharing, I always appreciate the creative mind

Mar 23, 2008 12:40 AM
Chip Jefferson
Gibbs Realty and Auction Company - Columbia, SC
sounds like a good deal to me
Mar 23, 2008 12:54 AM
Vincent McKamy
Samson Properties - Fredericksburg, VA
Realtor Fredericksburg Virginia
I have to agree with Sunny - any time you have a situation like this you have to make it a win - win.  That way everybody feels like they got something that they wanted.  Thanks for the posting.
Mar 23, 2008 12:55 AM
Kevin Robinson
Twin Falls, ID
Fractional Developer
Nice work on your end. Figure out a way around the problem and then do it. I like that.
Mar 23, 2008 01:03 AM
Brian Kreick
Willinger Real Estate - Wenatchee, WA
win/win for both sides.  Sounds like a good deal for the buyer and for the seller.
Mar 23, 2008 02:37 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Sunny

In times like these, if you can hold price, it is so important especially if there are other units in a project you are being asked to work-out. I guarantee you get the next listing when seller's trust you to keep them whole.

Mar 23, 2008 05:33 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH
Laura & Vincent, thanks for the kudos, The hardest thing in a deal like this is to get a half dozen parties with different agendas to go along with a creative solution. Too many times when a buyer wins the seller looses or visa-versa. This time the associations had to have a special meeting and vote, the town had to issue a permit, the building inspector & fire chief has to sign off, then the mortgage and note had to be oked by both sides. I held hands with separate groups that didn't want to talk to one or another of the parties to the transaction. The good news once approved the precedence is set for future trust.
Mar 23, 2008 05:41 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Kevin & Brian

I believe in the old saying / Future returns based on past performances. This seller has many other properties in the area and I want those listing when it's time. Although in this case it wasn't required I was prepared to structure my commission to be paid partly at closing, and on the payoff of the note. Or take the same risk as the seller.. but luckily it was not necessary, thanks for reading and your comments.Steve

Mar 23, 2008 05:47 AM
Anonymous
preece

Borden Mortgage

Thanks for sharing a view . I like it.

Sep 21, 2016 03:15 PM
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