Private Mortgage - How to use

A private mortgage is a loan made by an individual or a business that is not a traditional mortgage lender. Whether you’re thinking of borrowing for a home or of lending money, private loans can be beneficial for everybody if they’re done correctly. However, things can also go badly — for your relationship and your finances. As you evaluate the decision to use (or offer) a private mortgage, keep the big picture in mind.

Typically, the goal is to create a win-win solution where everybody gains financially without taking too much risk.

  • Private mortgage or hard money?

    Private mortgage or hard money?


    You will either use (or offer) a private mortgage with somebody you know. Or, if you're looking to borrow from private lenders (that you don't know personally), you would be getting a hard money loan from a hard money lender. Hard money lenders are useful for investors and others who have a tough time getting approved by traditional lenders. They are often more expensive than other mortgages and require low loan-to-value ratios (LTV’s).

Why Go Private?

The world is full of lenders, including big banks, local credit unions and online lenders.  So why not just fill out an application and borrow from one of them?

  • Qualifying

    Qualifying


    For starters, borrowers might not be able to qualify for a loan from a traditional lender.  Banks require a lot of documentation, and sometimes your finances won't look the way the bank wants. Even if you're more than able to repay the loan, mainstream lenders are required to verify that you have the ability to repay, and they have specific criteria to complete that verification.


    For example: Self-employed individuals don't always have the W2 forms and steady work history that lenders like, and young adults may not have good credit scores (yet).

  • Keep it in the family

    Keep it in the family


    A loan among family members can make good financial sense.


    • Borrowers can save money by paying a relatively low interest rate to family members (instead of paying bank interest rates). Just be sure to follow IRS rules if you plan to keep rates low.
    • Lenders with extra cash on hand can earn more by lending it than they would get from bank deposits like CDs and savings accounts.

Understand the Risks

Life is full of surprises, and any loan can go bad.  Of course, everybody has good intentions, and these deals often seem like a great idea when they first come to mind.  But pause long enough to consider the following issues before you get too deep into something that will be difficult to unwind.

  • Relationships

    Relationships


    Existing relationships between the borrower and seller may change. Especially if things get difficult for the borrower, borrowers may feel extra stress and guilt.  Lenders also face complications — they may need to decide whether to sternly enforce agreements or take a loss.

  • Lender risk tolerance

    Lender risk tolerance


    The idea may be to make a loan (with the expectation of getting repaid), but surprises happen. Evaluate the lender’s ability to take risk (becoming unable to retire, risk of bankruptcy, etc.) before moving forward.  This is especially important if others are dependent on the lender (dependent children or spouses, for example).

  • Property value

    Property value


    Real estate is expensive. Fluctuations in value can amount to tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars.  Lenders need to be comfortable with the property condition and location — especially with all those eggs in one basket.

  • Maintenance

    Maintenance


    It takes time, money, and attention to maintain property.  Even with a good inspector, issues come up.  Lenders need to be sure that the resident or owner will address problems before they get out of hand and be able to pay for maintenance.

  • Title issues and order of payments

    Title issues and order of payments


    The lender should insist on securing the loan with a lien (see below).  In case the borrower adds any additional mortgages (or somebody puts a lien on the house), you’ll want to be sure that the lender gets paid first.  However, you’ll also want to check for any issues before buying the property.  Traditional mortgage lenders insist on a title search, and the borrower or lender should ensure that the property has a clear title.  Title insurance provides extra protection and would be a wise purchase.

  • Tax complications

    Tax complications


    Tax laws are tricky and moving large sums of money around can create problems. Before you do anything, speak with a local tax advisor so that you’re not caught by surprise.

  • Private Mortgage Agreements

    Private Mortgage Agreements


    Any loan should be well-documented.  A good loan agreement puts everything in writing so that everybody’s expectations are clear and there are fewer possible surprises.  After several years, you (or the other person) may forget what you discussed and what you had in mind, but a written document has a much better memory.


    Documentation does more than just keep your relationship intact — it protects both parties to a private mortgage.  Again, you don't know what you don't know about the future, and it's best to avoid any legal loose ends from the get-go.  What’s more, a written agreement might make the deal work better from a tax perspective.


    As you review your agreement, make sure every conceivable detail is spelled out, starting with:


    • When are payments due?  Monthly, quarterly, on the first of the month, etc.
    • What if payments aren’t received?  Can the lender charge a fee, and is there a grace period?
    • How/where should payments be made?  Electronic payments are best.
    • Can the borrower prepay, and is there any penalty for doing so?
    • Is the loan secured with any collateral? It better be.
    • What can the lender do if the borrower misses payments?  Can the lender charge fees, report to credit reporting agencies, or foreclose on the home?

  • Secure the Loan

    Secure the Loan


    It’s wise to secure the lender’s interest — even if the lender and borrower are close friends or family members. A secured loan allows the lender to take the property (through foreclosure) and get their money back in a worst-case-scenario.


    Is that necessary?  Again, you don't know what you don't know about the future.


    A borrower (who has the ability and every intention to repay) may die or get sued unexpectedly. If the property is held in the borrower’s name only — without a properly filed lien — creditors can go after their home or pressure the borrower to use the home’s value to satisfy a debt.  A secured mortgage helps protect the lender’s interest, assuming everything is structured correctly.  In fact, the term “mortgage” technically means “security” – not "loan”.


    Securing the loan with property may also help with taxes.  For example, the borrower might be able to deduct interest costs on the loan, but only if the loan is properly secured.  Talk with a local tax preparer or CPA for more details and ideas.

  • How to Do a Private Mortgage Correctly

    How to Do a Private Mortgage Correctly


    If you’re considering a private mortgage, think like a “traditional” lender (although you can still offer better rates and a more consumer-friendly product).  Imagine what could go wrong, and structure the deal so that you are not dependent on good luck, good memories, or good intentions.


    For documentation (loan agreements and filing liens, for example), work with qualified experts. Talk to local attorneys, your tax preparer, and others who can help guide you through the process.  If you're working with large sums of money, this isn't a DIY project.  Several online services can handle everything for you, and local service providers can also do the job. 


    Ask exactly which services are provided, including: 


    • Will you get written mortgage agreements?
    • Can payments be handled by somebody else (and automated)?
    • Will documents be filed with local governments (to secure the loan, for example)?
    • Will payments be reported to credit bureaus (which helps borrowers build credit)?

Source: the balance