FAQs

What happens when the borrower stops paying?

Work out Strategies:

  1. Restructure the note-terms, interest rate, payment amount, debt forgiveness and unpaid balances- This can provide the borrower with the breathing room needed to meet their financial obligations while still ensuring that the lender eventually receives full repayment.  There are a multitude of ways to create a win-win scenario for the lender and the borrower

  2. Last case scenario- Borrower turns over the keys to the house and the lender must foreclose on the house and re-gain possession of the real estate asset

It’s crucial for both parties to maintain open communication throughout the process and work collaboratively to find a solution that addresses the borrower’s financial challenges while minimizing the financial impact on the lender. Legal and financial advice should be sought to ensure that any agreements reached are fair, legal, and well-documented.

Risks Associated with Real Estate Promissory Notes

  1. Property Value Risks–

    The value of the underlying real estate collateral can fluctuate due to market conditions, economic factors, or property-specific issues. A decrease in property value may affect the note’s security, especially if the borrower defaults and the property is sold to recover the investment.

  2. Default Risk–

    The primary risk is that the borrower may default on the promissory note, failing to make the agreed-upon payments. This could result from financial hardship, economic downturns, or other unforeseen circumstances.

  3. Liquidity Risk–

    Promissory notes are often less liquid than other forms of investments. It may be challenging to sell or trade them on short notice, limiting the investor’s ability to quickly convert the investment into cash.

Investors in real estate promissory notes should carefully assess these risks, conduct thorough due diligence, and consider consulting with financial and legal professionals before making investment decisions. Diversification and a well-structured risk management strategy can also help mitigate potential downsides.

What do the different terms mean?

Mortgage-

A mortgage is a legal agreement between two parties— the borrower (mortgagor) and the lender (mortgagee)—to secure a loan for real estate purchase. This agreement places a lien on the property, allowing the lender to reclaim the property through a foreclosure process if the borrower defaults on the loan. Mortgages typically involve a judicial foreclosure process, meaning that if the borrower defaults, the lender must go through the court system to initiate foreclosure.

 

Trust Deed (Deed of Trust) —

A trust deed, or deed of trust, is a security instrument used in some states to secure a loan on real estate. Unlike a mortgage, a trust deed involves three parties:

  • Trustor (the borrower),
  • Trustee (usually a title or escrow company),
  • Beneficiary (the lender).

The trustee holds the legal title of the property in trust for the lender, acting as an impartial third party. If the borrower defaults, the trustee can initiate a non-judicial foreclosure process, which doesn’t require court involvement and is often faster than a judicial foreclosure.

 

Land Contract

A land contract is a seller-financed agreement where the seller and buyer (borrower) make an installment agreement, typically without involving a traditional lender. The buyer makes payments directly to the seller, who retains legal ownership of the property until the debt is fully paid. If the buyer defaults, the seller may reclaim the property based on specific terms within the contract, which can vary by state.

 

Aspect
Mortgage
Trust Deed
Land Contract
Definitiion
Loan secured by real estate, typically through a judical process
Loan secured with title held by a trustee
Seller-financed loan where the seller holds title until fully paid
Parties Involved
2 Parties:
Mortgagor (Borrower)
Mortgagee (Lender)
3 Parties:
Trustor(Borrower)
Trustee (Escrow Company)
Beneficiary (Lender)
2 Parties:
Buyer
Seller
Lien
Places a lien on the property
Places a lien on the property
Seller retains legal ownership until loan is fully paid
Recorded Debt
Debt recorded in county where the property is located
Debt recorded in county where the property is located
Agreement terms vary but recorded similarly in many cases
Foreclosure Type
Judicial (court-involved)
Non-Judicial (handled ourside court)
Varies by state; typically simpler repossession by seller
Security Instrument
Based on state foreclosure laws
Based on state foreclosure laws
Based on state contract and property laws

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