Mortgage Notes: Selling Real Estate To Private Investors

Mortgage notes are legally binding contracts securedwith information about the property and area where it
by real estate. The document records the promise tois located. Drive-by BPOs are commonly used in real
pay funds borrowed to buy houses, buildings or vacantestate transactions that do not require physical
land. Also known as promissory notes, mortgage loaninspection of the property.
contracts record the amount of funds borrowed,The type of real estate appraisal and who is
interest rate, and person responsible for payment.responsible for the cost should be discussed prior to
Mortgage notes can be sold to private real estateentering into a contract with a mortgage note buying
investors for a lump sum of cash. Numerous reasonscompany or private real estate investor.
exist for selling bank notes. The most common includeThe final step of selling mortgage notes involves
obtaining cash to pay off credit cards and other typesclosing the sale. Sellers are required to sign an
of outstanding debts such as medical expenses orAssignment of Mortgage, which transfers all or part of
student loans. Private investors who buy real estatefuture payments to the mortgage note buyer.
notes pay cash to note holders in exchange forMortgage assignment documents must be recorded
receiving monetary installments originally paid to thethrough the court system and all closing conditions met
owner.before funds are distributed.
When selling cash flow notes to investors, note holdersReal estate closing can take place in person or via
must provide specific information about the note.mail. When closing takes place in person, mortgage
Investors want to know the face value, interest rate,note holders receive closing documents prior to the
number of payments received, status of the notemeeting. Note holders are required to provide original
(current or delinquent), balance due, and sale price.security documents including deed of trust, mortgage
After reviewing mortgage notes for sale, investorsnote, and contract for deed. Upon approval, investors
present their initial offer. If the offer is accepted, sellersissue a check or wire transfer funds directly to the
might be required to provide financial documentsnote holder's bank account.
including current and previous years' tax returns,Selling mortgage notes to private real estate investors
income statement, title insurance and amortizationcan take a few weeks or a few months to complete.
schedule.Much depends on circumstances and amount of the
Mortgage buyers generally require a real estatetransaction.
appraisal. Some private investors cover the cost ofWhen selling real estate notes to mortgage buyers it is
property appraisals, but this expense is usually paid byimperative to engage in due diligences to ensure you
the mortgage note holder.are working with a trustworthy professional. Obtain
Occasionally, real estate investors are satisfied with areferences and contact individuals who have worked
drive-by broker price opinion. BPOs provide investorswith the mortgage note buyer.