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5 Tips to Make a Private Mortgage Work

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5 Tips to Make a Private Mortgage Work

Considering a private arrangement to secure a home mortgage for yourself or a loved one? Following a few simple rules will help your financial arrangement go smoothly for both parties – the borrower and the lender. Here are five tips to make a private mortgage work.

A financial advisor can offer valuable insight and guidance on mortgages.

What Is a Private Mortgage?

You’re probably more familiar with the term private mortgage insurance than the concept of a private mortgage. It’s not a well-known way to finance a home purchase, but it does happen.

A private mortgage is a mortgage that’s not issued by a bank such as Wells Fargo or U.S. Bank or a mortgage lender such as Quicken Loans. Instead, it’s money lent to you to buy a home by friends, family, acquaintances, businesses or other private sources. Private means that the mortgage is not from a licensed mortgage broker or issuer.

Tip 1: Put Everything in Writing

It’s in your best interest to formalize your mortgage loan, even if it’s an intra-family affair. You’ll want to document your mortgage agreement in the form of a promissory note (a legal document that specifies who owes who, and how much), and register the mortgage loan and deed with the IRS and local authorities. You might need the help of a lawyer and chartered public accountant (CPA) to get everything documented correctly.

You want to make sure you have a mortgage deed that secures the loan. This will entitle the lender to take ownership of the property if the borrower defaults or passes away. Without this, the property could revert to the borrower’s other creditors, leaving the lender high and dry.

Tip 2: Set an Interest Rate

5 Tips to Make a Private Mortgage Work

You may think a private or family mortgage should be interest-free, but it’s actually better for all parties if some interest is charged. The lender will be more likely to beat inflation, and the borrower can reap tax benefits.

In order for the borrower to qualify for the home mortgage interest deduction (a big factor in the rent vs. buy decision), the lender must charge an interest rate equal to or greater than the IRS Applicable Federal Rate. This (low) rate varies according to whether the loan is short-, medium- or long-term. If you’re the lender of a private mortgage, remember to report the interest on the loan as income when tax time rolls around.

Tip 3: Discuss Contingencies

Before committing to a private mortgage, borrower and lender should discuss various contingencies that could complicate the lending agreement. What will happen if the borrower runs into financial trouble and misses a payment? How will you restructure the loan to avoid a default? Planning for contingencies is where the services of an attorney and tax preparer can come in handy. Private companies like National Family Mortgage, LLC also offer services to help the parties in a private mortgage get the most out of their loan agreement.

Tip 4: Keep it Civil

Remember that you had a personal relationship with your lender or borrower before you had a financial relationship. If things get tense, enlist the help of a mediator before your mortgage becomes a sticking point. If you don’t think your relationship could take the strain of financial entanglement on such a large scale, skip the family mortgage and consider a financial gift arrangement instead. You don’t want to be that family arguing over money during Thanksgiving dinner.

Tip 5: Get Credit

5 Tips to Make a Private Mortgage Work

If you forgo a conventional mortgage in favor of a private mortgage, you may have a hard time getting credit reporting bureaus to count your mortgage payments as part of your credit score. Your best bet is to send copies of your family mortgage agreement and regular mortgage payments to each of the bureaus, with a letter requesting that they include your payment history on your credit report. They may choose to do so at their discretion (and for a fee).

Bottom Line

Arranging a mortgage loan with a trusted friend or family member can be a great way to finance a home purchase without any money going to a middleman. Before signing up for such a hefty financial commitment, though, it’s important to make sure it’s in your best interests – financially and emotionally.

Advice for Home Buying

  • You may find that a private mortgage isn’t in your best interest. If things fall through, you can always go the traditional route. Interest rates are still lower than previous decades, and many banks offer a variety of term lengths.
  • You can also find out how other mortgage lenders operate by reading reviews. It helps to have alternative options if things fall through with a private mortgage.
  • Before making a big purchase like a house, consider talking to a financial advisor about how it will impact your financial plan and budget. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to  be hard. SmartAsset’s free matching tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/Senub_M, ©iStock.com/Xesai, ©iStock.com/Cineberg

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