Seller financing on a junker.

Seller financing on a junker.

Real Estate Investor · San Juan, Puerto Rico · Member since 2008 · 50 posts · 1 vote

There’s an old house in disrepair in a transitional neighborhood near where I live.

House is 4br/2.5 bth 2500 sf, built 1920 and Victorian in style. Its listed with an agent but it’s a private seller. It’s on the market for $30k and needs $30-40k in repairs to bring it back.

I want to offer full price with $3k down, seller financing and a 2yr balloon. My thought is this thing will be on the market for ever before someone buys it.

I want to repair it and then live in it. In a few years or so when the neighborhood development improves (and receives historic designation) it should be worth $150k or so.

How would the agent get paid if this were to actually be accepted? Is this a long-shot based on your experience?

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Note Investor · Pasadena, CA · Member since 2009 · 849 posts · 544 votes
16y

You need to get more information from the seller before you make an offer. The biggest mistake everyone makes in negotiations is to assume that money is the biggest factor driving the seller's sale.

For example, suppose the seller doesn't need a lump sum upfront and just wants to to be out from under it, you could offer $1 down and buy it on a total seller carry back. That leaves an extra $3000 in your pocket to do other things.

As for the agent, you could always ask the agent to take his/her commission in the form of a note. Something like 5-8% on the note over 3-5 years. Once again, less money out of your pocket.

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  • Note Investor · Pasadena, CA · Member since 2009 · 849 posts · 544 votes
    16y

    You need to get more information from the seller before you make an offer. The biggest mistake everyone makes in negotiations is to assume that money is the biggest factor driving the seller's sale.

    For example, suppose the seller doesn't need a lump sum upfront and just wants to to be out from under it, you could offer $1 down and buy it on a total seller carry back. That leaves an extra $3000 in your pocket to do other things.

    As for the agent, you could always ask the agent to take his/her commission in the form of a note. Something like 5-8% on the note over 3-5 years. Once again, less money out of your pocket.

  • Will BarnardPro Member
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    Developer · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2008 · 15k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    16y
    This is a great suggestion. Many agents will not accept it, but some will. I have done it twice and it does help.
  • Property Manager · Dublin, OH · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 291 votes
    16y
    Originally posted by SolidReturns:
    As for the agent, you could always ask the agent to take his/her commission in the form of a note. Something like 5-8% on the note over 3-5 years. Once again, less money out of your pocket.

    Wow, this is possible? You live and learn :D .

    -Uwe

  • Real Estate Investor · Vicksburg, MI · Member since 2009 · 129 posts · 36 votes
    16y

    Uwe, Yes its possible but very rare. I've never seen it. There used to be Note Buyers who would buy the Agents note also but I beleive they are a thing of the past. Then again it may be different in other areas. Herbster

  • Note Investor · Pasadena, CA · Member since 2009 · 849 posts · 544 votes
    16y

    Herbster,

    The secondary note market is very tough right now, as there is a lot more cash than there are good notes. Therefore, note buyers (the ones with the cash) can be picky right now, as they should be.

    But, the agents I have dealt with are ones who understand the concept of cash flow and are not looking to immediately sell their commission notes for quick cash.

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