Seller-financing is becoming an increasingly popular option for real estate transactions. Instead of borrowing from a bank or credit union, a buyer borrows directly from the seller. However, over time, circumstances change, and a borrower may want or need to refinance this seller-financed loan with a traditional lender. In this post, we will explore the process of refinancing a seller-financed loan.
Understanding Seller-Financing and Balloon Payments
Before diving into refinancing, it’s essential to understand the basics of seller-financing. In a seller-financed deal, the seller acts as the lender. A promissory note is created outlining the terms of the loan, and a mortgage is recorded securing the seller’s interest. The buyer proceeds to make payments over time, in addition to any initial down payment, until the loan is paid off. Sometimes, this may be over 30 or more years.
Many times, however, the seller does not want to wait that long to get all of their money. They may require a balloon payment in e.g. 10 years for the balance due. To make the balloon payment, a buyer might seek to refinance the loan. However, there may be other reasons for refinancing:
Other Reasons to Refinance a Seller-Financed Loan
- Better Interest Rates: Traditional lenders might offer more favorable rates than the initial seller-financed loan.
- Monthly Payment Reduction: By extending the loan term or securing a lower interest rate, monthly payments might decrease.
- Different Loan Terms: Traditional lenders might offer terms that are better suited to the borrower’s current financial situation.
- Build Credit: Regular payments to a traditional lender can positively impact your credit score.
- Cash Out: If the property’s value has increased, a refinance can allow the buyer to tap into this equity.
Steps to Refinance a Seller-Financed Loan
Before approaching a traditional lender, understand your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and overall financial health. Then, just like any other refinance, prepare documents like proof of income and tax returns. Shop around with different lenders to find the best refinance rates and terms, and submit your application. Expect the lender to require a current appraisal to determine the house’s present value. Then, the lender will go through their underwriting process, evaluating the risk of issuing the loan. This process may require additional documentation or verification. If approved, you’ll close on the new loan. The funds from the new loan will pay off the original seller-financed loan, transferring the debt from the seller to the new lender.
Considerations
- Equity: The more equity you have in the house, the better. Lenders might require a certain loan-to-value ratio to refinance.
- Credit Score: While your reasons for initially choosing seller-financing might have included credit challenges, it’s essential that by the time you’re considering a refinance, your credit is in good shape.
- Proof of On-time Payments: Showing that you’ve been making consistent, on-time payments on your seller-financed loan can help make your case to a traditional lender.
- Closing Costs: Refinancing isn’t free. Factor in application fees, appraisal fees, origination fees, and other associated costs.
- Loan Term: Remember, while extending the loan term might decrease monthly payments, it could also mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.
Conclusion
Refinancing a seller-financed loan can offer multiple benefits, especially when a balloon payment is due or if a better interest rate is available. But, it’s important to do research and evaluate the various considerations of a refinance before moving forward.