How to Structure, Appraise and Value a Real Estate Mortgage Note

Five Key Factors that Impact Risk, Value and Income

What is a real estate mortgage note?
Legally speaking, a mortgage note is two legal documents: 1) A promissory note, and 2) An encumbrance or lien recorded against real estate. But, based on every day conversational usage, most people, lawyers excepted, think of it a one document. To be technically correct in this discussion we will deal with the two separate documents-the promissory note and the mortgage or deed of trust.

To determine the best way to structure a real estate mortgage note we must first consider our goal or our purpose. Remember, we are discussing a “financial instrument” an “investment instrument”. The function of a financial investment is to generate income/cash-flow at the highest rate possible rate commensurate with the risks involved. We will assume the investing goal provides at least a market rate of income, recognizing the risks involved.

5 Key Factors Impacting the Fair Market Value of a Real Estate Mortgage Note

1. Borrower/Debtor
2. Interest Rate
3. Payments & Terms
4. Collateral Security
5. Document Language

Borrower/Debtor
Always deal with a borrower that has good credit. A person’s FICO (credit score) shows how reliable they are in paying off debts-keeping their promises. Avoid buyers who object to having their credit history pulled; there is a reason they want it kept confidential. Don’t take their word for their past paying history, do a credit check.

Interest Rate
The interest rate should be reasonable and fair to both parties; it should reflect the market rate for the mortgage loan with an appropriate adjustment for risk factors. Over charging can lead to hard feelings, inability to make the payments and possibly violating the usury laws of the state. Undercharging devalues the loan and renders it a poor investment.

Payments & Term
The periodic payment should be within the budget of the borrower; the payments should be monthly; the term of the loan should be less than five years, three years is better; avoid making long-term loans. A note with a 3-year term is more valuable than one with a 15-year term. The longer-term notes are discounted much more to account for the longer waiting period.

Collateral Security
Obtain a substantial down payment; keep the loan balance at or below 75% of the value of the collateral real estate. The down payment amount reflects on a borrower’s financial stability. The higher the loan-to-value (LTV), the more risk there is to the investor. Use real estate as the collateral security backing-up the bower’s promise to repay. Be certain to evaluate the condition and location of the property used as security. The mortgage or deed of trust documents collateralizing the promissory note should be recorded in first position; it should be a first position mortgage loan.

If you are structuring a business promissory note, its value will be much greater and it will have less risk if the real estate of the business is part of the note’s collateral security. This means that companies that lease property face bigger financing discounts, unless other real estate is used as security.

Documents and Language
Preparing the mortgage loan documents yourself is high risk folly; it may seem simple and easy to do, but it is not either if it is done correctly; you may save some money on the front end, but you will give the savings back plus way more on the back end. On the internet you will find hundreds of ads and offers proclaiming “free promissory note forms”, “free tips”, and the answers to legal questions “free”. Don’t take the bait! Only an experienced promissory note specialist who really understands the legal and practical meaning of the terms and conditions can keep you safe; each state has different laws and customs. There are state laws and federal laws to be considered.

Pune Real Estate Market

The real estate market of Pune is going steady and smooth if compared to other cities, where both residential and commercial property graph is going downwards. While everywhere the experts are expecting a doom in realty, Pune seems to be confronting the forecast.

Perhaps, as Pune was never a mainstream real estate destination, it never saw a huge decline in realty prices. The slump was there in the city but it was only for a short period of time. There are various reasons why Pune has now emerged a preferred real estate destination.

As the IT industry drives the real estate demand in the city, first home sales constitute a major chunk of transactions happening in Pune. In this city, there is always a steady demand for property in Kalyani Nagar and Baner, which are close to two major IT hubs in the city. Besides the IT and BPO industry, the student population living outside their campuses are also responsible for fueling demand for housing in Pune.

Renowned real estate developers in Pune are of a view that the Pune property prices are on the move for a sharp drop. But real estate agents and the local industry experts in the city don’t think that there will be any recession in Pune real estate industry at least in the next 10 years. And Pune real estate developers also assert that the demand is stable and exceeding supply.
At present, Pune real estate market is one of the most active segments in Western India. Private realty players as well as local property builders and civic authorities are pouring in more investments in the city.

According to the latest realty market reports, commercial realty in Pune fetches about 20-25% returns on investment. This makes the city the most favorite and a preferred destination of investors.

The residential property segment is equally upbeat at this point of time.

The buzz has not only been created by the commercial real estate market of Pune but also by the residential realty market. In the residential front, the focus of real estate developers is on affordable housing. Major real estate developers like Kolte-Patil, Gera Properties have announced the launch of affordable housing projects in the city. These developers are planning to build one-room set and two-room set accommodation that costs between Rs 10-15 lakh.

Real estate developers in Pune are now also focusing on the bordering areas of Pune. The city centre boasts of high capital and rental values. Therefore, most of the buyers are now looking for affordable accommodation in the suburban and bordering areas. And, real estate developers are trying to cash in on this behaviour of the property seekers. Property in areas like Kothrud, Vanwadi, Oundh are high in demand. All these areas were earlier the extension of villages but are now they are the hub of property development.

Now, the residential real estate market of Pune is all set to reach newer heights. As per the industry estimates, the city needs almost 40,000 residential properties every year to match the housing demands of its citizens.

Considering that, the Maharashtra government has now given a green signal to private real estate players for setting up fully integrated townships in Pune, under the Public Private Participation (PPP) model.

To cash-in on this opportunity, Pune-based developer, City Group has come forward with its township project Amanora Park Town, the first project after the governments declaration.

Under this project, the land would be provided to the developer by the government, who would then build up all the infrastructure comprising residential units and commercial properties. The developer will also be responsible for developing the social infrastructure encompassing healthcare centres, educational institutions, and entertainment facilities within the city.

The Amanora Park Town would be developed in the area of about 400 acres at Hadapsar with all the aforementioned infrastructure and facilities.

According to the real estate agents, demand for medium budget residential properties in Pune is continuously increasing.

Some other real estaet projects coming up in Pune:

1.Greensville Sky Villas in Kharadi by Gera
2.Bloomfield in Ambegaon by Amit Enterprises
3.Regent Park in Baner by Gera
4.Emerald City in Kharadi by Gera
5.Princetown in Undri by Kumar Properties
6.Sobha Carnation in NIBM Kondwa by Sobha Developers
7.Picasso in Hadapsar by Kumar Properties

Rent To Own Real Estate – Positive Or Negative

Banks may not be lending but rent to own homes are booming! Rent to own homes are becoming pretty commonplace, owner financing also known as seller financing is a real estate financing technique where the buyer borrows from the seller as opposed to, or in addition to a bank.

Rent to own homes are becoming a typical way to sell a property due to the fact that it is problematic to sell properties in this economic crisis. Most of these rent to own homes are fsbo, for sale by owner. Frequently, finding a real estate agent who is willing to work with rent to own homes can be difficult for buyers and sellers. Occasionally, finding rent to own homes can be kind of hard to do.

There are various ways in which rent to own homes can come about. Generally, rent to own homes are seller financed by landlords or investors that seek to enhance their financial return by offering purchase choices to their tenants in exchange for a reasonable deposit and a rental rate premium. The majority of sellers of rent to own homes are considerably reasonable when it comes to the down payment. Sellers of rent to own homes will expect you to have bumpy credit and will know how to help. Usually, these owners with rent to own homes can compete and make the best home and terms available for you. Frequently, rent to own homes are in marvelous condition, most homes are less than 5-10 years old and at bare minimum have just been renovated. Any way you look at it, rent to own homes are an immediate answer and an intelligent alternative to traditional loans.

Due to the significant initial down payment and lease payment premium that are unique to lease option contracts, rent to own homes can be considerably risky. Common lease periods for this arrangement are three years long, though longer or shorter leases for rent to own homes are not altogether unheard of. Really, rent to own homes will allow you to finally begin earning equity in a home now. Again, if you are interested in a rent to own program then you can expect to put 5-10% of the loan amount down or if are interested in buying residential real estate properties that are selling below market value then leasing or doing rent to own with tenant buyers then rent to own is for you.

Rent to own homes can be a wonderful way to buy or sell a house in the current economic environment. Rent to own homes are a certain way to increase the financial stability of a person, and help him repair his credit. Rent to own homes are long-term rental agreement that can allow a person to buy a home with minimal financial stress. Rent to own homes are a great way for people to give home ownership a shot without actually having to get a loan. The negotiation routine of rent to own homes will be different from normal home bargaining.

Rent to own homes can potentially be a great or poor deal, depending on the contract obtained at the very beginning of the agreement. Rent to own homes can help the seller still acquire some income from the home when otherwise it may be a constant drain on the seller’s finances. Rent to own homes are a trial run for the tenant as they learn the responsibilities that come with the house. Individuals living in the rent to own homes will be expected to take care of the lawn as if it is their own and pay utilities. Rent to own homes are also a good way for you to build equity before you even own the home.

Rent to own homes can be found advertised online, in newspapers, or on street signs. Besides that, rent to own homes are available in almost any neighborhood or subdivision across the United States, but there could be a hidden risk to your arrangement, and the money you put up for a down payment. Commonly, rent to own homes can also be the perfect solution for those who have gone through bankruptcy, divorce or any other types of financial hardships that may prohibit them from meeting stringent requirements put fourth by banks and other lenders. Rent to own homes can essentially help you get into a house without having to go through all the hassles that are regularly involved.

Houstons Most Opulent Real Estate

From towering high rise condo buildings to secluded and picturesque estate homes in gated communities, Houston real estate offers something for nearly every taste and budget.

Some of the most expensive real estate can be found throughout River Oaks and Memorial, although there are a number of pricey communities and properties in the Uptown/Galleria section, the Inner Loop and West Houston.

The median appraisal values for some of Houstons most upscale neighborhoods ranges from more than $1 million to nearly $4 million.

River Oaks Tall Timber Median home price $3,711,446
River Oaks Country Club Estates Median home price $3,049,000
Rivercrest Median home price $2,751,753
Stablewood Estates Median home price $2,112,115
Sherwood Forest Median home price $2,080,558
Memorial Drive Manor Median home price $1,380,162
River Oaks Median home price $1,336,472

River Oaks

When it comes to Houston luxury real estate, River Oaks still reigns supreme. In fact, it is the most exclusive residential area in Houston. It is not uncommon to find large estate homes, complete with expansive, manicured lawns and maids quarters. Ideally located inside Loop 610, River Oaks features about 1,100 properties and some of the wealthiest residents of Houston. Some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the community of River Oaks are River Oaks Country Club Estates and River Oaks Tall Timber.

River Oaks, in addition to its exclusive Houston real estate options, is home to a number of upscale restaurants and shops. The deed restrictions of River Oaks are very strict, thereby eliminating much of the commercial construction found throughout other communities in Houston. The River Oaks Homeowners Association ensures that properties in this exclusive community meet certain standards.

Rivercrest Estates

Located in West Houston, Rivercrest Estates features Houston real estate that is upscale and quite impressive, as each home site generally sits on more than two acres of land.

Stablewood Estates

Stablewood Estates is an exclusive, master-planned community, which is located just outside Loop 610 at Memorial Drive and Post Oak Lane. Residents of Stablewood Estates enjoy a close proximity to Memorial Park, as well as Houstons Uptown/Galleria section. Many residents of Stablewood work in Houstons downtown business district and the Texas Medical Center.

The architectural integrity of the homes of Stablewood Estates is secured through Stablewoods strict deed restrictions. With just 137 lots, Stablewoods value stands at nearly $221 million, which equates to the highest per-square-foot-value in the Houston residential market.

Stablewood Estates is protected by a 24-hour manned entrance gate, and children of this community attend the highly acclaimed Spring Branch Independent School District.

Houston real estate in Stablewood Estates is both luxurious and highly secluded, as most homes enjoy large lots and exquisite landscaping.