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When economic times are good (real estate sells quickly, employment is rising as are incomes, all is well), you often see fewer VTBs. This is because the access to credit (getting loans/mortgages/lines of credit) is often “easier” and houses are selling at a steady to fast pace. Vendors are not as willing to carry financing because it is not as difficult to sell their house. BUT, and this is a BIG BUTT, when the economy is slowing, access to credit is more difficult, and properties are not selling as quickly, Vendors may be willing to get more creative in order to unload that property.
What is a VTB some of you may be asking? In a nutshell a VTB is a Vendor Take Back mortgage or loan. It is simply where the seller (Vendor) of a property is willing to provide some or all of the mortgage financing on that property.
But – if you’re selling a home – a potential VTB holder, it’s important to understand there are plenty of other advantages to holding a VTB that make it attractive whether the housing market is hot or cold.
You will often see investors more likely to hold VTB’s than a regular homeowner just trying to sell their house. This is because investors “get it”. They will likely know what a VTB is and know the advantages, both for themselves and for the buyer. In tough times, a VTB might make it easier to unload a property. But at any time, a VTB can allow a seller to make some additional money on the house by charging interest on the loan, as well as potentially defer some taxes.
Why earn 2% in a “high interest savings account” at your bank when you can earn 7% or more on your VTB?
But, there is risk involved with carrying “paper”.
VTBs are usually in 1st or 2nd position as a mortgage. If you, the VTB holder, are in first position you will get your money out first (assuming they don’t owe the government anything – because the government gets their taxes first!). You also are often able to get closer to your asking price when you offer a VTB. This is because the purchaser has fewer hoops to jump through, lower costs involved with purchasing (no appraiser is required, no lending fees to pay, less time involved seeking financing), and will often be willing to pay a higher price.
Second position has a few more risks. If you sell your property and your purchaser either assumes the current mortgage or brings in their own new lender but the purchaser wants to have higher leverage (increase the loan to value), they may want a VTB in 2nd position (behind the 1st mortgage lender).
Now, if you (the Vendor) are willing to hold that VTB in 2nd position, that means that you ONLY get your money back AFTER the 1st position Lender gets ALL of their money out first. This is only really an issue in the case of default, and foreclosure, but it certainly can happen! So, you need to think carefully whether you want to put yourself at risk.
So, why would you hold a 2nd position VTB?
- You cannot sell your property any other way (i.e. the property is “ugly” and needs a lot of work, banks aren’t lending, purchaser can’t qualify for enough financing)
- There is enough equity in the property even after holding a 2nd that you are somewhat “safe” and can earn a nice return
- You know the property – because you used to own it – and feel comfortable making a loan secured to that asset
- In second position you can charge a higher interest rate because there is more risk in the second position. So, instead of charging 7% in 1st position you can often ask for 8, 9, 10 or more percent interest. Of course it all depends on the other terms but you should be earning higher interest than the 1st position mortgage is charging
- You would rather loan to a qualified Purchaser at a nice interest rate than put your money in a crappy low interest bond, GIC, or unpredictable stock/mutual fund
- You want to delay Capital Gains taxes until the VTB is paid in full (you don’t pay Cap Gains taxes on any VTB loan amount until it is paid in full – but of course – I am not a tax accountant so be sure to consult your accountant for the nuts and bolts on that subject!).
So, you can see, there are many reasons why someone may hold a 2nd mortgage as a VTB.
And in some markets where people are struggling to sell it might be something to consider offering.
Of course the lowest risk for you holding a VTB is in 1st position, but the challenge with that is unless you own the property free and clear from any current debt you probably won’t have enough equity to offer the buyer a mortgage large enough to put you in 1st position. Which means you’ll often have to be happier with the riskier but more lucrative second position.
VTB’s aren’t the solution for every seller, but many folks are looking for ways to reduce their tax bill and still be rid of a property. Others would like to find a way to bring in secured income every months. And for some other sellers it is just a way to sell an otherwise tough to unload property. Vendor take backs provide an excellent solution for these types of sellers. And of course, they are a wonderful thing to find as a real estate investor – so always ask the sellers if they will carry any financing!
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Source by Dave Peniuk