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Land Loans: Everything You Need To Know

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024| Rebecca RamosRebecca Ramos| 0 Comment| 12:00 am
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What is a Land Loan? 

A land loan, also known as a plot or lot loan, is a Financial option allowing individuals to purchase a piece of land using credit. This type of loan is suitable for those who intend to acquire land without immediate construction plans. It’s important to note that land loans differ from home loans or construction loans. It can be used for both residential and business purposes.

Types of Land Loans 

Land loans can be categorized based on the level of land development. Each type of land loan necessitates distinct preparations to convince lenders to provide financing. Let’s explore the different types:

  • LOAN FOR UNDEVELOPED LAND (RAW LAND LOAN) 
    • Undeveloped land refers to properties without road access, water supply, electricity, or sewer lines, rendering the land unsuitable for immediate construction. While raw land is the most economical option for purchase, it also requires higher down payments and interest rates to secure a loan. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) sets a minimum down payment of 35% for undeveloped land. Additionally, to obtain a raw land loan, you’ll need a well-structured and detailed plan for the land’s development to convince lenders that it represents a calculated risk.
  • LOAN FOR SEMI-DEVELOPED LAND (UNIMPROVED LAND LOAN) 
    • Semi-developed or unimproved land typically possesses some basic infrastructure, although it may need more amenities such as phone boxes, natural gas, or electric meters. Financing a loan for unimproved land is less risky than undeveloped land but still requires a rigorous process. The FDIC’s minimum down payment standard for unimproved land is 25%.
  • LOAN FOR DEVELOPED LAND (IMPROVED LAND LOAN) 
    • Developed lands, often called lots, come with access roads and all the necessary utilities for residential construction. Although improved lots are more expensive, they tend to have comparatively lower land loan interest rates. Lenders are also more inclined to finance this type of loan, with the FDIC setting the minimum down payment for improved land loans at 15%.

image of draft of a house on raw land purchased with a raw land loan

Advantages of Taking a Land Loan 

Land loans offer several advantages for individuals who need more time to build on their purchased land. These advantages include:

  1. Flexibility: Land loans provide the flexibility to secure land for its potential, such as in areas with upcoming business opportunities or future development. You can hold the land until the timing is right for your construction project.
  2. “Blank Canvas”: Acquiring land before any construction allows you to start with a “blank canvas.” You can envision and create your dream home or commercial space according to your preferences and needs.
  3. Transition to Construction Loan: When you’re ready to build, your land loan can be seamlessly integrated with a construction loan to finance the land purchase and construction costs. Ultimately, this can transform your land loan into a standard mortgage when you’re ready to move in.

Disadvantages of Taking a Land Loan 

Despite the advantages, land loans come with certain disadvantages, mainly due to the higher risks involved:

  1. Limited Lender Options: Lenders for land loans can be limited in number due to the inherent risks, which may limit your choices when selecting a lender.
  2. Stricter Qualifications: To secure a land loan, you must meet more stringent qualifications than a standard mortgage.
  3. Higher Down Payments and Interest Rates: Land loans have higher down payment and interest rates than traditional mortgages. These additional costs are a result of the higher risks faced by lenders.

To mitigate these disadvantages, having a well-defined construction plan, including a set timeline and cost estimates, can increase your loan approval chances, is essential.

Land Loan vs. Other Land-Buying Options 

If you encounter difficulties meeting land loan qualifications, alternative methods exist to finance your land purchase. Some options cater to home-building purposes, while others are designed for commercial space.

  • SELLER-FINANCING 
    • Seller financing is where the seller acts as your lender in a land contract. This arrangement can be more flexible and suitable for those who may not meet traditional bank loan requirements. It’s essential, however, to engage an attorney to review the land contract to ensure clarity and prevent potential gray areas or loopholes.
  • HOME EQUITY LOAN 
    • Another method for purchasing land is through a home equity loan, where you receive a lower interest rate against your home’s equity. It’s important to note that defaulting on this type of loan could lead to the risk of losing your home.
  • HOME EQUITY LINES OF CREDIT
    • Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) provide a flexible way to access funds over a specified timeframe using your home’s equity. You can use a HELOC as a down payment for a land loan and repay the HELOC amount and interest.
  • USDA LOAN 
    • The USDA offers a land and construction loan designed for low to moderate-income families planning to build a home in a qualified rural area. This option can particularly benefit those seeking a more affordable land and home construction path.
  • SBA LOAN 
    • Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are available to assist small business owners in financing raw land and construction costs for commercial buildings. The SBA 504 loan program provides fixed-rate financing with a 10% down payment, 40% loan financing through the Certified Development Loan, and 50% provided by a bank or credit union.
  • PERSONAL LOAN 
    • A personal loan can also finance your land purchase. While this approach can offer flexibility, it can have higher interest rates. You may also need to compare its shorter repayment periods with the rest.

Looking for a Land Loan? 

Securing a land loan can be more challenging than obtaining a standard mortgage. However, you can increase your chances of approval with proper preparation. A credit union consultant specializing in land financing can provide significant assistance in navigating the process and ensuring your specific needs are met when purchasing land. Explore your options and receive expert guidance by scheduling an appointment with us today.

Canopy Credit Union

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What is the Difference Between the Note and the Mortgage?What is the Difference Between the Note and the Mortgage?

June 24, 2023June 24, 2023| TuyetTuyet| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

Many people conflate Deed and Mortgage with one another; however, there is an important distinction. A note is evidence of a borrower's agreement to repay while mortgage is an agreement to lend money for real estate purchases.

https://www.sellmymortgagenote.org/what-is-the-difference-between-a-mortgage-and-a-mortgage-note

Promissory notes are used extensively in mortgage transactions to safeguard the lending process, while they also help private parties practicing owner financing secure their transactions.

Promissory Note

Most of us have borrowed money at some point, and the process typically involves signing a loan agreement or promissory note as part of the borrowing process. A promissory note serves as a legally-binding contract between borrower and lender to repay any loans received and establishes initial terms such as how much is owed plus interest rate as well as who the parties involved are.

Promissory notes can be purchased and sold on the secondary market, often as part of mortgage-backed securities (MBS). While mortgage details established in a mortgage deed cannot change when selling promissory notes, other terms may change with each sale transaction.

Example of a Promissory Note with an Automatic Default Clause that states collection costs and legal fees must be paid if payments fall behind schedule, yet these terms can be altered in the future by amending their mortgage deed.

Deed of Trust

Deed of trust documents pledge real property as collateral against loans made on its terms. Unlike mortgage agreements, this document involves three parties: borrower, lender and trustee.

The trustee is an independent third party such as a title company or bank that holds "bare" legal title to the property while still holding beneficial ownership in their name. Furthermore, there is a power of sale clause in their deed of trust that allows them to sell it through nonjudicial foreclosure if payments fail to arrive on time.

Deed of trust differs from mortgage in that its foreclosure process usually does not involve court oversight; additionally, deed of trust agreements often contain an alienation clause to ensure any buyer of property who assumes loan terms agree with those set out by your loan agreement. Both types of agreements allow lenders to repossess your home through foreclosure if you fail to abide by them.

Deed of Release

Once two parties come to an agreement that resolves their differences, they usually issue a deed of release as evidence that all agreements and impediments to an asset or property have been removed and set free. Furthermore, this document confirms no one involved can continue any disagreements related to what the deed covers.

One common example is when a homebuyer purchases their property through a mortgage loan and, upon paying off the balance, is given a deed of release from their lender stating they have relinquished temporary claims on it and now own it free and clear.

Julia took out a mortgage loan for the purchase of her new home and diligently paid the EMIs on time each month, eventually repaying it within four years and receiving her deed of release from her bank.

Mortgage

Many people incorrectly use the term "mortgage" as a generalized synonym for any home loan; it actually has a more specific legal definition: it is a security instrument which gives your lender permission to repossess your home if you fail to repay their mortgage loan on time, including terms for repayment such as payment schedule and late-payment penalties.

In most instances, when a mortgage is sold to an investor, its original lender still takes responsibility for servicing, which includes managing monthly payments and keeping an escrow account open. Therefore, it's essential that you review your closing disclosure carefully prior to signing any paperwork for sale.

Some mortgages are sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, government-sponsored enterprises that purchase home loans from lenders to ensure they remain liquid and available, or private investors – this information will be included on your closing disclosure form if this occurs.

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Social Security Disability Claim DifficultiesSocial Security Disability Claim Difficulties

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024| TuyetTuyet| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

Marken Law Group, PS, has helped hundreds obtain Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits. We do not charge a fee unless you obtain the benefits you deserve! Below is a short, and not all-inclusive description of some pitfalls you might experience while bringing your Social Security disability claim on your own.

First, the most pressing, and important, is YOUR responsibility to make sure YOUR medical record has been properly submitted to Social Security. When you are going to be in front of an administrative law judge, it is YOUR responsibility to obtain ALL medical records pertinent to your disability claim. Many people believe it is Social Security’s responsibility to obtain your medical records. At the hearing level, it is YOUR responsibility. Do not be misled by the fact they have obtained records previously, they likely do NOT have your complete medical file and are missing important updates! In the end, the administrative law judge will be basing their decision on what is in the medical record and to offer the best chance of a favorable decision, every document needs to be in the file!

Secondly, the work history is a VERY important document, answer very carefully. You might believe the “Function Report” is the more important document but it is not. The “work history” report can very well determine whether or not you will disabled due to what is termed the “GRID Rules.” The administrative law judge and vocational expert at your hearing will be DISSECTING your work history report document to find the exertion level of the work performed in the past.

Thirdly, if your doctors write statements regarding your disability, generic statements or letters that “JOHN DOE CANNOT WORK,” will NOT work and be rejected by Social Security. What Social Security will want from your doctor is a specific diagnosis and SPECIFIC opinions regarding SPECIFIC exertion limitations.

Example of an excellent doctor’s opinion: John Doe has a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease of his lumbar spine and it is my opinion he can lift and/or carry no more than 15 pounds, can stand and/or walk no more than 2 hours in an eight-hour day.

Example of a pointless doctor’s opinion: John Doe can’t work because of his back and hip pain.

Finally, a last pitfall is drug/alcohol use. As indicated with alcohol, this includes legal drugs such as marijuana (in some states) and opioid pain medication. If any record indicates an abuse, or excessive use of these drugs, you might have a difficult time obtaining benefits. While some years ago, judges would expect you to be on opioid pain medication to substantiate your allegations of pain, it is not largely viewed as an addictive drug that is harmful to your health.

Marken Law Group, PS, does NOT charge a fee unless you obtain Social Security Disability benefits. Call today for a free consultation! Click the link below. 

Marken Law Group - Social Security Claims

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What is an API and Why You Need ItWhat is an API and Why You Need It

May 10, 2024May 10, 2024| William LajoieWilliam Lajoie| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

There are a lot of digital applications and types of interfaces with the goal of easing sending and receiving information or interacting with other platforms. An API is one of those types of software that allows two applications to “talk” with each other and is used in a wide range of websites, apps, and other types of platforms that require two separate entities to exchange information. 

Discover how we at SimpleCert use API to streamline your certificate creation and Management process below!

The Application Programming Interface

API stands for Application Programming Interface and is an intermediary software that permits two applications to “talk” with one another. When online, you interact with APIs frequently, such as sending an instant message or checking the weather on your smartphone. Essentially, an API is a mechanism that allows communication within a set of definitions and protocols, much like a contract. They only communicate with each other using requests and responses as defined by the distinct function. 

How Does an API Work & What are the Benefits?

There are several ways an API can work, but they all are explained in similar terms of client and server. Essentially the API passes and exchanges data from one system to another, which aligns with SimpleCert’s overall goal of streamlining and automating manual processes with certificate creation, delivery, and reporting. While the principle is simple, there are enormous benefits to integrating API into your processes:

  • APIs give more flexibility in information-transfer processes
  • Using an API allows you to create layers that enable distribution to specific groups and people
  • APIs are customizable, from protocols to functions and commands.
  • APIs are extremely adaptable and can easily change through data migration. 

API is a powerful tool that can transform certification delivery and reporting by integrating into the app of your choice, having a system from finishing a test or class that automatically triggers delivery to the correct recipient. We at SimpleCert recognize how beneficial using an API is to our customers, which is why it’s offered in our free accounts as well as any other version of the SimpleCert application while most others only offer the API advantages with their enterprise level accounts. . 

SimpleCert’s API 

SimpleCert recognizes the usefulness and ease an API gives our customers and we use it to provide endpoints to send HTTP requests to automatically add data to your SimpleCert account. Our API is ideal for certification tests, as well as to create new projects and add certificate recipients.

An API can seem intimidating, looking at all the code, but it’s actually very simple! Remember, we at SimpleCert are dedicated to easy and simple certificate creation, and that’s why we use an Application Programming Interface. We provide two API documentation sources to integrate and learn how to use, which you can explore below:

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