Traditional mortgage providers take compliance and the ability to repay seriously — you should too. Recently, I took and passed the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) Test. Included in that test is a required 20-hour NMLS pre-licensing education (along with your state's required education). It was eye-opening. Working our quoting desk for the last three years, … [Read more...] about Lessons from Getting My MLO
Notes 101
The 10 Biggest Wrap Note Mistakes We See (and What to Do Instead)
Not all wrap note mistakes are equal. Some reduce profits. Some create headaches. A few can put the entire transaction at risk. We see a lot of wrap notes as investors, usually involving seller financing. The seller still owes money on the property and the owner financing ‘wraps’ around an existing mortgage. The buyer pays one payment to the seller while the seller … [Read more...] about The 10 Biggest Wrap Note Mistakes We See (and What to Do Instead)
Balloon Payments in Mortgage Notes: What Note Investors Need to Know
When evaluating mortgage notes, one term that comes up but isn't always fully understood is the balloon payment. For note creators and investors, this feature can significantly impact both risk and return. Whether you're new to note investing or expanding your portfolio, understanding how balloon payments work is essential to making informed decisions. What Is a Balloon … [Read more...] about Balloon Payments in Mortgage Notes: What Note Investors Need to Know
What Is Equity in Real Estate Notes? 5 Types Every Investor Should Know
Equity is a cornerstone of evaluating risk when buying real estate notes. When I talk to investors, this is usually where I see confusion: They think yield is the whole story — until a deal goes sideways. I once worked with a newer investor who said, "I don't care about equity. I'm getting a 12% return." Fast forward six months and the borrower stops paying. Now, … [Read more...] about What Is Equity in Real Estate Notes? 5 Types Every Investor Should Know
Seller Financing 2025 Industry Report: A Resilient $29.5 Billion Market
How Seller Financing Held Its Ground in a Shifting Housing Market Each year, we analyze seller financing activity across the United States as part of our annual report series, published for over 15 years! The 2025 numbers are in — and they continue to show that owner financing remains a meaningful and consistent part of the market. Key Seller Financing Trends in … [Read more...] about Seller Financing 2025 Industry Report: A Resilient $29.5 Billion Market
