The main benefit of an assumable mortgage is that it allows the buyer of a property to assume the mortgage from the seller. This type of mortgage, while fairly uncommon now, can offer a few different types of benefits for both the buyer and the seller. However, whether getting an assumable mortgage is a good idea depends several factors, including whether the buyer can get a mortgage rate lower than prevailing market interest rates.
Learn how an assumable mortgage works and the advantages of using one, along with some downsides to consider.
Key Takeaways
- Assumable mortgage benefits can have a better interest rate for the buyer than the market rates.
- For the seller, an assumable mortgage helps them avoid settlement costs.
- Generally, most mortgages are no longer assumable.
- Some USDA, VA, and FHA loans may be assumable if they meet certain criteria.
- You must still qualify for a mortgage that you want to assume.
An assumable mortgage can provide several benefits for the buyer and the seller, depending on the situation. First, for the buyer, the seller's mortgage may offer a lower interest rate than the current market rates, which can save the buyer a significant amount in interest costs over the life of the loan.
An assumable mortgage can also help the buyer avoid closing costs they would incur if they took out a new mortgage. Closing costs are fees you pay when you make a real estate transaction official. They can include real estate commission, taxes, origination fees, title filings, and insurance premiums. They are typically about 3% to 6% of the loan amount.
Note
Generally, loans made during the last 20 years of a mortgage are rarely assumable with the notable exception of Veteran Affairs (VA) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans.
Benefits for the Seller
The seller can also benefit from an assumable mortgage. The seller can share in the savings that the buyer receives with their lower interest rate. They can, for example, charge a higher price for the property, require the buyer to pay the closing costs that the seller may incur, or demand cash payment for part of the buyer's savings over an agreed-upon time frame.
For example, if the current interest rate is 8%, the assumable mortgage rate is 5%, and the buyer plans to live in the home for five years, the seller might demand half of the expected savings for the five-year period. In such a case, the assumable mortgage may benefit the seller even more than the buyer.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of assumed mortgages for both buyers and sellers.
Advantages of Assumable Mortgages
If the assumable interest rate is lower than current market rates, the buyer saves money directly.
There are also fewer closing costs associated with assuming a mortgage. This can save money for the seller as well as the buyer. If the buyer is gaining a lower interest rate, the seller may find it easier to negotiate a price closer to the fair market asking price.
The seller may also benefit from using the assumable mortgage as a marketing strategy to attract buyers. Not all mortgages are assumable, and the seller could get the upper hand over the market competition if they can offer this advantage.
Disadvantages of Assumable Mortgages
A buyer who assumes a mortgage may have to cover any part of the home price that the mortgage does not cover. That may require a large amount of cash or a second mortgage. If the home is valued at a price greater than the mortgage that remains on the home, the buyer must make up the difference.
A home might be on the market for $350,000, but the mortgage to be assumed is only $200,000. The buyer will need to contribute $150,000.
A second mortgage can have a couple downsides. First, when there are two mortgage lenders involved, it can be more complicated to manage two loans and understand the different terms of each loan.
Also, a second loan may have a higher interest rate and will entail closing costs. The additional costs of a second loan can negate the benefits of the assumable loan.
When Loans Can Be Assumable
Assumable mortgages are now much less common than they once were. Some mortgages from Veterans Affairs (VA), Federal Housing Authority (FHA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) may be assumed provided the buyer receives credit approval from the mortgage lender.
This contingency is not placed on the lender, who agrees that the loan may be assumed but, rather, it is a way for the lender to determine if the buyer is credit-worthy. In such cases, the seller will not receive any of the arbitrage profits, but the buyer must pay additional fees to the VA, FHA, or USDA.
Is it Hard to Get an Assumable Mortgage?
These days, assumable mortgage are more difficult to get. Only certain VA, FHA, and USDA loan offer them, and they must meet certain criteria. You also must meet the lending criteria to receive any loan that is assumable.
Do You Have to Pay a Down Payment on an Assumable Loan?
If you are receiving the seller's assumable mortgage, you do not have to make a down payment. You do have to meet the requirements of the loan. And you may have to pay the seller any difference in the home value and the mortgage balance.
Can You Negotiate an Assumable Mortgage?
You can negotiate the price of the home and any compensation for the seller, but you cannot change the terms of an assumable mortgage. If you are taking over the assumable mortgage, you will be responsible for the same terms and conditions as the original borrower.
The Bottom Line
An assumable mortgages has several benefits, but they also have downsides to consider. The right type of mortgage for your situation will depend on a number of factors about your personal situation and the broader housing market and interest rate conditions.
