Increase Land Contract or Mortgage Note Value with Payment Histories

March 8, 2014 - PRLog -- Keeping an accurate record of the payments received on the note shows how much the buyer still owes along with their payment habits.  Plus, note sellers can also improve the value of their note by providing a verifiable payment history to the investor!

There are two main ways to keep track of the payments.  The first and easiest is to let a professional handle it.  The payments are made to a third party servicing agent that keeps track of the balance and sends the money along to the seller.  They will also send out the annual 1098 Mortgage Interest Statements and can hold original documents in safe keeping.

If a seller chooses the “Do It Yourself”’ method over a third party pro they will need to follow these steps.

Place original note and other original documents in a safe deposit box.
Make a copy of each check or money ordered received (accepting cash is not recommended as the lack of paper trail makes it hard to verify).
Keep a copy of the bank record of deposit for the payments received
Create a ledger reflecting the date and amount of payments received
Calculate the amount applied to interest, principal, late fees (if any), and the resulting principal balance.  An amortization schedule or calculator can be helpful. Once calculated, record in the ledger.
Send out an annual statement to the buyer or payer along with the IRS1098 Mortgage Interest Statement.
Verify the real estate taxes and property insurance are being kept current.  Consider establishing a tax and insurance escrow wherein the buyer pays 1/12th of the annual amount into a reserve account each month.
Send collection letters as necessary for late payments.

When an investor agrees to purchase a note they will request a payment history.   A verifiable payment history can improve the value of a note as it provides proof of timely payments.  A payment history is considered verified when it is either provided by a third party or is backed up by the documents and records outlined.

Unfortunately many sellers fail to keep track of the payments received.  When they go to sell the note they try to recreate the history from memory.  Without any proof of payments received, an investor has to go on faith.   Sometimes a payment history affidavit can substitute for a payment record but it still doesn’t add the value of a verifiable proof.

Protect the value of the note by setting up a verifiable payment tracking method today!