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What Determines Your Land Note's Value? The Complete Pricing Guide for Land Investors

  • Eric Scharaga
  • May 1, 2023
  • 15 min read

Updated: Nov 24, 2025



By Eric Scharaga | Updated November 2024 | 13 min read


Jennifer thought she'd done everything right.

She'd offered seller financing on her Arizona land deal—10 acres outside Phoenix for $75,000. The buyer put down $15,000 (20%), and she was collecting $710/month at 10% interest on a 10-year note.

Two years later, she needed capital for a bigger opportunity. She'd received $17,040 in payments, so the balance was about $57,960. She contacted three note buyers expecting offers around $46,000-48,000 (80% of balance).


The offers shocked her:

  • Buyer #1: $34,776 (60% of balance)

  • Buyer #2: $29,000 (50% of balance)

  • Buyer #3: Declined to make offer


She lost $14,000-19,000 compared to what she expected.

What went wrong?

Jennifer made five critical mistakes during origination that destroyed her note's value:

  1. Used a land contract instead of deed of trust

  2. Self-serviced the loan (no professional servicer)

  3. Didn't pull credit report (borrower's score was 580)

  4. Minimal documentation

  5. No title insurance


Each mistake cost her thousands of dollars two years later.


After buying over 150 land notes, I can tell you exactly what determines a note's value—and why some notes sell for 80% of balance while others struggle to get 50%.

Today, I'm going to show you:

  • The 6 factors that determine land note value

  • Pricing tiers (40% to 80% of balance)

  • Real examples with actual dollar amounts

  • How to maximize your note's value from day one

  • The critical difference between selling at closing vs. selling seasoned notes


Let's start with the fundamental truth most land investors miss:


The Two Paths to Selling Your Land Note (And Why Timing Changes Everything)


Most land investors don't realize there are TWO completely different ways to sell a land note—and the timing makes a 10-20% difference in what you receive.

Path A: Selling at Closing (Simultaneous Close)

How it works:

  1. You offer seller financing to sell your property

  2. You find a qualified buyer

  3. At closing, you sell the note to a note buyer

  4. Note buyer funds 80% of purchase price

  5. You walk away with cash, buyer gets property, note buyer gets the note

Typical pricing: 75-80% of purchase price

Example:

  • Property sale: $75,000

  • Buyer down payment: $15,000 (20%)

  • Note balance: $60,000

  • You receive at closing: $48,000 (80% of $60,000)

  • Total cash to you: $63,000 ($15,000 down + $48,000 note sale)

Advantages:

  • Highest possible pricing

  • No waiting for payments

  • No servicing hassles

  • No default risk

  • Capital available immediately for next deal

Why it gets better pricing: Note buyer oversees the origination process, ensuring:

  • Proper documentation

  • Qualified borrower

  • Professional servicing from day one

  • Correct loan structure

  • Clean title


Path B: Selling Seasoned Notes (1-2 Years Later)

How it works:

  1. You originated seller financing 1-2 years ago

  2. You've collected payments

  3. You now want to sell the note

  4. Note buyer evaluates existing note

  5. Pricing depends on what you did during origination

Typical pricing: 50-70% of current balance (depending on quality)

Same example, but sold after 2 years:

  • Original sale: $75,000

  • Down payment: $15,000

  • Note balance after 2 years: $57,960

  • Typical offer: $34,776-40,572 (60-70% of balance)

  • Total received: $49,776-55,572

The difference: $7,428-13,224 LESS than selling at closing

Why lower pricing:

  • Note buyer takes on more risk (can't control origination)

  • Must evaluate payment history

  • May discover documentation problems

  • Origination mistakes can't be fixed

  • Higher due diligence costs

The lesson: If you're going to offer seller financing, plan your exit strategy BEFORE you originate the note.


The 6 Factors That Determine Land Note Value

Whether you're selling at closing or selling a seasoned note, these six factors determine what note buyers will pay:


Factor 1: Down Payment (The Most Important Factor)

This matters more than anything else.

Down payment is the single best predictor of default. Here's why:

Default Rate Statistics:

  • 0-10% down: 20-35% default rate

  • 10-15% down: 15-25% default rate

  • 20-25% down: 5-10% default rate

  • 30%+ down: Under 5% default rate

How down payment affects note pricing:

Scenario A: 10% Down

  • Sale price: $50,000

  • Down payment: $5,000 (10%)

  • Note balance: $45,000

  • Note buyer's risk: HIGH (borrower has little skin in game)

  • Typical offer: $22,500-27,000 (50-60% of balance)

Scenario B: 25% Down

  • Sale price: $50,000

  • Down payment: $12,500 (25%)

  • Note balance: $37,500

  • Note buyer's risk: LOW (borrower invested significantly)

  • Typical offer: $26,250-30,000 (70-80% of balance)

Result: Higher down payment = higher percentage offer, PLUS lower balance to discount.

Real Example:

Two identical 10-acre properties in Texas, both sold for $60,000 at 10% interest:

Property A:

  • Down payment: $6,000 (10%)

  • Note balance: $54,000

  • Note buyer offer: $27,000 (50%)

  • Seller nets: $33,000 total

Property B:

  • Down payment: $18,000 (30%)

  • Note balance: $42,000

  • Note buyer offer: $33,600 (80%)

  • Seller nets: $51,600 total

Difference: $18,600 more by requiring higher down payment

My recommendation: Minimum 20% down, preferably 25-30%


Factor 2: Credit Score + Down Payment Matrix

Credit score and down payment work together.


Real Example:

Borrower A:

  • Credit score: 720

  • Down payment: 20% ($15,000 on $75,000 sale)

  • Balance: $60,000

  • Note buyer offer: $48,000 (80%)

Borrower B:

  • Credit score: 610

  • Down payment: 20% ($15,000 on $75,000 sale)

  • Balance: $60,000

  • Note buyer offer: $33,000 (55%)


Same down payment, $15,000 difference in note value due to credit score.

Important consideration: Look beyond the score

I review the actual credit report, not just the score. Medical debt is common and doesn't always indicate payment problems. Someone with a 650 score from medical bills may be a better borrower than someone with a 680 score from credit card charge-offs.

My recommendation: Minimum 660 credit score for standard pricing


Factor 3: Professional Loan Servicing vs. Self-Servicing

This single decision affects note value by 10-20%.


Self-Serviced Loans:

Problems:

  • No third-party documentation

  • Payment disputes common

  • Missing tax statements

  • No professional records

  • Higher default rates (borrowers take self-servicing less seriously)

Note buyer concerns:

  • Can't verify payment history

  • May need to reconstruct records

  • Risk of borrower disputes

  • Extra due diligence required

Result: 10-20% lower offers or declined entirely


Professionally Serviced Loans:

Benefits:

  • Complete payment documentation

  • Third-party verification

  • Professional collection procedures

  • Tax statements (1098/1099) provided

  • Online portal access

  • Licensed servicers

  • Better borrower compliance

Note buyer confidence:

  • Clear payment history

  • Verified balance

  • Professional records

  • Easy transfer process

Result: Full value pricing


Real Example:

Note A (Self-Serviced):

  • Balance: $50,000

  • Payment history: "Borrower says all payments made on time"

  • Documentation: Excel spreadsheet, scanned checks

  • Offer: $30,000 (60%) - Note buyer discounts due to verification risk

Note B (Professionally Serviced):

  • Balance: $50,000

  • Payment history: Madison Management complete records, 24 months perfect

  • Documentation: Professional servicing reports, online portal

  • Offer: $37,500 (75%) - Note buyer confident in documentation

Difference: $7,500 (for just $20/month servicing cost = $480 total spent)

Cost vs. Benefit:

  • Servicing cost: $20/month × 24 months = $480

  • Increased note value: $7,500

  • Net benefit: $7,020

ROI: 1,462% return on servicing investment


My recommendation: Use professional servicer from day one

Best options:

  • BIFI Loan Servicing

  • Madison Management

  • FCI Loan Servicing

Cost: $15-30/month (structure it so borrower pays this fee)


Factor 4: Documentation Type (Land Contract vs. Note/Mortgage)

This can be a 20% difference in note value.

Land Contracts:

Structure:

  • Seller retains legal title

  • Buyer has equitable interest

  • Title transfers at final payment

Problems for note buyers:

  • Complex title structure

  • Seller still has liability exposure

  • State-specific regulations vary widely

  • Foreclosure process unclear in many states

  • Transfer taxes may apply

  • Harder to assign/transfer

Result: 10-20% discount or declined


Note + Deed of Trust (or Mortgage):

Structure:

  • Buyer receives title immediately

  • Seller holds lien (security interest)

  • Standard, well-understood instrument

Benefits for note buyers:

  • Clean title structure

  • Clear foreclosure process

  • Easy to assign

  • Well-established procedures

  • Lower risk

Result: Full value pricing

Real Example:

Two identical properties, both in Tennessee:

Property A (Land Contract):

  • Balance: $65,000

  • 12 months perfect payments

  • Land contract structure

  • Offer: $39,000 (60%) - Discounted for land contract complexity

Property B (Note + Deed of Trust):

  • Balance: $65,000

  • 12 months perfect payments

  • Standard note/deed of trust

  • Offer: $48,750 (75%) - Full pricing for standard structure

Difference: $9,750 just due to document type

State Considerations:

Some states handle land contracts better than others:

Land Contract Friendly: Michigan (clear procedures) Land Contract Problematic: Texas, most western states (use deed of trust instead)

My recommendation: Use promissory note + deed of trust (non-judicial states) or promissory note + mortgage (judicial states). Avoid land contracts unless specific state law reason.


Factor 5: Interest Rate & Term Length

How these affect note pricing:

Interest Rate:

The Yield Gap Problem:

Note buyers target 14-20% annual return. If your note's interest rate is too low, they must discount heavily to achieve their yield.

Real Example:

Note A (6% Interest Rate):

  • Balance: $80,000

  • Monthly payment: $888

  • Remaining term: 8 years

  • Note buyer needs 15% yield

  • Offer: $51,200 (64%) - Heavy discount to bridge yield gap

Note B (10% Interest Rate):

  • Balance: $80,000

  • Monthly payment: $1,054

  • Remaining term: 8 years

  • Note buyer needs 15% yield

  • Offer: $64,000 (80%) - Smaller discount needed

Difference: $12,800 just from interest rate

The Sweet Spot: 9-12% interest rate

  • Below 8%: Heavy discounting required

  • 9-12%: Optimal for note sales

  • Above 12%: May limit qualified borrower pool


Term Length:

Shorter terms = higher note value

Why:

  • Faster capital return for note buyer

  • Less interest rate risk

  • Lower default risk over shorter period

  • More attractive investment

Real Example:

Note A (15-Year Term):

  • Balance: $60,000

  • Interest: 10%

  • Remaining: 13 years

  • Offer: $42,000 (70%)

Note B (7-Year Term):

  • Balance: $60,000

  • Interest: 10%

  • Remaining: 5 years

  • Offer: $48,000 (80%)

Difference: $6,000 due to term length

My recommendation: 5-10 year terms. Avoid 15-30 year terms (require 10-15% bigger discount).


Factor 6: Property Quality, LTV, and State

Property Quality:

Note buyers evaluate: If borrower defaults, do I want this property back?

Good collateral characteristics:

  • Legal access (deeded or prescriptive easement)

  • Utilities available or possible

  • Buildable (not landlocked, not all wetlands)

  • Desirable location

  • Good market demand

  • Clear title

Poor collateral characteristics:

  • Landlocked (no legal access)

  • Unbuildable (wetlands, steep slopes, restrictions)

  • Remote location (no market demand)

  • Title issues

  • Environmental problems

  • No utilities possible

Real Example:

Property A:

  • 5 acres, Texas Hill Country

  • Deeded access, utilities at street

  • Near growing town

  • Strong market demand

  • Balance: $50,000, Value: $65,000

  • Offer: $40,000 (80%)

Property B:

  • 5 acres, remote location

  • No legal access documented

  • Nearest town 45 miles

  • Weak market demand

  • Balance: $50,000, Value: $65,000 (if you could sell it)

  • Offer: $25,000 (50%) or declined


Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio:

Formula: Note purchase price ÷ Property value = LTV

My maximum: 70% LTV

Why this matters:

If borrower defaults and property values decline 20%, note buyer still has equity cushion.

Example:

  • Property value: $80,000

  • My purchase price: $48,000

  • LTV: 60% ✓

  • Even if values drop 20%: $64,000 value, still covered

If LTV is too high:

  • Property value: $80,000

  • Purchase price: $64,000

  • LTV: 80% (too high)

  • If values drop 20%: $64,000 value = break-even

  • Result: Declined or heavily discounted


State Foreclosure Laws:

Non-Judicial States (Faster, Easier):

  • Texas: 3-4 months

  • Arizona: 3-4 months

  • Tennessee: 3-4 months

  • Georgia: 4-5 months

Result: Note buyers pay more (less foreclosure risk/cost)

Judicial States (Slower, More Expensive):

  • Florida: 6-18 months

  • Illinois: 8-18 months

  • New York: 12-24 months

  • Pennsylvania: 8-15 months

Result: Note buyers pay less (higher foreclosure risk/cost)

Real Example:

Note A (Texas - Non-Judicial):

  • Balance: $55,000

  • All other factors equal

  • Offer: $44,000 (80%)

Note B (Illinois - Judicial):

  • Balance: $55,000

  • All other factors equal

  • Offer: $38,500 (70%)

Difference: $5,500 just due to state foreclosure laws


How Note Pricing Actually Works: The Yield Calculation


Most land investors think note buyers are "buying the debt." That's not quite right.

Note buyers are buying a payment stream.

They're investing money today to receive monthly payments that generate a specific annual return (yield).

The Yield to Maturity Calculation:

Inputs:

  • Purchase price (what they pay)

  • Monthly payment (what they receive)

  • Number of payments remaining

  • Balloon payment (if any)

Output:

  • Yield to Maturity (annual return %)

Note buyers target 14-20% yield depending on risk.


Real Example:

Your Note:

  • Balance: $60,000

  • Payment: $633/month (10% interest)

  • Remaining term: 10 years (120 payments)

Note Buyer Offers $48,000:

Their calculation:

  • Investment: $48,000

  • Receive: $633/month × 120 months = $75,960 total

  • Yield: 15.7% annual return

Why they offer less than balance:

They need 15%+ return to justify the risk and having their capital tied up for 10 years.

If they paid full balance ($60,000):

  • Investment: $60,000

  • Receive: $633/month × 120 months = $75,960 total

  • Yield: 7.6% annual return (too low)


Factors That Increase Yield Requirement (Lower Offers):

  • Poor credit score (+2-5% yield requirement)

  • Low down payment (+2-4% yield requirement)

  • Self-serviced (+1-3% yield requirement)

  • Land contract (+2-3% yield requirement)

  • Poor property (+2-5% yield requirement)

  • Judicial state (+1-2% yield requirement)

  • Payment problems (+3-10% yield requirement)

Each problem adds to required yield, which lowers the offer.


The Pricing Tiers: What You Can Expect

Based on 150+ note purchases, here's how notes typically price:

Tier 1: Premium (75-80% of balance)

Characteristics:

  • Sold at closing (simultaneous close)

  • OR: Seasoned note with perfect payment history

  • 660+ credit score

  • 25%+ down payment

  • Professional servicing

  • Note + deed of trust/mortgage

  • 9-12% interest rate

  • 5-10 year term

  • Good property in non-judicial state

  • 60% or lower LTV

Example:

  • Balance: $70,000

  • Offer: $52,500-56,000

These are the notes I buy through my program.


Tier 2: Standard (60-70% of balance)

Characteristics:

  • Seasoned note with good payment history

  • 620-660 credit score

  • 20% down payment

  • Professional servicing

  • Note + deed of trust/mortgage

  • 8-12% interest rate

  • Standard property

  • 65-70% LTV

Example:

  • Balance: $70,000

  • Offer: $42,000-49,000


Tier 3: Discounted (50-60% of balance)

Characteristics:

  • Land contract OR

  • Self-serviced OR

  • 600-620 credit score OR

  • 10-15% down payment OR

  • Some payment issues (late, but not missed) OR

  • Weak property OR

  • High LTV (70-80%)

Example:

  • Balance: $70,000

  • Offer: $35,000-42,000


Tier 4: Problem (40-50% of balance or declined)

Characteristics:

  • Multiple issues from Tier 3 OR

  • Below 600 credit score OR

  • Under 10% down payment OR

  • Missed payments OR

  • Very weak property OR

  • Documentation problems OR

  • Very high LTV (over 80%)

Example:

  • Balance: $70,000

  • Offer: $28,000-35,000 or declined


Common Mistakes That Cost Thousands

Let me show you real-world cost of common mistakes:


Mistake #1: Self-Servicing

The scenario:

  • Balance: $55,000

  • Perfect payments, but self-serviced

The cost:

  • Professional servicing would get: 75% = $41,250

  • Self-serviced offer: 60% = $33,000

  • Loss: $8,250

To avoid it:

  • Use professional servicer: $20/month

  • Cost over 2 years: $480

  • Net savings: $7,770


Mistake #2: Using Land Contract

The scenario:

  • Balance: $65,000

  • Good borrower, but land contract structure

The cost:

  • Note/deed of trust would get: 75% = $48,750

  • Land contract offer: 60% = $39,000

  • Loss: $9,750

To avoid it:

  • Work with attorney to use proper structure

  • Cost: $500-1,000

  • Net savings: $8,750-9,250


Mistake #3: Low Down Payment

The scenario:

  • Sale: $60,000

  • 10% down vs. 25% down

Option A (10% down):

  • Down payment: $6,000

  • Balance: $54,000

  • Note offer: 55% = $29,700

  • Total: $35,700

Option B (25% down):

  • Down payment: $15,000

  • Balance: $45,000

  • Note offer: 75% = $33,750

  • Total: $48,750

Difference: $13,050 by requiring higher down payment


Mistake #4: Wrong Interest Rate

The scenario:

  • Balance: $70,000

  • 6% vs. 10% interest rate

Option A (6% rate):

  • Payment: $776/month

  • Note offer: 60% = $42,000

Option B (10% rate):

  • Payment: $923/month

  • Note offer: 75% = $52,500

Difference: $10,500 from interest rate alone


Mistake #5: No Credit Check

The scenario:

  • Sale: $50,000, 20% down

  • Didn't pull credit (borrower is 580 score)

The cost:

  • With 660+ score would get: 75% = $30,000

  • With 580 score: 50% = $20,000 or declined

  • Loss: $10,000+

To avoid it:

  • Pull credit report before accepting offer

  • Cost: $30

  • Savings: $10,000


Action Plan: Maximize Your Note Value From Day One


If You're Originating New Seller Financing:


Option 1: Sell at Closing Through My Program (Best Outcome)

You get:

  • 80% of balance at closing

  • I oversee entire process

  • Professional servicing setup

  • Proper documentation

  • Qualified borrower

  • No long-term involvement

Requirements:

  • Property: $25,000-$150,000 purchase price range

  • Borrower: 660+ credit, 20%+ down (or equivalent based on my matrix)

  • Terms: 9-12% interest, 5-10 years

  • Structure: Note + deed of trust/mortgage

Example:

  • Sale: $75,000

  • Down payment: $18,000 (24%)

  • Balance: $57,000

  • You receive: $45,600 (80%)

  • Total cash at closing: $63,600

Contact me BEFORE you market the property so I can guide the process.


Option 2: Hold Note Long-Term (Structure It Right)

Checklist:

Borrower Qualification:

  • Pull credit report (minimum 620, prefer 660+)

  • Require 20-30% down payment

  • Verify property use (recreational vs. primary residence)

Loan Structure:

  • Use note + deed of trust/mortgage (NOT land contract)

  • Interest rate: 9-12%

  • Term: 5-10 years

  • Monthly amortizing payments

Documentation:

  • Hire foreclosure attorney to prepare documents

  • Promissory note

  • Deed of trust or mortgage

  • Warranty deed (to buyer)

  • Loan agreement

  • Required disclosures

Servicing:

  • Set up professional servicer from day one

  • BIFI, Madison, or FCI

  • Structure so borrower pays servicing fee

Title/Recording:

  • Obtain lender's title insurance

  • Record deed of trust/mortgage

  • Keep all original documents

Keep Records:

  • Payment history

  • All correspondence

  • Credit reports

  • Appraisal/valuation

  • Title insurance policy

This positions you to sell the note later for maximum value (70-75% of balance).


If You Have Existing Seasoned Notes:

Step 1: Evaluate What You Have

Answer these questions:

  • What's the current balance?

  • What documentation do you have?

  • Credit score at origination?

  • Down payment amount?

  • Land contract or note/mortgage?

  • Self-serviced or professional servicer?

  • Payment history (any lates/missed)?

  • Property quality?

  • Current property value?


Step 2: Calculate Realistic Pricing

Use the tiers above:

  • Count your positives (good borrower, good property, professional servicing, etc.)

  • Count your negatives (land contract, self-serviced, payment issues, etc.)

  • Place yourself in appropriate tier

Realistic expectations:

  • Tier 1 (Premium): 75-80%

  • Tier 2 (Standard): 60-70%

  • Tier 3 (Discounted): 50-60%

  • Tier 4 (Problem): 40-50% or may not be saleable


Step 3: Fix What You Can

Can be fixed:

  • Transfer to professional servicer (takes 2 weeks)

  • Get current title report

  • Obtain property valuation

  • Gather all documentation

  • In some cases: convert land contract to note/mortgage

Cannot be fixed:

  • Credit score at origination

  • Down payment amount

  • Past payment problems

  • Poor property characteristics


Step 4: Get Offers

Contact note buyers with:

  • Complete property information

  • Current balance

  • Payment history

  • Credit report (from origination)

  • Copy of all loan documents

  • Title report

  • Property valuation/photos


Step 5: Evaluate Offers

Consider:

  • Net proceeds (after any payoffs)

  • Speed (how fast can you close?)

  • Terms (any contingencies?)

  • Buyer reputation

Don't be offended by lower offers if you have issues—note buyers are pricing the actual risk.


Why My Program Gets You 80% (Instead of 60-70%)

Here's what makes my note buying program different:


Traditional Seasoned Note Purchase:

Process:

  • You originated note 1-2 years ago

  • I evaluate what you did

  • I take on ALL origination risk

  • I discount for any problems

Pricing: 50-70% depending on quality


My Simultaneous Close Program:

Process:

  • You contact me BEFORE originating

  • I guide the process

  • I oversee borrower qualification

  • I ensure proper documentation

  • I verify professional servicing setup

  • We close simultaneously

Pricing: 80% of balance


Why I can pay more:

1. I Control Quality

  • Right borrower qualifications

  • Proper loan structure

  • Professional servicing from day one

  • Clean documentation

2. Lower Risk

  • No payment history unknowns

  • No documentation surprises

  • No servicing complications

  • Fresh origination

3. Efficiency

  • Less due diligence required

  • Faster closing

  • Lower transaction costs

  • Economies of scale

4. Long-Term Business Relationship

  • Work with same investors repeatedly

  • Build trust and systems

  • Streamlined processes

  • Mutual benefit


Real Comparison:

Investor A (Tries to do it alone):

  • Originates note with mistakes

  • Holds for 2 years

  • Sells to note buyer for 60% = $36,000

  • Total received: $48,000 ($12,000 down + $36,000 note sale) over 2 years

Investor B (Uses my program):

  • Works with me from start

  • Sells at closing for 80% = $48,000

  • Total received: $63,000 ($15,000 down + $48,000 note sale) immediately

Difference:

  • $15,000 more total

  • 2 years faster

  • Zero servicing hassle

  • No default risk

  • Capital working in next deal


Understanding the Full Picture: Total Return Analysis

Most investors focus only on note sale price. But let's look at complete returns:


Scenario: Holding the Note

If you hold and collect all payments:

  • Sale price: $75,000

  • Down payment: $18,000 (24%)

  • Finance: $57,000 at 10% for 8 years

  • Monthly payment: $711

  • Total received over 8 years: $86,256

Sounds great, right? But consider:

Opportunity Cost:

  • That $57,000 tied up for 8 years

  • Can't use it for more land deals

  • Average land flip profit: 50-100%

  • If you flip 2 deals per year with that capital:

8 years, capital deployed 16 times:

  • Average profit per flip: 40% = $22,800

  • Potential: $364,800 in 8 years

vs. collecting $86,256 over same period

Difference: $278,544 in opportunity cost


Scenario: Selling at Closing

  • Down payment: $18,000

  • Note sale: $45,600 (80% of $57,000)

  • Total: $63,600 immediately

Deploy in new deals:

  • Use $63,600 for next property

  • Continue flipping

  • Generate significantly more total return

The math:

  • Even if you "gave up" $22,656 ($86,256 - $63,600)

  • You gained $63,600 in working capital TODAY

  • That capital earning 40% per flip, twice per year

  • First year alone: $50,880 in additional profit

  • Breakeven in just 5 months

This is velocity of capital: Money makes money when it's working, not sitting idle.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get 100% of balance when selling my note?

A: No. Note buyers need yield/return on investment. Even with perfect note, expect maximum 80% (and that's at origination through programs like mine). Seasoned notes typically 60-75%.

Q: Why won't note buyers pay more for my high-interest note?

A: They will—to a point. A 12% note sells for more than a 6% note. But beyond 12-15%, you're limiting your borrower pool so much that you can't find qualified buyers, which defeats the purpose.

Q: I made mistakes during origination. Should I just hold the note forever?

A: Not necessarily. Get offers. You may be surprised. Even discounted notes can sell. Consider: Is 50% of balance TODAY better than collecting payments for 10 years with default risk?

Q: Can I sell just part of my note?

A: Yes, called "partial note sale." Sell first 36-48 months of payments, keep remainder. Less common in land notes but possible. Typically discounted 10-15% more than full note sale.

Q: What if borrower is late sometimes but always catches up?

A: Depends on pattern. One late payment in 2 years: minimal impact (maybe 5% discount). Consistently late: 10-20% discount. Missed payments: 20-30% discount or unsellable.

Q: Do I need to tell the borrower I'm selling the note?

A: Yes. They'll receive servicing transfer notice. Their payment address changes, but loan terms stay exactly the same. This is standard and legal.

Q: How long does it take to sell a note?

A: At closing (my program): Same as property closing, 2-3 weeks. Seasoned note: 2-4 weeks for due diligence, underwriting, closing.

Q: What documents do I need to sell my note?

A: Promissory note, deed of trust/mortgage, payment history, borrower credit report, property valuation, title report, copy of deed, insurance info.


The Bottom Line

Your land note's value is determined by six factors:

  1. Down payment (20%+ minimum)

  2. Credit score (660+ preferred)

  3. Professional servicing (vs. self-servicing = 10-20% difference)

  4. Documentation type (note/mortgage vs. land contract = 20% difference)

  5. Interest rate & term (9-12%, 5-10 years ideal)

  6. Property quality & LTV (good collateral, 70% max LTV)

Get these right from day one, and your note sells for 75-80%.

Get them wrong, and you're looking at 50-60% or unsellable.

The difference: $15,000-25,000 on a typical $75,000 land deal.

Key Takeaways:

  • Selling at closing gets best pricing (80% through my program)

  • Seasoned notes get 60-70% if done right, 50-60% with problems

  • Professional servicing pays for itself 1,462% over

  • Land contracts cost you 10-20% compared to note/mortgage

  • Down payment is the #1 factor (20% minimum, 25%+ preferred)

  • Work with foreclosure attorney, not general real estate attorney

  • Plan your exit strategy BEFORE you originate

  • Velocity of capital beats holding notes long-term


Ready to maximize your note value?

Whether you're planning to offer seller financing or already holding notes you'd like to sell, I can help.

For new originations: Contact me before you market the property. I'll guide the entire process and purchase your note at closing for 80%.

For existing notes: Send me the details. I'll evaluate and provide realistic pricing based on what you have.

Call/Text: 302-526-0200 Email: eric@damencapital.com


 
 
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