What Is a Wraparound Mortgage and How Does It Work?

A wraparound mortgage is a unique financing option that allows a homebuyer to assume the seller’s existing mortgage while obtaining additional financing to cover the remaining purchase price. This alternative form of lending can help buyers with less-than-perfect credit or those seeking to avoid conventional lenders. However, it requires a clear understanding of its mechanics and potential risks. A financial advisor can help you plan for a home purchase and advise you on the right financing options for your situation. 

In a wraparound mortgage or “wrap,” the buyer makes mortgage payments directly to the seller, who continues to make the payments on their original loan. The new mortgage “wraps around” the existing one, encompassing both the remaining balance and the additional funds borrowed. 

After a deal is agreed upon, the buyer signs a promissory note – a legal document in which they promise to pay back the loan – and the title to the property is eventually transferred. Although the buyer technically takes ownership of the home, the seller continues to pay off their original mortgage using the monthly payments they receive from the buyer. Those payments include a higher interest rate on the full amount of the wraparound mortgage, leaving the seller with the difference as profit.

For example, a homeowner named Derick is selling his house, which has a remaining mortgage balance of $75,000 at a 5% interest rate. A buyer named Cynthia agrees to purchase the home for $300,000 and has $30,000 for a down payment. She finances the rest of the purchase using a wraparound mortgage with a 7% interest rate. As a result, she pays off the remaining balance on Derick’s existing loan and he pockets the difference between his monthly mortgage payment and Cynthia’s. 

A wraparound mortgage tends to come in handy under specific financial conditions. For instance, when interest rates spike or the economy enters a downturn, this secondary financing option can help buyers who struggle to qualify for a conventional loan. Keep in mind, it’s not a universal remedy, and the effectiveness can fluctuate based on individual financial scenarios. 

While wraparound mortgages are considered a type of secondary financing, they’re not the same as second mortgages.

Second mortgages, which tap into your home’s equity, are typically used to pay major expenses like home improvements or new car purchases. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a common example of a second mortgage. 

Wraparound mortgages, on the other hand, are intended mainly for sellers looking to finance buyers who may have difficulty securing traditional loans – not for homeowners who are looking to use their home equity to fund other purchases. 

Like a wrap, a second mortgage often has a higher interest rate than the first. But while wraparound mortgages essentially take the place of an original loan, second mortgages are separate loans and require homeowners to take on an additional monthly payment.  

Wraparound mortgages offer some obvious advantages and benefits, but they aren’t a panacea. First, here’s a look at some of the notable pros of using a wraparound mortgage: 

However, there are risks and potential pitfalls associated with wraparound mortgages. Be aware of the following:  

Wraparound mortgages, though viable under certain circumstances, aren’t the sole solution available. Buyers may also explore conventional mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, balloon mortgages or interest-only mortgages. Each alternative mortgage type brings its set of merits and drawbacks, which could fluctuate depending upon the buyer’s credit history, financial standing and the prevailing interest rate trends.

A wraparound mortgage can be a valuable tool for both buyers and sellers, providing an alternative to traditional financing methods. The seller becomes the “bank” and receives monthly payments from the buyer while continuing to make the monthly payments on their original mortgage. Since the buyer agrees to a higher interest rate, the seller can pocket the difference between their monthly mortgage payment and the buyer’s. However, it’s crucial for all parties involved to thoroughly understand the terms, potential risks and legal implications before proceeding. 

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