Definition of "Wrap-Around Mortgage"
A mortgage loan transaction in which the lender assumes responsibility for an existing mortgage. A wrap-around can be attractive to home sellers because they may be able to sell their home for a higher price. In addition, if the current market interest rate is above the rate on the existing mortgage, the seller can earn an attractive return on the cash foregone from the sale. For instance, if the $70,000 mortgage in the example has a rate of 6% and the new mortgage for $95,000 has a rate of 8%, S earns 8% on his $25,000 investment plus the difference between 8% and 6% on $70,000. The total return is about 13.5%. Only assumable loans are legally able to be wrapped. Assumable loans are those on which existing borrowers can transfer their obligations to qualified house purchasers. Today, only FHA and VA loans are assumable without the permission of the lender. Other fixed-rate loans carry 'due on sale' clauses, which require that the mortgage be repaid in full if the property is sold.
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