No Money Down

Definition of "No money down"

A method of purchasing real estate whereby a maximum amount of leverage is used. Normally the seller will finance the down payment necessary to acquire a mortgage. Thus, the purchaser is able to acquire ownership to the property with none or a marginal cash downpayment. For example, John wishes to purchase a home for $150,000. in order to acquire an 80% mortgage, he would need to provide a $30,000 cash down payment: $150,000*80%=$120,000. $150,000-$120,000=$30,000. The seller agrees to provide a $30,000 note in order to have the down payment. Thus, the purchaser acquires the home with the $30,000 note from the seller and the $120,000 mortgage from a mortgage lender for a total of $150,000.

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