For those doing seller financing and L/Os - Posted by Kristine-CA

Posted by JT-IN on August 05, 2008 at 05:53:20:

Kristine:

I try to use std conv ratios as to income/pymt and total DTI ratios. Of course I am flexible on these and will exceed the max ratios (based on actual income, not necessarily documented income) as long as they are capable of and seem to be moving in the right direction. It is all about what they will look like 1 yr out, or 2 yrs out in a 2 yr agreement, sans lightning striking such as winning the lottery or having absolutely everything fall into place perfectly; as we know it never does.

What is sometimes necessary is retraining the T/B… Teaching them how to document, keep records, show proper income, etc. It is almost like rebuilding credit, but in the cash out of pocket person, it is a matter of establishing income, credit, etc. Becoming something other than transparent… as to credit and income. Some simply cannot make the transition because it is a life changer. They must really want to get the option exercised enough to do things differently. Maybe a 50/50 chance of transition, based on my experiences.

JT

For those doing seller financing and L/Os - Posted by Kristine-CA

Posted by Kristine-CA on August 04, 2008 at 18:33:34:

For those of you doing seller financing and L/Os:

What kind of housing payment to income ratio do you like to see?

In my market it appears that many families can most definitely afford, per my
standards, a housing payment, taxes and insurance. Their main challenge
when seeking a loan is self-employment income. Many have no credit
history. This is isn’t because they don’t pay their bills or because they don’t
have social security numbers. It’s because they don’t use much credit. They
get paid in cash, save cash and buy with cash. Surely others are in similar
markets. Maybe not, maybe it’s a CA thing :). According the Millionaire Next
Door, this saving and using very little credit is an immigrant and first
generation trait…it goes downhill after that.

I’m looking for some data on what good payors have for income to housing
payment ratios. Thanks, Kristine