With the fast pace of the current market, most buyers are getting into numerous multiple offer situations. If you have to write a contract contingent on the sale of your home, you often may lose the home of your dreams. On the other end, more sellers are being left in transitory housing due to their current home selling so quickly, but being unable to win a multiple offer situation until after their home closes. The Home Swap program, provided through Knock, gives us a third option. This program is similar to a bridge loan and allows you to write non-contingent offers while home shopping for your new home. Then after you move and sell your current home, you pay the loan back from the proceeds. Check out some commonly asked questions below. I also would be happy to share the pros and cons for your situation!
How does the Knock Home Swap work?
The Knock Home Swap™ empowers you to buy your new home prior to selling your old house on the market for maximum value. Here’s how it works:
- We’ll get you fully underwritten for a new home loan with Knock including a down payment advance so you can start making offers fast.
- Put down a winning offer on your dream home with no sales contingency, and move in right away. You’ll pay your new mortgage while we cover the old one.
- We’ll advance up to $25,000 to get your old house ready for listing on the open market so it sells fast and for top dollar. When your house sells, you simply pay Knock back for the loan provided. It’s that simple!
How does the down payment advance, home prep money, and old mortgage coverage work?
In addition to the conventional loan on your new home, Knock qualifies you for and provides a bridge-like loan, that we call the Knock Equity Advance, to you. This equity advance is an interest-free loan that allows you to access the equity in your existing house now, before you sell, so you can buy your new home.
Do I have to make two mortgage payments?
With the Home Swap, you only pay one mortgage at a time. You’ll pay the mortgage on your new home, immediately building equity, while Knock covers the monthly mortgage payments on your old house.
What are the fees associated with the program?
For all of the convenience and certainty offered with the Home Swap, Knock charges a 1.25% convenience fee on the purchase of your new home. You can either pay this at closing or roll this into your equity advance. This convenience fee is similar to an origination fee, which many lenders charge. This is just Knock’s fee for the loan and is not inclusive of real estate commissions charged by your agent, or closing costs.
How do your rates compare with other lenders?
Knock offers competitive rates on our loan products. Rates may vary based on qualifications. For a custom quote, please complete our online application at knock.com!
Can I buy new construction through the Home Swap?
Yes absolutely! As long as the builder is funding the cost of construction prior to the final closing (most large builders do this). There are some specific details unique to new construction deals depending on time to build (related to pre-approval requirements and rate locks) that you’ll want to review with your Knock Mortgage Loan Advisor once we’ve received your application.
Can the Home Swap be used for condos/townhomes?
Absolutely! As long as the home will be used as the primary residence, the Home Swap can be used to buy and sell condos, townhomes and single family homes.
Will my home qualify for the Knock Home Swap?
Most homes will qualify for the Home Swap. Some things that would impede a home from qualifying would be significant water damage or foundation damage, a lack of recent similar sales data nearby, unpermitted additions, or if a home is a distressed sale or bank owned.
Home Prep: what do these funds cover, and how does
that process work?
Home Prep covers cosmetic improvements that your agent might suggest to help you net top dollar when you sell your old house. Knock onboards your contractors directly, and pays them after you’ve signed off on the completion of the work.
Can I use my own contractors for Home Prep?
Yes! We want you to feel comfortable with the people doing the work. We only require that they be licensed, insured, provide a signed W-9, and sign our vendor agreement.
What happens if my old house doesn’t sell on the market?
With the Home Swap, you’ll list your existing house on the market after you’ve purchased and moved into your new home. The goal is for you to sell your listing on the market for max value with your agent. That said, on the off chance your listing doesn’t sell on the market, you’ll have the option to take an offer from Knock that we provide you up front. (Laura sharing her: In the training, they stressed their goal is not to buy their home. They even recommended sellers reaching out to iBuyers before them buying it. My view is they are more mortgage lenders, than iBuyer investors)
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