Chicago Real Estate Debt Arrangements

The recent economic crisis has made debt a way of life for most people, and Chicago real estate is no exception

Many people are facing foreclosure because they lack the necessary funds to pay for their mortgage. At the same time, it has given people the opportunity to purchase properties for less than what they would have paid before the collapse. But investing in real estate is not without its risks.

Buying a property means a complete transfer of ownership, which means that you must meet all financial obligations. These can include, but are not limited to:

Mortgages
Liens
Property taxes

If you are thinking about investing in real estate, it’s important to understand these risks so you can protect yourself. And a qualified real estate attorney will be your best line of defense. He or she will not only make sure your rights are protected, but he or she can also work on your behalf – especially if you’re being faced with any lawsuit or litigation.
Debt vs. Equity
Aside from investing in real estate, you can also invest in real estate debt. You are taking part in the financing of a home by lending funds to a buyer or owner of a property, and you make money off of the interest. This loan comes in the form of a mortgage, where the homeowner makes monthly payments over a specific period of time.

With equity investments, you are the owner of the property, which means that you can benefit from any added value. With this arrangement, you can benefit from charging more rent. But there are more risks involved in these types of investments, as it can be hard to predict what tenants will do. They may decide to leave the property, which may leave you unable to cover your mortgage. Or they can damage it, which can leave you with costly repairs. Another risk to equity investments is that the mortgage holder can foreclose, which may force you to abandon your interest in the property.

The type of investment you choose will depend on your risk tolerance, and it will also depend on how much you expect to get back. A Chicago real estate attorney can help you to understand the possible legal risks, and he or she can help you minimize your chances of any lawsuits or litigation.

Why Invest in Chicago Real Estate Debt

While investing in real estate debt isn’t as risky as equity investments, they can bring in a steady stream of revenue over a long period of time. Plus, the increasing volume will give you more opportunity to get in on one or more of them. Some are even moving into secondary and tertiary markets, which tend to have a broader business cycle. So, you might get an even bigger return if you decide to invest in one of these loans.

Using a Chicago Real Estate Attorney

Real estate debt arrangements are not without their risks; and while you might not be able to eliminate it, you should do whatever you can to minimize it. Real estate law can be a complicated matter, and problems can occur – some of which could result in litigation. That’s why it’s important to talk to an attorney before you decide to invest in real estate debt.

You always want to do your due diligence before you decide to work with someone. Not only will this save you a great deal of time, but it can also keep you from losing hundreds (or possibly thousands) of dollars. Be sure to shop around, and be sure to check with your state’s Bar Association to see if they have had any hearings or investigations in the past. Doing this will make sure you hire someone legitimate.

You should also talk to friends or family members to see if they know someone they can recommend. This could save you the hassle of having to go through a list of phone numbers, which can take away a huge chunk of your time.

We have a team of experts who are familiar with a variety of aspects related to Chicago real estate law, and all of them can work on your behalf to make sure you are protected. If you want to find out how we can help you, get in touch with us today!