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Frequently Asked Questions


WHY DO I WANT TO BE A 321ADVANTAGE SELLER?

321SELLERS- SELL SMARTER! SELL FASTER & NET MORE!

321Advantage represents the SELLER and teams up with your Realtor. Our system is designed so that the seller maintains his price position while offering incentives through *seller-incentives.

DOES THIS REQUIRE HOLDING A MORTGAGE or any TYPE OF SELLER FINANCING?

THIS DOES NOT REQUIRE: holding a mortgage, mortgage assumption, or a lease with an option to buy arrangement. The buyer applies for his financing through a lender of his choice.

DOES THIS REQUIRE THAT THE BUYER & SELLER MAINTAIN A RELATIONSHIP AFTER THE CLOSING?

THIS DOES NOT REQUIRE that the Seller and Buyer maintain any relationship after they shake hands at the closing (unless of course it’s their choice.)

Is it legal to offer Seller Incentives?

Sellers can legally offer incentives up to 9% of the Sale Price/Appraised Value of the property.

Are there tax benefits for the Seller?

Yes! When a Seller reduces his price he/she basically throws that money out the window. However, a Seller who structures the sale of his home utilizing the 321ADVANTAGE is able to declare the cost of the Temporary Interest Rate Buydown (Discount Points) as a Seller Expense. This amount can be deducted from the net of the property. Other Seller Expenses are: Realtor’s Commission, Attorney’s fees…

Is there a Tax Benefit for the Buyer?

Yes! Buyers should appreciate the Discount in their interest rate because although the Seller pays to Discount the rate, the Buyer is able to use the cost of the interest rate buydown as a tax deduction in accordance with IRS Revenue Procedure 94-27. (Must be a primary residence to Loan Amount up to $1 Million.)

IS THIS A HIGH RISK "SUBPRIME TYPE" Loan?

Absolutely not! This is an extremely conservative financing option that allows a homebuyer to lock into today’s low interest rates while he/she gradually eases into homeownership. With the 321ADVANTAGE program the buyer knows exactly how much his payment is going to be…NO Sticker Shock! No Surprise adjustments.

What type of Buyer would beneit from this arrangement?

This type of INCENTIVE works great for first time homebuyers. It’s also an excellent option for borrowers who have potential for increased earnings within the next 2-3 years. Buyers like doctors, lawyers, married couples where one spouse is working and the other is in school and expects to be working in the next couple years. This also works well for people who are working on paying off student loans or credit card debt. Parents with college-aged children may benefit from the lower initial payments that 321ADVANTAGE allows. What if you’re considering an addition or a swimming pool? New furniture and appliances? Let’s face it…the only Buyer who wouldn’t benefit is the ALL ? CASH BUYER and even he/she should consult his accountant with regard to the tax benefits this system provides.

DO WE STILL NEED A REALTOR?

YES! ABSOLUTELY! 321Advantage believes that choosing a competent, efficient, assertive Realtor in the current real estate environment to advise and assist Sellers through the marketing process is paramount to consummating a successful transaction. 321ADVANTAGE works together with your Realtor to help you achieve your highest possible price within the shortest timeframe.

WHO HOLDS & MAINTAINS the ESCROW ACCOUNT?

Usually the buyer’s lender oversees the escrow account.

What happens if the Buyer sells or refinances during the interest rate buydown period?

The escrow money would pass to the Buyer at closing. Normally those funds would be used to pay down the mortgage balance.

What if we are interested in a property that is not in the 321ADVANTAGE Network?

You can pass along our information/ website and ask them to contact us or we will contact them and negotiate the transaction so that they are represented.

How much does it cost the SELLER to join the 321ADVANTAGE Network?

Initially, we charge a nominal fee of $299 to join the 321Advantage Network. (Please review Network Membership entitlements.) If you choose to utilize our system and we represent you through negotiations, and assist you in structuring and closing the transaction we charge a fee that does not exceed .005 x the Sale Price of your home.

321ADVANTAGE GUARANTEE: The service we provide is so inexpensive that we guarantee that we will save you more money than it will cost you for our service.

How much does it cost the BUYER?

Nothing. 321ADVANTAGE represents the SELLER and we negotiate in his/her behalf.

When should a SELLER join the Network?

Why wait? We advocate that the cost to join the Network is so inexpensive that you should join the day you list your home. Why not stimulate curiosity and interest, improve market psychology, increase your pool of qualified Buyers from DAY 1? However, if you have been on the market and haven’t received any legitimate offers …it’s NEVER too late!

What is the Difference Between a Temporary Buydown and a Permanent Buydown?

A permanent interest rate buydown requires paying discount points that reduce the interest rate for the life of the loan. One point is equal to .001 x Loan Amount.

For example:
A BANK MAY OFFER A 30 Year Fixed Rate:

5.5% 3.0 point
5.75% 2.0 points
6.0% 1 point
6.25% 0 points

A temporary interest rate buydown is a much greater reduction in rate and payment for the term of the buydown.

321ADVANTAGE prefers the temporary buydown:
The cost of the permanent buydown is expensive in comparison to the small difference in rate and payment it provides, especially when we take into consideration the fact that the average homeowner sells or refinances every 5 to 7 years. (60 to 84 payments)

Would 321ADVANTAGE work for REO’s (Bank Owned Properties) Foreclosures and short Sales?

YES! Because even if the Seller is "Upside down" which means he owes more than what the house is currently worth, he’s better off negotiating with 321ADVANTAGE rather than Standard Price Reductions of 10’s of thousands of dollars.