{"id":369313,"date":"2022-11-28T14:53:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T19:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/home-loans-from-family-and-friends.html"},"modified":"2024-04-12T23:47:20","modified_gmt":"2024-04-13T04:47:20","slug":"home-loans-from-family-and-friends","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/home-loans-from-family-and-friends.html","title":{"rendered":"Home Loans From Family and Friends"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Home Loans From Family and Friends<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/robert-rafii-esq\/\">Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            April 12, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>More first-time homebuyers are turning to loved ones to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/mortgage-and-loan-basics.html\">secure loans<\/a>&nbsp;to purchase a new home. Everyone legally can borrow from family and friends if both parties are willing. If homeowners handle loaning money correctly, everyone can end up winning.<\/p>\r\n<p>These loans are often referred to as:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Private home loans or private mortgages<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Personal loans<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Intrafamily mortgages<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>They are not as uncommon as you might imagine. In many respects, they are almost the same as a mortgage that you could get from the bank or another traditional mortgage lender.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>These Types of Loans Are Common When:<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>You have trouble securing a mortgage loan from a bank.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>You have difficulty saving for a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/down-payment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">down payment<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>You don&#8217;t want to get involved in the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/types-of-lenders.html\">mortgage programs that banks offer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>It seems easier than using a bank or payment program.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Your personal finance situation is difficult, such as when you&#8217;re facing&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure.html\">foreclosure of your primary residence<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Married couples are overwhelmed by the home-buying process, and their parents want to help.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Table of Contents<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"#process\" >What Is the Private Home Loan Process?<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"#Borrower\" >Benefits for Borrower<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"#Lender\" >Benefits for Lender<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"#Paperwork\" >The Paperwork for a Private Loan<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"#After\" >After You Get the Private Loan<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"#Setting\" >Setting Up a Private Loan With a Lawyer&#8217;s Help<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b><a id=\"Process\"><\/a>What Does a Private Home Loan Process Look Like?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The homeownership loan process can be flexible for all parties involved. For example, let&#8217;s say you have a private loan for $50,000 for a home. Just like with more traditional loans and mortgages, you will probably have to agree to:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Sign several legal documents that go along with the private home loan (<a href=\"#Paperwork\" >more paperwork info below<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Make steady mortgage payments each month until the loan is paid off<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Example: $1,000 a month for 50 months, or just over four years.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>A set interest rate and pay the interest each month&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Example: a 3.9% interest rate, which brings your interest to $39 a month and brings your total payment to $1,039 per month<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Over time this means you will pay $51,950 total for the loan because $1,950 is in interest<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>You may also have to agree on your private lender:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/what-is-a-mortgage-lien-.html\">Holding a lien<\/a>&nbsp;on the home you buy<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Demanding payment in full if you fall behind on payments<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Foreclosing on your property (just like a bank) if you fall behind on payments<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Asking you to sell the house to make good on the outstanding balance of the loan<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Like with a bank, you would also have rights against the private lender as well. When borrowing from family or friends, the law still applies. They can&#8217;t ask for all the money upfront without just cause that comports with the law and the terms of the loan. For instance, they can&#8217;t demand all the money back because you missed your grandmother&#8217;s 80th birthday or broke away from family.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b><a id=\"Borrower\"><\/a>Benefits of a Private Loan: For the Borrower<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Opting for a private loan may offer several benefits compared to going to a bank. For example, you may be able to get the loan you need at a lower interest rate than you could have received from a bank.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>At the same time, the people you borrow from may be able to get an interest rate better than even the best savings account can offer. For example, if market rates are 8% for mortgages and 4% for savings accounts, your family might agree to 6% interest. That benefits both you (as a borrower) and your family (as savings investors).<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>These Benefits Could Include:<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p><b>Low-Interest Rate:&nbsp;<\/b>Banks are in the business of making money, and to this end, you are often at their mercy if they wish to charge a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/interest-rates-mortgage-points-and-fees.html\">high mortgage rate<\/a>. Because of the nature of private loans, however, your private lender may fix your loan at a lower rate than you would ever see coming from a bank. The example above demonstrates this scenario.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><b>Payment Flexibility:&nbsp;<\/b>You&#8217;re under less pressure regarding formalities. Unlike banks and other institutional lenders, a private lender will most likely allow you to vary your payment schedule depending on your circumstances. Also, a private lender would probably not impose penalties for things like early repayment, whereas banks commonly engage in the practice.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><b>Federal Tax Deductions:&nbsp;<\/b>You can deduct from your federal taxes while borrowing from family or friends. You can take the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/homeowner-tax-deduction-list.html\">same IRS tax deductions<\/a>&nbsp;for your private loan as you would for conventional loans.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><b>Better Loan Terms:<\/b>&nbsp;This one is especially true when you&#8217;re dealing with family. You won&#8217;t have to worry about closing costs or other hidden fees affecting your bottom line. Your family members are also less likely to give you a hard time about your credit score, credit card debts,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/home-equity-loan-basics.html\">home equity<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/debt-to-income-ratio.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">debt-to-income ratio (DTI)<\/a>. If they trust you from experience, they won&#8217;t nitpick over your personal finances as much as a bank might. They also might not care if the money goes to an investment property versus a home purchase.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b><a id=\"Lender\"><\/a>Benefits of a Private Loan: For the Lender<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>In addition to benefiting the borrower, a private loan also benefits the private lender. These benefits could include things like:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p><b>A Better Rate of Return:&nbsp;<\/b>Private lenders can offer the borrower an interest rate between the highest savings-account interest and the lowest mortgage rate. By doing this, everyone wins. Again, refer to the 6% example above. The borrower gets a great interest rate, and the lender&#8217;s money earns more than it would from sitting in a savings account.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><b>Steady Income:&nbsp;<\/b>Like conventional mortgages, private loans are paid over a period of time. Because of this, the lender has the opportunity to have a steady source of reliable and dependable income.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b><a id=\"Paperwork\"><\/a>The Paperwork for a Private Loan<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Suppose you agree with a friend, family, or loved one to have them finance all or a portion of your home loan. You should treat it just as a bank would. To this end, you should draw up the necessary paperwork, such as a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/promissory-notes.html\">promissory note<\/a>&nbsp;and various documents that go along with a mortgage. Also, consider putting down a proposed repayment schedule in writing.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p><b>Promissory Note:<\/b>&nbsp;Commonly called a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/use-promissory-notes-when-lending-to-family-and-friends.html\">mortgage note<\/a>. This is a binding document signed by both you and your lender. It says you agree and promise to repay the loan under specific terms. The terms that must be included in this note are:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>The interest rate<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>The loan principal<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Payment dates<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>The period between payments<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Any penalties that may be imposed for late payments or nonpayment, such as requiring full payment of the loan if certain conditions occur.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><b>Mortgage:<\/b>&nbsp;Also known as a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/what-are-property-deeds.html\">deed of trust<\/a>, the mortgage document is the legally binding document that secures the promissory note. This gives the lender the legal authority to foreclose on the property if you do not pay off the entire loan. They may also collect fees and interest within a specified time. The mortgage document needs to include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>The recognized owner of the property<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>A legal description of the property<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>The borrower&#8217;s responsibility to pay off the promissory note<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>The borrower&#8217;s responsibility to maintain insurance<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Any regulations to keep the property in good condition<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p>Rules regarding if the lender may ask for full payment on the loan immediately if you, as the borrower, fail to comply with the mortgage<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><b>Repayment Schedule:&nbsp;<\/b>Although it is not legally required, it is still a good idea to put down in writing the agreed-upon repayment terms. This will help avoid any unnecessary strain between you and your private lender.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b><a id=\"After\"><\/a>After You Get the Private Loan<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Like a traditional loan agreement, you can still face problems paying off the loan.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/contacting-your-loan-servicer.html\">Contact your private lender<\/a>&nbsp;as soon as possible. Because your lender will be family or a friend, you may be able to work out a solution. They may consider forgiving some payments on the loan or allowing you to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/debt-relief\/do-s-and-don-ts-refinancing.html\">refinance<\/a>. It would be best to avoid taking advantage of this in excess, however, as it may significantly strain the relationship between you and your lender.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b><a id=\"Setting\"><\/a>Setting up a Private Loan? You May Want To Speak With an Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Buying a home is the biggest transaction you will likely make in your lifetime. While it may be considered a healthy form of debt, it&#8217;s still a huge commitment. Your real estate agent or Realtor may offer limited advice, but it won&#8217;t cover all your legal bases.<\/p>\r\n<p>You may encounter multiple legal issues when closing on a home sale or securing financial resources. This is true even if you can procure home loans from friends and family. Consider speaking with a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">real estate attorney<\/a>&nbsp;to ensure your private loan terms protect your interests.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Many real estate processes can be handled on your own or with the help of a realtor\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex real estate issues (such as construction defects or illegal landlord actions) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or mortgage loan issues can benefit from legal expertise. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home.html\">\n                        Buying a Home\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law.html\">\n                        Landlord-Tenant Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/neighbor-disputes.html\">\n                        Neighbor Disputes\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Real Estate Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/construction-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Construction Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/eminent-domain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eminent Domain Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/foreclosure-alternatives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foreclosure and Alternatives Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/land-use-zoning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Land Use and  Zoning Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Landlord and Tenant Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/housing-construction-defects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Housing and Construction Defects Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>More and more people are turning to loved ones to secure home loans. Find out more about how this works in practice at FindLaw&#8217;s Real Estate Law Center.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":369299,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2741],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-369313","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-realestate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369313","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369313"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369313\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369299"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369313"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369313"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369313"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=369313"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=369313"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}