Frequently Asked Questions
Are you guaranteeing that I will get full market value?
UpEquity’s full market value reflects the current list price of the property on the trade up service agreement. The first installment is guaranteed when UpEquity purchases the Old Home and control of the list price remains in the hands of the client using the program so in many cases, the Trade Up program allows clients to sell their home at or above the current listing price, however, UpEquity cannot guarantee it.
How are the 2 installments broken up?
Installment one is intended to give the client access to the funds necessary to move into their new home. These funds are generally used to payoff any existing mortgage on the Old Home and make a down payment towards the New Home.
Installment two comes after the Resale of the Old Home and is intended to give the client the remaining upside of the full market value.
Is a second installment guaranteed?
The only scenario where a second installment is not paid is when a client decides to lower the Old Home list price by more than the Market Condition Holdback amount outlined in the Service Agreement. On the flip side, anytime there is an upside, UpEquity will pay a second installment. UpEquity can only guarantee our first installment when we purchase the Old Home because the second installment is dependent on the final sales price of the Old Home to the ultimate buyer. Control of the list price remains in the hands of the client using the program so in many cases, the Trade Up program allows clients to sell their home at the current listing price, however, UpEquity cannot guarantee it.
Who does the client’s mortgage on New Home?
Trade Up clients can work with any mortgage company for their new home.
Does Client have keep paying their old mortgage?
No. Any mortgages and liens on the Old Home would be paid off at the time of UpEquity's purchase of the home. Generally, the funds from installment one are used for these payoffs.
How does the inspection process work?
Once a client has signed a Trade Up Service Agreement and the UpEquity Purchase Agreement for their Old Home, UpEquity will send instructions for scheduling a home inspection. UpEquity is only looking for major issues such as mold or structural damage to the property that would detract potential buyers. UpEquity will share the results of the inspection with the client.
What happens if the Old Home sells for more?
UpEquity will not pocket any upside. If the Old Home sells for more than the current list price, the difference will be paid out to the client in installment two.
How quickly do we need to sell the Old Home?
A client will retain full control of marketing and listing the property as well as negotiating and accepting offers in conjunction with the Resale for a period of 180 days after the UpEquity purchase occurs. After 180 days UpEquity will take control of the Resale process. UpEquity will still use best efforts to maximize the ultimate purchase price.
How long is the Trade Up Service Agreement valid?
A client will have 14 days to review and sign the Service Agreement. After 14 days, our team will need to run a refresh of the offer. Once the Service Agreement has been signed, the UpEquity Purchase Price is valid for 60 days. If 60 days pass and the Old Home has not been sold, UpEquity will refresh the offer based on existing market conditions and continue to do so every 60 days.
What happens if I back out of the transaction?
If the Old Home is sold to an unaffiliated 3rd party and the transaction is closed prior to the close date of the UpEquity purchase OR a written cancellation notice is provided to UpEquity, then UpEquity will waive the convenience fee and terminate the purchase contract.
How is the Convenience Fee collected?
UpEquity charges a one time fee due at the time of UpEquity’s purchase of the Old Home. In practice, the convenience fee is deducted from installment 1. This fee is included in the closing documents of the UpEquity purchase of the Old Home and will not need to be paid out of pocket.
Does the Client have to pay for an appraisal?
No, but the Old Home does need to pass an inspection.
What is the estimated resale holdback?
These are costs that are paid regardless of using UpEquity's Trade Up program or not. This holdback conservatively estimates the traditional costs, fees, and concessions associated with the selling of the Old Home to the subsequent buyer such as real estate agent commissions, property taxes, title fees, HOA deposits, and other applicable charges. If the resale costs are ultimately lower than the holdback, then the client will receive the difference in installment 2. UpEquity does not keep these funds.
How are you different from other Buy Before You Sell companies?
The Trade Up program has three features that differentiate it from other products on the market: A full market value offer, cost, and service.
With the Trade Up program, clients receive a full market value offer so they can sell their home for max value, buy their next one for less, and remove the stress of buying, selling, & moving at the same time.
In addition, there are no out of pocket costs. We believe in full transparency and don’t hide fees. UpEquity attempts to be the lowest cost product of its kind.
The last differentiator is our level of service - white glove service - we truly pride ourselves on it and make the entire buying and selling process seamless.
What happens if my old home doesn’t sell?
UpEquity allows clients to continue marketing and listing their home until it eventually sells to a final buyer. If the home remains unsold for 180 days after UpEquity’s purchase of the home, UpEquity will begin taking a larger role in the control of the resale and setting the list price. UpEquity has never seen a situation where a home never sold after using our Trade Up program.
What percentage of the listing price is installment one?
The UpEquity purchase price (installment 1) is not calculated by a standard percentage of the current listing price. Rather, installment one is calculated using an algorithm that helps determine the UpEquity purchase price on a case by case basis considering several factors.
Does UpEquity take title ownership of the home?
Yes. When UpEquity purchases the Old Home and issues installment, UpEquity will take full title ownership of the property to make the program effective for any new mortgage. The Service Agreement provides the contractual arrangement to allow the client to retain full control over the Resale.
Can the cost basis change?
The cost basis will not change once the Service Agreement is signed. These costs are not estimated and UpEquity will strictly commit to the cost basis schedule outlined in the Service Agreement in order to provide the cliently certainty on a monthly basis.
What is the cost basis?
UpEquity will pay certain costs in the course of legally owning the Old Home. These costs include monthly “Carrying Costs” such as homeowners insurance, property taxes, homeowners association dues, and certain administrative costs. The cost basis captures the typical monthly fees of a homeowner and is designed to provide you with certainty on a monthly basis. It is typically favorable compared to the client’s existing cost of owning the home. These costs will be taken out of the second installment.
When are the two installments paid?
Installment 1 is paid at the time of UpEquity’s purchase of the Old Home. UpEquity will purchase the Old Home one to two days prior to the closing of the client’s New Home purchase. When the Old Home is resold, UpEquity will remit the applicable second installment within 14 days. Generally, UpEquity pays the second installment in 1-2 days following the Resale.
Who controls the list price?
UpEquity allows the client to retain full control of marketing and listing the property as well as negotiating and accepting offers in conjunction with the Resale for a period of 180 days after the UpEquity purchase occurs. This includes the ability to control the list price of the Old Home. After six UpEquity will take control of the Resale process. UpEquity will still use best efforts to maximize the ultimate purchase price.
When will UpEquity purchase the Old Home?
UpEquity will purchase the Old Home and pay installment one 1-2 days prior to the closing of the client’s New Home purchase. This will help align the closings, provide a more seamless move, and create a clean transfer of funds through title companies.
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