Subject-To Disclosure Document Template
A starting-point disclosure document for subject-to transactions, where the seller signs an explicit acknowledgment that they understand the structure, the risks, and their continued exposure on the underlying mortgage. Critical for legal protection and good ethics.
- Plain-language disclosure of the subject-to structure
- Specific acknowledgment of due-on-sale risk
- Seller acknowledgment that their name remains on the loan
- Seller acknowledgment of buyer's performance obligations
- Recommendation to seek independent legal counsel
- Present this BEFORE the seller signs the purchase contract
- Walk the seller through every section — verbally explain the structure
- Have the seller sign acknowledgments in person (with witness or notary)
- Provide the seller a copy for their records
- NEVER skip this step — operators who close sub-to without disclosure get sued and prosecuted
Copy below, or download.
SUBJECT-TO TRANSACTION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
This disclosure is provided to you, the Seller of the property at:
[PROPERTY ADDRESS], as part of a "Subject-To" real estate transaction
proposed by [BUYER NAME]. Please read this document carefully and
ask any questions before signing.
============================
1. WHAT "SUBJECT-TO" MEANS
============================
In a Subject-To transaction:
• You transfer ownership of the Property to the Buyer (or to a trust
the Buyer controls).
• Your existing mortgage loan REMAINS in place — it is NOT paid off
at closing.
• The Buyer takes responsibility for making the monthly mortgage
payments going forward.
• Your name will remain on the mortgage loan and on your credit
report until the loan is paid off, refinanced, or otherwise
satisfied — which may take years.
============================
2. KEY RISKS YOU ARE TAKING
============================
DUE-ON-SALE CLAUSE: Almost every mortgage contains a "due-on-sale"
clause giving the lender the right to demand the entire loan balance
be paid in full when the property is transferred. While lenders do
not always exercise this right, it is a real legal risk. If the
lender does call the loan, the Buyer will need to refinance or
otherwise satisfy the loan — but you, as the original borrower,
remain legally responsible to the lender if the Buyer fails to pay.
YOUR CREDIT IS AT RISK: Because your name remains on the mortgage,
the Buyer's payment performance — on-time or late — will continue
to affect YOUR credit score for as long as the loan exists. A late
or missed payment by the Buyer can damage your credit, even though
you no longer own the property.
POTENTIAL CONTINUED LIABILITY: If the Buyer fails to pay the
mortgage, or if the lender forecloses, you could face:
• Foreclosure on your credit history
• Potential deficiency judgment if the lender's recovery falls
short of the loan balance
• Difficulty qualifying for future mortgages (the existing loan
counts in your debt-to-income calculations)
============================
3. WHAT THE BUYER COMMITS TO
============================
The Buyer agrees to:
• Make all monthly mortgage payments on time, by automatic
withdrawal where possible
• Provide you monthly proof of payment within 5 business days
of each due date
• Maintain property insurance with the original lender named as
mortgagee
• Notify you within 48 hours if the Buyer becomes aware of any
lender communication indicating the loan may be called
• Use commercially reasonable efforts to refinance, pay off, or
formally assume the loan within ___ years
============================
4. YOUR RIGHTS
============================
You have the right to:
• Consult independent legal counsel before signing this disclosure
or the related purchase agreement. The Buyer STRONGLY ENCOURAGES
you to do so at the Buyer's expense up to $_______.
• Cancel this transaction at any time before closing.
• Receive a copy of every monthly mortgage statement going forward.
• Be notified of any lender contact regarding the loan.
============================
5. ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY SELLER
============================
By signing below, you acknowledge:
□ You have read and understand this disclosure
□ You understand the due-on-sale risk and that your name remains
on the loan
□ You understand your credit may be affected by the Buyer's
payment performance
□ You have been advised to consult independent legal counsel
□ You are entering this transaction voluntarily and without
coercion
Seller signature: ____________________________
Printed name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
Witness or Notary signature: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
Buyer signature: ____________________________
Printed name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________ - This is a STARTING POINT. State law on subject-to disclosure varies. Always have a real-estate attorney experienced in subject-to transactions adapt this document to your state.
- Notarized or witnessed signatures are strongly recommended even where not legally required.
- Give the seller TIME to read and ask questions. Sub-to deals signed under pressure are the ones that get unwound by courts.
- Keep clear records of every signature, every disclosure, and every monthly payment. Documentation is the difference between a clean operation and a lawsuit.
Deeper context.
Terms referenced in this template.
A "subject-to" deal is when an investor buys a property and takes title, while leaving the seller's existing mortgage in place — the investor makes payments on the seller's loan. Used to acquire properties with locked-in low rates or when the seller is behind on payments and needs to walk away.
The Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982 is the federal law that prevents lenders from enforcing due-on-sale clauses in certain enumerated situations — including transfers to a revocable trust where the borrower remains a beneficiary.
A land trust is a legal entity that holds title to real estate on behalf of a beneficiary, with a trustee managing the property per the trust agreement. Used by investors for privacy, asset protection, and as a workaround for due-on-sale clauses on subject-to deals.
Creative finance is the family of non-conventional real-estate transaction structures — subject-to, seller financing, wraparound mortgages, lease options, land contracts. Used when conventional financing doesn't fit the deal or when the seller has motivation to preserve a below-market loan.
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