It’s a poor reflection on human nature, but isn’t it always the case that whenever people are facing hard times, unscrupulous elements seem to flock? It seems that if there is a quick buck to be made, some people are ready to jump in and feed off raw human emotions as they know that decisions can sometimes be made hastily when someone is under a lot of pressure. This can certainly be true in the housing market and most especially these days. For hundreds of thousands of people around the country, buying a home with poor credit seems like an unattainable dream, yet there are many unscrupulous individuals out there willing to tell you that it can be done, sometimes with unrealistic expectations.
I particularly hate land contract sharks, and they seem to proliferate in Michigan. Land contracts, as you may know, are fully recognized by state and local authorities in Michigan and when treated correctly and realistically can represent a great way for first time home buyers with bad credit to get into their starter home. You only have to look for proof to the many thousands of people who commissioned such contracts, are currently living in the home of their dreams and have achieved this position of independence by using land contracts correctly, while rebuilding a credit position.
Very often, external circumstances beyond a person’s control can lead to the destruction of previously good credit. Unfortunately, buying a house with poor credit has been one of the greatest challenges of the past couple of years and it seems that land contract sharks have migrated to Detroit and surrounding areas in force – I hate them!
The way that land contract sharks work is to project that they are offering a home owner a great deal, together with very low monthly payments and little or no money as a down payment, only to subject the poor buyer to the mere status of renter when they move in, with little or no ability to make alterations and so on. The small print often contains hazardous restrictions, for example, not allowing you to complete a contract ahead of time and move on to find better percentage terms, should you wish. These hazards are just a couple of the major issues faced when interacting with the land contract sharks.
It’s important to remember that meaningful questions must be asked up front and the small print must be referred to at all times, so that no unfair terminology is injected without your knowledge. This is why it’s important to use the services of a land contract expert, making sure that the terms are couched in a way that can benefit you. This should be a win-win situation between the buyer and seller to make this alternative truly great. There are so many restrictions associated with conventional lending and the lender itself may not be sufficiently motivated. With land contracts, all parties will be motivated to make something work, but just make sure that you avoid those land contract sharks that may be circling above you – they only have one thing in mind, and it’s not your best interests!












