What Are the Benefits of Assignment Sale? (2020 Update)
Many may have heard of the term assignment sale but are unfamiliar with how it works.
Let’s take a closer look at precisely what assignment sales are and what’s involved in buying or selling an assignment.
A real estate sale is between two parties transferring the ownership of physical property for a predetermined amount.
However, there are instances where transactional activities occur during the pre-construction phase of a property. Such actions are known as assignment sales. It is possible when the right to buy a property is sold to another individual before completion of the construction.
Assignment sales are most often seen in the condominium market as it is common for the builder to sell out their inventory early on in the development. Still, the units continue to be high in demand. The sale allows new buyers to be given opportunities to own an interest in the units still if specific individuals decide to sell their assignment.
When an offer is made on a pre-construction condo unit, an Agreement of Purchase & Sale would be signed by the original purchaser. The agreement would include an Assignment Agreement Clause stipulating the right to assign the contract to another under certain conditions. Mainly, this permits the original purchaser, or the Assignor, to sell their obligation to purchase the property to another individual, or the Assignee. The Assignee would be the one to complete and close the final sale with the builder.
As participants of an assignment transaction, there are several key factors to consider. In the next section, you’ll see the benefits of buying or selling an assignment.
Buying an Assignment
In a seller’s market, buyers may often find themselves in a bidding war. And end up paying for a significantly higher price. Instead of pursuing this route, buying an assignment can be an excellent alternative as relatively speaking. There is less competition for these properties, which can lower the cost for the buyer.
The assignment of a property has been around in the real estate industry for quite some time. Yet it is not widely known.
This is often due to the marketing restrictions that are usually in place. They prevent assignments from being advertised on popular platforms such as the Multiple Listing Services (MLS®).
With that said, having an agent knowledgeable in this area is crucial as they can open doors to homes that may never otherwise be known. This gives buyers a larger pool of saleable homes with less competition to choose from.
Buying an assignment can also lead to possessing the property quicker than purchasing a pre-sale unit. When an assignment is available for sale, construction is often already well underway, meaning the time to occupancy is shortened. Depending on what stage the development is in, the Assignee can still be able to personalize the unit by choosing their finishes, appliances, and other upgrades to the unit.
The Assignee will be responsible for settling the deposit as well as any profit or loss to the Assignor. Moreover, the Assignee will be liable for the full purchase amount at completion, along with the terms and conditions that are written in the original contract.
Selling an Assignment
With pre-construction sales, there is usually a long period before the unit is ready for occupancy. By going through the process of an assignment sale, the Assignor can get out of their contract without having to endure the mortgage process and incur the closing costs to resell the property.
From an investor’s perspective, the benefit is that not only can the Assignor receive their original deposit back, they also can negotiate with the Assignee for a higher price. With today’s increasing demand for condos, many investors lock in their profits from an assignment sale and use it towards their next investment opportunity.
Continuing a series of profitable transactions.
Assigning the contract can also save investors the interim occupancy fees for a unit they never plan to live in.
Aside from investors, assigning the contract is also an excellent option for individuals who initially plan on settling in the new unit but encounter situations where lifestyle changes affect their ability to fulfill the obligations of the purchase.
As an example, a young couple may be expecting a newborn. Making the unfinished condo unit too small for their growing family. The option to sell the unit before completion. It can allow them to acquire their proceeds back more swiftly. Than if they waited for the condo to be built to be resold in the market.
Thus, assigning the contract to another interested party would release the Assignor from all purchase obligations. As long as the original purchase contract allows for assignments and the new purchaser can satisfy both the details of the agreement and financial qualifications, most builders would approve.
However, the seller of the assignment will need to be aware of building assignment fees that are well documented in the purchase contract. Also, there may be restrictions that prohibit assignments to be marketed on popular platforms. Doing so would be a breach of contract resulting in the loss of the deposit.
How We Can Help
Assignment sales may be an excellent option for investors or homeowners. However, they still can be complicated as the risks and requirements are different as opposed to the usual purchase and sale of a property.
It is vital to work with an experienced realtor who understands the intricacies of assignment sales so that they can guide you seamlessly through the process. Contact JOVI Realty today if you’re interested in learning more about assignment sales.
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