When you get a shared equity mortgage a private seller or investor will make a down payment on the home and share in the equity. The investor can pull their investment if you return the down payment plus all accrued equity once the property is sold.

One alternative financing option
A share equity mortgage arrangement is an alternative financing option for buyers who might be able to make the monthly payments on a mortgage but cannot come up with the down payment.

This is not an agreement that one should enter lightly because the investor might not have the same long term goals as the homeowner. The private investor might want to pull his or her equity out of the home after a few years, while the resident wants to keep the property for 10, 15 or 30 years.

Use a lawyer who can help you structure your shared equity mortgage agreement to protect all parties
The best way to protect yourself and your investment is to use an attorney that specializes in these types of transactions. You should be able to get a recommendation from any real estate attorney in your town.

Your attorney will structure the arrangement so that both parties can receive whatever cash or equity they need in a reasonable amount of time either through a buyout or by selling the property.

Keep away from bad investors
A good attorney can also protect you from bad investors since they are less likely to want to go through the legal process if they dont have your best interest in mind.

Not all loans can be secured on a shared equity basis. Check with your lender to see what they will allow before you try to make a deal. Your current or potential lender will be the ultimate guide when it comes to your ability to get a shared equity mortgage. If your lender does allow this type of arrangement, they should be able to give you a quote for some other type of financing.

Not a good option if you are a control freak
You should also remember that one of the best advantages of owning a home is the sense of independence that you get from controlling the property.

If you are not willing to give up that independence perhaps you should consider getting the money as a gift or a personal loan instead of bringing a third party into your housing arrangement. Once you enter the shared equity mortgage contract it cannot be easily dissolved unless the property is sold or one partner buys out another.