buying a car through lawyer when owner has loan

by Mr. Monroe Thompson 9 min read

You can sell to a dealer from whom you also want to buy a car. In this case, you would give the dealer power of attorney so he can hash out the financials with the lender directly. The dealer will pay off your loan and compensate you for the amount, if any, over the sale price you negotiated.

Full Answer

Do I have to pay off the seller's loans before buying a car?

Jan 21, 2021 · How to Sell a Car That Still Has a Loan/Lien. 1. Find Out Your Car’s Value. If you’re looking to sell your car but have yet to pay off your loan, the first thing you need to do is find out how much the car is worth and how much you still owe on your loan, also known as the payoff amount. You can use the Carfax History-Based Value tool to ...

Can I buy a car from a private seller who owes money?

Jun 27, 2012 · Here's a summary of our steps for you to take when buying a used car with an outstanding loan balance: If the seller still owes money to a lender/lienholder, get a certified check payable to the lender. Any leftover funds after paying off the lender go to the seller. Use our bill of sale form mentioned above signed by you and the seller.

How do I buy a used car with an outstanding loan?

Auto financing lawsuits require support through large amounts of documentation and evidence. Fortunately, since auto financing is a highly transactional field, there will usually be a large amount of documentation of the process. Some forms of evidence can be used to support an auto financing claim. The claims may include loan contracts ...

Do you own the car when you buy it on Finance?

1. Ask the Seller to Pay Off the Car Loan. One option to consider is asking the seller to pay off the amount owed on the vehicle so that he can officially get the title and then transfer it to you. If he can't afford to pay it off, he might have to take a loan out, but if …

image

How do you buy a car that is not paid off?

How to Buy a Used Car That Hasn't Been Paid OffAsk the Seller to Pay Off the Car Loan. ... Go With the Seller to Pay Off the Lien. ... Set Up an Escrow Account for the Vehicle. ... Get a Loan to Pay the Lien. ... Have a Dealer Broker the Automobile Sale. ... Buy a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle. ... Buy a Less Popular but Affordable Vehicle.More items...•Jul 1, 2017

Is it possible to have someone take over your car loan?

Yes, you can transfer a car loan to someone else. But to do this, they also have to transfer ownership to you—and they may not want to give up ownership of their vehicle. Alternatively, your friend could refinance the car and add you as a cosigner.

How does taking over someone's car payment work?

“When the registration and title are transferred to a new owner, the lender needs to be notified. The lender will then step in and require a credit check to make sure the new owner can make the payments. This leads to the initiation of a new loan at the new owner's credit level.”

How do I get my name off a joint car loan?

If you need to get out of a joint car loan, you typically have two options: refinance your auto loan or sell the vehicle.Refinance. If one co-borrower wants to keep the car and one wants their name removed from the loan, they can try to qualify for refinancing. ... Sell the car.

Hurdle #1: The Bank Holds Your Title When You Finance A Car

When you buy a new car and finance it, you legally own your car, your name is on the title and registration, but maybe this slipped your mind: the...

Hurdle #2: The Bank Delivers The Title to The Current Owner

The second slight hurdle to overcome is the lender has a business relationship with the person who is selling you the car. That person is the bank'...

How to Keep The Seller Accountable When You Pay

When you buy that used car, you're probably nervous about giving the seller all this money and what if she does not pay off the bank? This is why y...

How to pay off a car loan?

Here's a summary of our steps for you to take when buying a used car with an outstanding loan balance: 1 If the seller still owes money to a lender/lienholder, get a certified check payable to the lender 2 Any leftover funds after paying off the lender go to the seller 3 Use our bill of sale form mentioned above signed by you and the seller 4 Send payment to lender with loan account number on it to pay off the car loan 5 After a week the lender sends the title to the seller (not to you) 6 Seller signs title over to you, delivers to you 7 Bring title and bill of sale to DMV, transfer title to your name, life is good

How do I get a used car title once the loan is paid off?

How you get the used car title once the car loan is paid off. Once the bank is paid off they send a clean title to the seller of the car. The seller is now obligated to deliver that title to you in person if you are local, or by FedEx. I only recommend FedEx, not the postal service, get a tracking number and follow the progress ...

What happens if you don't pay off a loan?

If you fail to pay off the loan after 10 days, the interest resumes accruing, and you'll have to start the process all over again with another phone call, and a new payoff figure, or you'll have to pay more as the interest is accruing.

Where do leftover funds go after paying off a car loan?

Any leftover funds after paying off the lender go to the seller. Use our bill of sale form mentioned above signed by you and the seller. Send payment to lender with loan account number on it to pay off the car loan. After a week the lender sends the title to the seller (not to you)

Can you sell a car to another person?

This means you cannot sell the car to another person until you satisfy the car loan in full. If you fail to do this, the lender will still hold the title, and you cannot legally transfer the title to a buyer without having the title to sign it over. The lender is listed on the front of the title as a lien holder.

Can a bank send you a title?

The bank will never send you, the buyer of that car, the title directly. Even if you provide the check to the lender to pay off the car, the lender still won't send the title to you, only the borrower, because you are not the borrower in this loan. Once the loan on the used car is paid off and the bank is then satisfied, ...

Can you sell a car until you pay off the loan?

The lender is listed on the front of the title as a lien holder. They hold the title so you can't sell the car until you pay off your car loan. Vehicle titles are electronic when held by the bank and must be printed once the loan is paid off.

Why are car loan laws important?

Car loan laws help protect against loan fraud and other problems with the borrower lender relationship. This takes place because, although auto finance deals are not as major as home or business finance transactions, they can still be sizable in amount.

What is required for auto financing lawsuits?

Like any lawsuit, an auto financing lawsuit will require a lot of paperwork and documentation to ensure accuracy. Auto financing lawsuits require support through large amounts of documentation and evidence. Fortunately, since auto financing is a highly transactional field, there will usually be a large amount of documentation of the process.

What are the most common issues involved in auto financing lawsuits?

Unfair lending practices; and. Various other related issues. One of the most common issues involved in auto financing lawsuits is a dispute over the loan terms. This can include disputes over loan amounts, payment periods, interest rates, and procedures for cases where a borrower fails to pay back the required loan amounts.

What is auto financing?

Auto financing describes the process of obtaining a financial loan to purchase a car or another type of vehicle. Some think of auto financing a vehicle as only the full purchase of a vehicle; however, auto financing also applies to the leasing of a vehicle. Auto financing is often managed through a car dealership, auto finance companies, ...

Why do people need auto financing?

Auto financing is put in place because some people cannot afford to purchase a new or used car at once or they cannot afford the initial down and monthly payments. The process of obtaining a car loan involves several steps, including: Dispersal of funds to the borrower.

Why is my auto loan denied?

If this happens it could be for many reasons. For example, it could be a problem with pre-approved financing, or it could be a mistake made by the car dealership. If you are denied an automobile loan you should be prepared and know what to do.

What evidence is needed to support a car loan claim?

The claims may include loan contracts, company or agent certification documents, receipts, and payment receipts. These can all be used to help settle disputes over the finance contract, especially those having to do with specific contract terms.

How to buy a car from a private seller?

You have to decide if buying from a private party is right for you. You might be able to negotiate more with a private seller than a dealer, but the strict state and federal laws that govern dealership sales don't apply to private sales. When you buy from a private seller, make sure you and the seller take care of all the paperwork involved: 1 Transfer of the car title 2 Transfer of the vehicle registration 3 Bill of sale 4 Associated taxes and fees

What to do if a seller can't afford to pay off a car?

If he can't afford to pay it off, he might have to take a loan out, but if you want the car, you'll need the title. If the seller plans to use the money you're paying him for the car to pay it off, get documentation from his finance company or bank that the loan was paid in full. 2.

How to pay off a car loan that hasn't been paid off?

You can either pay off the loan balance yourself by writing a check directly to the lender or ask the seller to pay off the loan. Here are the details of each option for buying a used car that hasn't been paid off: 1. Ask the Seller to Pay Off the Car Loan.

What is escrow for car?

An escrow service will hold your money and the car title while it manages the buyer's car payment collections. If you go this route, you'll likely have more peace of mind because the escrow company works with the seller's financial institution to ensure the payoff happens. They then provide all of the necessary paperwork for the sale of the car.

What are some alternatives to buying a car with a lien?

Here are a couple alternatives to buying a used car: 1. Buy a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle.

How to find out if a car has a lien?

To find out if a car you want has an outstanding lien on it, conduct a lien search on your state's department of motor vehicles website. This will require the car's vehicle identification number, which you can get from the seller.

What is a certified pre-owned vehicle?

Auto manufacturers typically put certified pre-owned vehicles through an inspection process and provide buyers with an extended warranty. These vehicles are usually late models that you can be sure are in great condition due to the rigorous inspection process and manufacturer seal of approval.

How long does a finance company own a car?

The finance company own the car until the final payment. When you take out a finance package, you are effectively renting or leasing the car until the final payment has been paid. So it doesn’t matter if you have made 10% of the payments or 90% of the payments, until the final payment has been made and all the money owed to ...

How to refinance a car?

1) return the car to the lender. 2) pay a one-off payment to own the car, or. 3) refinance the car against a new car finance deal with a new car. In all three instances, legal ownership remains with the car finance company until the final payment has been settled. Again, you are effectively hiring the car for the length of the agreement.

What documents are needed to purchase a car on finance?

When you purchase a car on finance, you will receive all the documents related to the vehicle in question. This will include the car’s V5 registration document , which will have your name and address on it as the vehicle’s registered keeper.

Do you need to have finance details for car insurance?

However, times have changed and now there are many car insurance providers who will treat you no differently to a normal driver. The insurance company will however require details of your finance provider, so be sure to keep your finance details handy when making an application or renewing your insurance policy.

Is car finance complicated?

Car finance needn’t be complicated. Car finance can be a simple process, provided you take the time to look at the details. You should never be afraid to ask questions. When you apply for car finance at Creditplus, you'll be assigned one of our friendly customer consultants to guide you through the process to you and answer any queries.

Can you finance a car for someone else?

It is not permitted to finance a car for someone else, as this is called Front ing. The finance company will want to provide a car based on the driver’s details, not someone else who will not use the car. Not only is it illegal, it’s also a practice that can lead to a lot of expensive problems for you down the line.

Is a finance provider the legal owner of a car?

The finance provider will be the legal owner until the end of the agreement. Lease Purchase works in a similar manner, however you are not obligated to purchase the car at the end of the agreement. Instead you will have an option to pay a lump sum and complete the deal.

How to check if a car has a lien?

1. Check with the DMV. If you live in the United States, you can check the status of a car's lien by going to your state's DMV website. You will need to know the vehicle's make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN), which can all be found on the vehicle's registration paperwork.

How long does a lien stay on a car?

A lien will remain on the car until the loan is paid off , and as a buyer, you do not want to be held responsible for that lien in addition to what you pay for the car. By taking certain precautions, you can ensure that you will not find yourself with an unexpected financial burden. Steps.

Do you have to pay more to buy a car from a dealer?

You may have to pay more, as the dealer will want to make a profit by buying the car from the seller and in turn selling it to you, but you will have peace of mind with your purchase. Expect this to be a costlier option, as the dealer will want to make some money from the sale.

Can you buy a used car with a debt?

If you're interested in buying a used car with finances owed, you may want to first insist that the seller pays off his debt before you give him any money . You may want to suggest that the seller take out a personal loan to cover the costs, in order to secure the title before you buy it from him.

Can you set up an escrow account for a car loan?

If you worry about the seller not holding his end of the agreement to pay off his car loans, you can always set up an escrow account. This would hold your money for a stipulated period of time, during which the seller must pay off his loans and transfer the title to you in order to receive your money.

What to do if seller still owes money on car?

If the seller still owes money on the car, you may need to make a check out to the lender in order to get the car’s title. You’ll then need to register the title in your name with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. The documents you need to register the title in your name vary by state, but may include ….

What happens when you buy a car from a private seller?

When you buy from a private seller, the car’s condition may be a bit of a wild card. You won’t know for sure the condition of the parts that aren’t visible or how well it’s been maintained unless you get it inspected.

What is a private party auto loan?

Some banks and credit unions offer private-party auto loans, which are designed for consumers who are buying a car from a private seller instead of a dealership. But keep in mind that not all banks and credit unions offer this type of loan.

How to check if a lien is on a car?

If not, in some states, you can check the status of a lien online at your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles by entering the VIN. If there’s a lien on the vehicle because the seller still owes money on a car loan, the seller may need to pay off that loan before the title can be assigned to you.

What is lien on car?

A lien is a notice attached to the vehicle by a creditor who claims to be owed money — one example of this situation could be that the owner put the car up as collateral for a loan that has not been paid off. Lien info may show up on the vehicle history report.

How much does it cost to get a car history report?

For a fee that can range from $10 to $40, you can order a vehicle history report that might help alert you to potential problems with the car. This report contains information including accident history, damage the car has sustained, open recalls, title history, lien history and service history.

How to make sure you don't get taken for a ride by an unscrupulous seller?

To make sure you don’t get taken for a ride by an unscrupulous seller, take the time to research the car you’re interested in buying, ask lots of questions, go for a test drive and get the car inspected by a mechanic before you complete the sale and drive away.

How to buy a car on someone else's behalf?

Perhaps the most confusing part of buying a car on someone else's behalf is the car loan process. In order to buy a vehicle for another party, you'll have to put the loan entirely in your name, cosign, or co-borrow with the recipient. The person receiving the car will need to go to the dealership in person to cosign the loan, and if you're planning the gift as a surprise, you will need to put the loan into your own name. The title of the vehicle can still be registered under both your name and the recipient's.

What does it mean to cosign a car loan?

Co-signing on the loan means you will be responsible for making payments if the primary owner defaults, so you should be prepared to take on this risk. Making sure you and the recipient of the vehicle are on the same page about the ins and outs of the car purchase is crucial.

Can you cosign a car loan in your name?

The person receiving the car will need to go to the dealership in person to cosign the loan, and if you're planning the gift as a surprise, you will need to put the loan into your own name. The title of the vehicle can still be registered under both your name and the recipient's.

Can I take on a car loan if I don't pay it outright?

If you're not planning to pay for the vehicle outright, you'll have to decide if you'll take on the car loan payments or have the recipient cover them while you help with the down payment.

Should I buy a car as a gift?

Unless you've discussed the details with the recipient, buying a car as a gift isn't recommended. When it comes to gifting a vehicle, it's best to discuss the purchase beforehand. Unless you share your finances with the recipient of the vehicle (in the case of a spouse, for example) surprising someone with a car gets tricky.

Do you have to have insurance on a car before you drive it?

The vehicle will need to be covered before it can be driven, so the recipient of the car will need to have an insurance policy in their name. If you choose to purchase the insurance policy along with the vehicle, you can list the recipient as the primary driver on the account.

Do I need a driver's license to buy a car?

As long as you have another form of government-issued identification that you can use as proof of identity, you're not required to have a driver's license to purchase a vehicle. You will need one to test drive the car and to take it home, however. If you have discussed the purchase with the recipient, they will be able to come along to ...

What is owner financing?

Owner financing—also known as seller financing—lets buyers pay for a new home without relying on a traditional mortgage. Instead, the homeowner (seller) finances the purchase, often at an interest rate higher than current mortgage rates and with a balloon payment due after at least five years.

Why do people use owner financing?

Owner financing is a popular option for borrowers because it can make it easier to finance the purchase of a home. Sellers might opt for owner financing to expedite the closing process and collect interest rather than taking a lump sum payment.

What happens to a buyer and seller when they agree to terms?

Once a buyer and seller agree to terms, monthly payments are made to the owner-seller according to an agreed-upon amortization schedule. Depending on that schedule, the borrower also may face a large lump-sum payment at the end of the loan term.

What should be included in an owner financing agreement?

Interest rate. An owner financing agreement should also include the loan’s interest rate. In general, seller financing rates are higher than on traditional government-backed mortgages but can be negotiated by the parties. Loan term and amortization schedule.

How long is owner financing amortized?

Balloon payment details. Many seller financing arrangements are amortized for 20 or 30 years but have a term that’s much shorter.

Why should owner financing agreements be detailed in writing?

As with any real estate agreement, owner financing arrangements should be detailed in writing to ensure that both buyers and sellers understand their responsibilities under the contract. Be sure to include these common terms in your owner financing agreement:

How long does it take to refinance a conventional mortgage?

That said, this alternative to traditional financing is typically more expensive and requires repayment or refinancing into a traditional loan in as little as five years.

What to consider when paying down a car loan?

One important thing to consider is how much is left on the loan. If you’ve been paying down the loan for a while there might not be that much left to pay on it, and so your heirs could get a good car at a cheap price.

What happens if you don't make monthly payments on a car loan?

Unfortunately, if they’re not able to make the monthly payments, the car will likely be repossessed and their credit will be damaged.

What happens to your car loan after you die?

It’s all handled through probate, which is the legal process of closing out your tab, essentially. Anything left over after paying your creditors and debt collectors such as your car gets distributed ...

What to do if a loved one passes away and you want to keep their car?

If a loved one has passed away and you’re interested in keeping their car, it’s important to stay in touch with the executor of the estate and let your wishes be known. Otherwise, it’s possible they could unknowingly sell the car to settle other debt. One important thing to consider is how much is left on the loan.

What is it called when you have to pay off a loan on your own?

This is called refinancing, and they’ll need to meet the requirements to get a loan on their own. This usually means they’ll need a certain credit score and enough income to be able to make the payments on their own, or possibly with their own cosigner.

What is the process of settling a car loan?

The process of settling your final affairs — including what happens to your car loan — all are handled through a process known as probate.

When do you get the keys of a car when you leave it to your heirs?

If your estate is able to pay off the car loan and you leave the car to your heirs, they’ll get the keys at the end of the probate process.

image