Behind on Payments, Ahead on Equity – Chris Seveney’s Note Strategy Explained

Dave sits down with note investor Chris Seveney to unpack how buying non-performing first mortgages at a discount can lead to win-win outcomes. Chris shares a clear, numbers-based case study: acquiring a $100K delinquent loan for $70K, collecting an upfront reinstatement plus six months of payments, modifying the loan, and reselling it as a re-performing note for ~$80K. They discuss realistic timelines (often 12–18 months), what “bread and butter” deals look like, and the messy, real-world parts (paperwork delays, missed payments, bankruptcy stalls).

Chris also explains his “3 Ps” buy box—Person, Property, Predicament—and why he favors owner-occupied homes with demonstrable equity, borrowers facing temporary hardship, and properties that are still lived in. They cover where deals come from (whole-loan trading desks and broker networks), how exits work, and how his fund serves investors with a preferred return (with some share of upside depending on class).

Looking ahead, Chris sees more payment distress with high equity—“cash-poor, equity-rich” owners—creating opportunity for creative, ethical workouts (modifications, deed-in-lieu, assisted sales) while protecting downside risk. Time, he says, is the real cost driver.

 

 

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