You've got a mortgage note. Maybe it's from owner financing a property sale, or perhaps you inherited it. Either way, those monthly payments aren't meeting your current financial needs. You need cash now, not tiny payments trickling in over the next decade.
The good news? Legitimate mortgage note buyers exist who will pay fair market value for your note. The challenge? Separating the professionals from the pretenders in an industry full of bold promises and underwhelming results.
We've analyzed dozens of companies claiming to be the "best mortgage note buyers" and identified three that consistently deliver on their commitments. These aren't just companies with slick websites - they're proven performers with track records you can verify.
The Mortgage Note Buying Reality Check
Let's start with some hard truths about selling mortgage notes. First, you won't receive 100% of your note's face value. Mortgage note buyers purchase at a discount because they're taking on collection risk and tying up their capital.
Second, not all mortgage note buyers are created equal. Some specialize in clean, performing notes with strong borrowers. Others excel at problem situations that mainstream buyers won't touch. A few handle everything competently.
Third, your note's characteristics dramatically impact its value. Property type, borrower credit, payment history, interest rate, and remaining term all factor into pricing. The best mortgage note buyers explain these factors clearly rather than throwing out random numbers.
Finally, speed matters but shouldn't be your only consideration. The fastest quote means nothing if the buyer can't actually close the deal.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Mortgage Note Buyers
Our evaluation focused on measurable performance indicators rather than marketing claims:
- Closing rates: What percentage of quoted deals actually close?
- Customer reviews: Real experiences from verified sellers across multiple platforms
- Experience: Years of operation and transaction volume in note buying specifically
- Financial strength: Ability to close deals without seeking additional funding
- Transparency: Clear communication about process, timeline, and pricing factors
We also considered specialized expertise. Can they handle non-performing notes? Complex property types? Large portfolios? The best mortgage note buyers demonstrate competence across various scenarios.
#1: Amerinote Xchange - Setting the Standard for Mortgage Note Buyers
When mortgage note buyers talk about best practices, they're usually comparing themselves to Amerinote Xchange. Nearly two decades in business, with a 96% closing rate and 4.7-star Google rating across 85 reviews, they've earned their reputation through consistent performance.
What Sets Amerinote Xchange Apart
Track Record That Speaks Volumes
Since 2006, Amerinote Xchange has been exclusively focused on secondary mortgage markets. While other mortgage note buyers juggle various investments, AX specializes in what they do best - acquiring and managing mortgage notes, business notes, and loan portfolios.
Their 96% closing ratio isn't just impressive; it's industry-leading. Most mortgage note buyers close 70-80% of deals they quote. When Amerinote Xchange provides an offer, you can count on them to follow through.
Multiple Funding Sources Equal More Opportunities
Many mortgage note buyers operate with limited funding options, forcing them to pass on deals that don't fit narrow criteria. Amerinote Xchange operates 6 separate funding platforms designed for different asset classes, allowing them to purchase notes ranging from $25,000 to $5,000,000.
This flexibility means they can often buy notes that other mortgage note buyers decline. Non-performing notes, unique property types, complex borrower situations - scenarios that stump other buyers are often opportunities for AX.
Industry Leadership Through Abby Shemesh
Co-founder and Chief Acquisitions Officer Abby Shemesh brings over two decades of mortgage industry experience to every transaction. His expertise extends far beyond Amerinote Xchange - he's featured regularly in industry publications including Yahoo Finance, Realtor.com, and GOBankingRates.
Abby serves as faculty at the Lorman Education Institute, teaching college-level courses on mortgage industry regulations. He's appeared on prominent podcasts including The Chris Voss Show, where he discussed navigating economic challenges in the mortgage market.
This isn't just industry knowledge; it's the kind of deep expertise that helps Amerinote Xchange structure deals others can't.
Customer Service That Actually Serves Customers
Reading Amerinote Xchange reviews reveals a consistent theme: they treat note selling as education, not sales pressure. Customers regularly mention how AX explained options clearly, answered questions patiently, and delivered exactly what they promised.
"Everyone that I dealt with was efficient, got the deal done quickly, and was very professional! I would do business again with them," reports one satisfied customer.
Their A+ Better Business Bureau rating isn't accidental - it reflects sustained commitment to ethical business practices and customer satisfaction.
#2: Paperstac - Revolutionizing How Mortgage Note Buyers Operate
Traditional mortgage note buyers operate behind closed doors. Paperstac threw those doors wide open, creating the first transparent marketplace for mortgage note transactions.
The Paperstac Difference
Marketplace Model Brings Transparency
Instead of getting one offer from one buyer, Paperstac's platform allows multiple mortgage note buyers to compete for your note. This competition often results in better pricing than traditional single-buyer scenarios.
The platform verifies seller ownership, eliminating the "daisy chain" transactions common in traditional note sales where multiple brokers add markups. When you list on Paperstac, you're dealing directly with actual mortgage note buyers.
Technology Solves Traditional Problems
Paperstac's filtering system lets you see exactly what types of notes different mortgage note buyers prefer. Want to sell a second lien note in Texas? You can see which buyers actively purchase that type of asset.
The platform facilitates due diligence by encouraging comprehensive documentation. BPOs, O&E reports, payment histories - everything potential mortgage note buyers need to make informed decisions is centralized and accessible.
Educational Resources Support Better Decisions
Through Paperstac Academy, the platform provides extensive education about note investing. This isn't just helpful for buyers; it helps sellers understand what makes their notes valuable and how to present them effectively.
Fee Structure Remains Competitive
Paperstac charges 1% to 0.15% of sale price depending on transaction size. Document preparation, shipping, and collateral audits are included. Escrow is free on transactions over $100,000.
Considerations for Paperstac Users
While Paperstac brings valuable transparency, success depends partly on market conditions and buyer interest when you list. Traditional mortgage note buyers like Amerinote Xchange can provide immediate quotes and guaranteed execution.
Paperstac works best for sellers who want to explore all options and don't need immediate certainty about closing.
#3: First National Acceptance Company (FNAC) - The Institutional Option
FNAC brings 50+ years of experience and institutional backing to note purchases. As a subsidiary of First National Bank of America, they offer stability and scale that independent mortgage note buyers can't match.
FNAC's Institutional Advantages
Five Decades of Market Experience
Founded in 1974, FNAC has operated through multiple economic cycles, regulatory changes, and market disruptions. This longevity provides institutional knowledge and operational stability that newer mortgage note buyers lack.
Their team includes professionals with 15-25+ years of individual experience in note buying and real estate lending. This depth covers various property types, borrower situations, and transaction structures.
Banking Infrastructure Supports Large Deals
As part of First National Bank of America, FNAC has access to institutional capital and banking infrastructure. This relationship supports their ability to handle large transactions and provide consistent funding availability.
Nationwide Coverage with Local Knowledge
FNAC operates satellite offices across the country, allowing them to handle transactions in all 50 states with local market knowledge and support staff.
Flexible Purchase Options
Beyond standard full purchases, FNAC offers partial note purchases where they buy a certain number of payments, then return the note to you. This option provides immediate cash while preserving future income streams.
Customer Experience with FNAC
Recent customer testimonials highlight FNAC's systematic approach and professional communication:
"Grace Chang is amazing. I had to sell a land contract and was very concerned that our buyer would be happy with the new arrangements. Grace's helpful and caring attitude made all the difference."
Another customer noted: "After testing the waters with 5 different firms across the nation, we selected to use First National Acceptance Company. Our agent was Richard Nzokou. Richard provided the best information with the most clarity on the process of selling our note."
FNAC Considerations
FNAC's institutional size brings both advantages and trade-offs. While they handle high volumes efficiently, some customers note that personal attention can sometimes be lacking compared to smaller, specialized firms.
Some reviews mention concerns about attention to operational details, suggesting their high-volume approach occasionally sacrifices precision for processing speed.
Choosing Among the Best Mortgage Note Buyers
Each of these top mortgage note buyers serves different seller priorities:
Choose Amerinote Xchange When You Want:
- Maximum reliability (96% closing rate)
- Expert handling of complex situations
- Personal attention from industry leaders
- No broker fees or hidden costs
- Proven customer satisfaction
Choose Paperstac When You Want:
- Transparent marketplace competition
- Access to multiple potential buyers
- Technology-enabled due diligence
- Educational resources and market insights
- Competitive pricing discovery
Choose FNAC When You Want:
- Institutional stability and backing
- Nationwide presence and local support
- Flexible purchase arrangements
- Extensive experience across property types
- Large-scale operational capability
Red Flags: Mortgage Note Buyers to Avoid
Not all companies calling themselves "mortgage note buyers" deserve your trust. Watch for these warning signs:
Upfront Fees: Legitimate mortgage note buyers don't charge processing fees, evaluation fees, or any upfront costs. They make money on the purchase discount, not on fees.
Pressure Tactics: Professional mortgage note buyers give you time to review offers and ask questions. High-pressure sales tactics usually indicate brokers working on commission rather than actual buyers.
Vague Pricing: The best mortgage note buyers explain their valuation methodology clearly. If someone can't explain why they're offering a specific price, look elsewhere.
No Physical Address: Legitimate mortgage note buyers have verifiable business addresses, professional websites, and established track records you can research.
Unrealistic Promises: Be skeptical of any buyer promising prices that seem too good to be true. The best mortgage note buyers provide competitive but realistic offers based on actual market conditions.
Maximizing Your Note's Value
Regardless of which buyer you choose, you can take steps to maximize your note's value:
Organize Complete Documentation: Payment histories, borrower information, property details, and loan terms should be readily available. Complete documentation speeds the process and often improves pricing.
Understand Your Note's Characteristics: Interest rate, remaining term, property type, and borrower payment history all impact value. The best mortgage note buyers will explain how these factors affect their offers.
Get Multiple Quotes: Different mortgage note buyers have different appetites and pricing models. What one buyer sees as risky, another might view as opportunity.
Consider Timing: Market conditions affect note values. Sometimes waiting a few months can result in better pricing, while other times immediate sale makes more sense.
Evaluate Partial Sales: Selling only a portion of your note payments might yield better overall returns than full sale, depending on your financial needs and the note's characteristics.
The Note Selling Process: What to Expect
Working with professional mortgage note buyers typically follows a predictable process:
Initial Evaluation: You provide basic information about your note - remaining balance, payment amount, property type, borrower payment history.
Preliminary Quote: Based on initial information, the buyer provides a preliminary purchase price range.
Due Diligence: The buyer orders appraisals, title searches, and other necessary documentation to verify note details.
Final Offer: After reviewing all documentation, the buyer provides a final purchase offer with specific terms.
Closing: If you accept the offer, the buyer coordinates closing through a title company or attorney, handling all paperwork and fund transfer.
Timeline varies by buyer and transaction complexity, but typically ranges from 2-6 weeks from initial contact to closing.
Market Outlook: What's Ahead for Mortgage Note Buyers
Several trends are shaping the mortgage note buying industry:
Technology Integration: Platforms like Paperstac are bringing transparency and efficiency to traditionally opaque markets. Expect more technology adoption across the industry.
Regulatory Evolution: Dodd-Frank and other regulations continue impacting how mortgage note buyers operate. The best buyers stay ahead of regulatory changes rather than scrambling to catch up.
Capital Availability: Interest rate changes and economic conditions affect how much capital is available for note purchases. The best mortgage note buyers maintain diverse funding sources to weather market changes.
Specialization Trends: As the market matures, more buyers are developing specialized expertise in specific note types or geographic regions rather than trying to handle everything.
Making Your Decision
The mortgage note buying industry offers legitimate opportunities to convert payment streams into immediate cash. Success depends on choosing buyers who combine expertise, integrity, and financial strength.
Amerinote Xchange consistently delivers the highest combination of reliability, expertise, and customer satisfaction among mortgage note buyers. Their 96% closing rate and industry-leading reviews reflect sustained excellence over nearly two decades.
Paperstac brings valuable innovation and transparency to the marketplace, making them an excellent choice for sellers who want to explore multiple options.
FNAC provides institutional stability and extensive experience, particularly valuable for complex transactions or sellers who prioritize large-scale operational capability.
Whatever your specific situation, working with any of these proven mortgage note buyers ensures you're dealing with legitimate professionals who will treat your transaction with appropriate expertise and integrity.
Remember, selling a mortgage note represents a significant financial decision. Take time to understand your options, ask detailed questions, and choose the buyer whose approach best matches your needs and timeline. With the right partner among these best mortgage note buyers, you can successfully convert your note into the immediate cash you need while working with professionals you can trust.
