From Realtor to Homeowner to Investor: How One Agent Bought a $750,000 4-Plex With No Cash for the Down Payment

Sometimes the best opportunities are closer than you think. This story starts with a Realtor doing what Realtors do every day: securing a listing. The property was a 4-plex with a purchase price of $750,000. While working the listing, she recognized something many agents overlook. The opportunity wasn't only to sell this property. She could buy it herself.

The challenge

Buying a $750,000 property normally takes real cash: a down payment plus closing costs. For many people, even agents who help others buy homes every day, that cash is the obstacle that keeps them renting or waiting. The question was whether this transaction could be structured so she could buy without draining her savings.

How it was structured

The answer came from combining two parts of the transaction. First, the 4% real estate commission: she earned approximately $30,000 in commission on the sale. Second, 4% in closing costs: the transaction included approximately $30,000 in closing costs, within FHA guidelines that allow seller concessions of up to 6%. Using an FHA loan, her commission covered the 3.5% FHA down payment, and her closing costs were covered as well.

The result

She walked into homeownership with no cash needed for the down payment or closing costs, other than her required deposit/earnest money. And she didn't just buy a home. She bought four doors. She lives in one unit and rents the other three. With that, she started her journey as a future real estate investor.

The lesson

In this market, there are opportunities. You just have to know how to structure the transaction, identify the right property, and use the programs available. Find the opportunity. Structure the deal. Create the investor. Four doors, one big dream.

If you're a Realtor or a buyer wondering whether a multi-unit property could work for you, let's look at the numbers together.

Ready to explore your options? Apply at our online portal or book a call at calendly.com/lorenacolin.

Example for illustration; every scenario is different. Subject to credit approval. Lorena Colin NMLS #389462 | Colin Group LLC NMLS #2350744 | Equal Housing Opportunity.