What Is an Arm's Length Transaction?

Arm's Length Transactions Explained in Less Than 4 Minutes

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Definition

An arm's-length transaction is one in which there is a written promise to a lender that the parties involved in a sales transaction don't know each other.

Definition and Examples of Arm's Length Transaction

In an arm's length transaction, there is no pre-existing relationship between the seller and the buyer. There is no undue pressure or conflict of interest due to a personal or business relationship that is already in place. This helps ensure the property is priced fairly because the property is sold on the open market and each party (as well as the lender) has access to relevant information regarding the home.

Arm's length transactions are commonly required for short sales, which are an alternative to foreclosure. In a short sale, a lender allows a homeowner to sell their home to pay off their mortgage, even if the sale doesn't net enough to pay off the balance of the homeowner's mortgage. The process varies by state, and in some states, the lender may be able to collect the difference between the sales price and the mortgage balance.

Note

Before moving forward with a short sale, homeowners should ask their lender for a waiver of deficiency, so they aren't on the hook for paying the difference between the sale price and the remaining mortgage balance. They may also want to review their options with an attorney or a HUD-approved housing counselor.

Lenders will often require an arm's length affidavit during a short sale in an attempt to prevent sellers from selling to a relative. The affidavit requires each party to confirm that there are no secret dealings, hidden terms, or undisclosed understandings.

For instance, say you are struggling with paying your mortgage, and you owe $250,000 on your home loan. Your lender may approve a short sale for a price of $175,000. This helps you get out from under the burden of your home loan, while also allowing the lender to recoup some of the cost. However, the lender requires that you send an arm's length affidavit, showing that you aren't hiding any secret relationship with the intended buyer or keeping such relevant information from the lender.

In other words, the lender has approved you selling the home for less than you owe, but they want to make sure you aren't trying to defraud them by colluding with the buyer.

How an Arm's Length Transaction Works

In an arm's length transaction, both buyer and seller are working independently to secure the best outcome for themselves. If that transaction is a real estate deal involving a lender, they may be required to sign an arm's length affidavit that expressly states that the buyer and seller aren't working for their mutual benefit. It may also require that the seller leave the property after the sale, having given up their claim.

This process can vary depending on where the property is located. In some cases, states may require an affidavit. Other states may not.

The lender might also require an appraisal or analysis of the property to be sure of fair market pricing.

If the buyer and seller are related to each other, or share a business interest, that's not an arm's length transaction.

Preventing Fraud

An arm's length transaction helps everyone involved in the transaction be reassured that the price and conditions of the sale are fair and true. Many banks have cracked down on fraud and short sale scams by requiring an arm's length sale.

Note

Lying to the bank or misrepresenting a detail in order to influence the bank's decision constitutes mortgage fraud. It's a crime the FBI may aggressively pursue, as it is considered a form of financial institution fraud.

In one example of a mortgage fraud involving a short sale, a seller makes a side agreement with a relative or friend, who then agrees to act as a straw buyer. Once the transaction closes, that pretend buyer quickly transfers the title back to the seller. This effectively enables the seller to repurchase their home at a steep discount, allowing them to remain in the same home, but with a significantly smaller mortgage.

Sellers in a short sale benefit from being able to move out of their home with a short sale, and not a foreclosure, on their credit report. To ensure that the seller isn't receiving another financial windfall through some kind of misrepresentation or fraud, a lender may require an arm's length affidavit to attest that there is no pre-existing relationship between buyer and seller.

An arm's length transaction is usually best for everyone involved. If you're on either side of a short sale, don't try to beat the system. Instead, work with a reputable real estate agent with experience in short sales, and disclose your relationship with the other party if one exists.

Note

If you're experiencing difficulties in paying your mortgage, talk to your lender. Be cautious about potential scams and read any documents carefully before signing.

Key Takeaways

  • An arm's length transaction is one where the buyer and seller don't have a pre-existing relationship.
  • Mortgage lenders in short sales often want both parties to confirm that the sale is an arm's length transaction.
  • Arm's length transactions are designed to ensure that all parties have access to relevant information about the sale, and that there are no hidden dealings or understandings.
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Sources
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Fannie Mae Single Family. "Selling and Servicing Guide Forms," Download "Form 191: Short Sale Affidavit."

  2. Grant County New Mexico. "State of New Mexico Real Property Transfer Declaration Affidavit."

  3. State of South Carolina Department of Revenue. "SC Information Letter #17-13," Page 2.

  4. FBI. "Financial Institution/Mortgage Fraud."

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