For example, if you own a home worth $300,000 and sell it to a family member for $200,000, they've received a gift of equity of $100,000. A gift of equity can occur if a home is given away for no compensation or if a discount is offered on its value.
Gifted equity requirements The letter should be signed by the buyer and the seller. Funds must also be properly documented through financial records. So, be prepared to provide copies of your recent bank statements, your donor's recent bank statements, and copies of cashier's checks.
The seller must obtain an official home appraisal to ascertain fair market value and also sign a gift letter that describes the buyer-seller relationship and states that the equity is a gift the buyer is not obligated to repay. The buyer must follow the typical process for buying a home.
Yes, your closing costs can be gifted, but only from close relatives. There's a form that you will need filled out, as well as proof of where the funds came from (likely a bank statement from your relative's account).
Generally, you can give a gift of equity to someone if you're a family member (which includes legal guardians), engaged to the recipient or a domestic partner. Loans backed by the federal government may restrict giving gifts of equity to family members only.