A “gift of equity” refers to a gift provided by the seller of a property to the buyer. The gift represents a portion of the seller's equity in the property, and is transferred to the buyer as a credit in the transaction.
Non-Family Members – In some cases, individuals with a close personal relationship may also be able to gift equity. This can include close friends or individuals with a significant personal connection.
A gift of equity is not allowed when the seller is an estate. This is even true when the buyer is family of the deceased. This will not take the place of a transfer on death deed or a life estate. The only way a gift of equity works is if there is actual equity that already exists.
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.