
TIC/Tennants in Common Properties.

TIC Home Loans — Buy Smart for Less
TIC (Tenancy-in-Common) lets you buy a specific home in a small building—often for 10–15% less than a similar condo. Each owner has their own loan and the exclusive right to their unit. Simple, clear, fast.
​
WHAT IS A TIC?
A TIC is a way for a few buyers to co-own a small building (like a duplex or triplex). The agreement spells out who lives in which home. You get your own mortgage tied to your share only.
​
-
Often 10–15% less than comparable condos
-
Your own mortgage and your own space
-
Boutique living in LA & the Bay Area
​​
​
HOW BUYING A TIC WORKS (IN PLAIN ENGLISH)
​
1) Get pre-approved
We look at income, credit, savings, and property basics so you know your numbers up front.
-
Plan for ~20% down
-
Bring pay stubs/W-2s (or tax returns if self-employed)
-
Keep some savings for reserves
2) Pick your unit
You choose the specific home you’ll live in. The TIC agreement shows who lives where and the house rules.
​
3) Appraisal & paperwork
An appraiser values the whole building and then the shares. We coordinate with your agent and the listing team.
4) Close and move in
With documents ready, TIC loans can close in about 3 weeks. Keys. Smiles. Done.
​
​
WHY BUYERS LIKE TICS
-
Lower purchase price vs. similar condos
-
Independent financing — your loan is yours
-
Less HOA friction — small buildings, clear expectations
-
Predictable timeline with an experienced team
For agents: TICs give budget-stretched buyers a way to stay in the neighborhood they love.
​
LOAN SNAPSHOT (QUICK OVERVIEW)
-
Down payment: usually 15-20%
-
Loan types: fixed-rate or ARM
-
Maximum loan per share: varies by profile and property
-
Rate: often a small premium vs. standard conforming loans
We’ll lay out options side-by-side so you can compare payment, cash-to-close, and timeline.
​
​​
WHY TIC VS. CONDO? (SB326 ADVANTAGE)
California’s SB326 requires condo HOAs to inspect balconies, stairs, and decks. That can lead to delays, higher dues, and big special assessments.
TICs are structured differently and often avoid these HOA-driven bottlenecks—so timelines and costs are usually more predictable.
​
Bottom line:
-
Fewer HOA compliance delays
-
Lower risk of surprise assessments
-
Smoother closings for buyers and agents
​
​
​
FAQ (SHORT + SIMPLE)
​
Is a TIC the same as a condo?
No. Condos have a large HOA. TICs are shared ownership of a small building, and the agreement spells out each person’s unit.
​
What if another owner misses a payment?
Your loan is separate. Their situation doesn’t change your mortgage.
​
How much cash do I need?
Plan for 15-20% down plus closing costs and some savings for reserves. We’ll give you exact numbers up front.
​
How long does it take?
With documents ready and an accepted offer, plan on ~3 weeks to close.
​
​
​
​
READY TO GET PRE-APPROVED? CLICK HERE
​​
Want to find out more? CALL US
​
Want to email us? CLICK HERE
​​
​
​
​
We specialize in TIC lending across Los Angeles and the Bay Area and work closely with TIC-savvy listing teams.
​
​
​
Content by The Belfor Team, Mortgage Lender California
