Subordinate

Definition of "Subordinate"

Written by

Delia Finley

Vortex Realty

In our day-to-day life, we often bump into the question, “What does subordinate mean?” The official subordinate definition says, “to consider or treat something or someone as of lesser significance than something else” or “make dependent or submissive to something else: “

So, what is the meaning of subordinate in real life? We can use the subordinate meaning in the following context: To describe love is to subordinate it to reason.” Or, “Politicians subordinate practical considerations to political convenience.”

What does subordinate mean in real estate?

Professional local real estate agents are often asked about the “subordination real estate definition.” They always explain how “subordination real estate” is vital in shaping property transactions, notably in the home purchasing process.

Subordination in real estate revolves around mortgages and liens on a piece of land, house, or condo.

The subordinate definition in real estate refers to prioritizing liens or mortgages on a property. Subordination in real estate establishes the order in which these financial obligations must be repaid in case of a default or sale. 

The gist of real estate subordination revolves around hierarchy. A property owner applies for a mortgage or a loan against their property. Then, the lending institution places a lien on the new owner’s home as collateral. This lien establishes the borrower’s claim to the property if the creditor defaults (misses several months of payment) on the loan. However, things will get convoluted when the property owner wants to obtain additional financing or refinance the existing loan. In such cases, subordination becomes essential. Let’s see a concrete example to understand “what is subordination in real estate” better.

How will lenders share the revenue after Frank loses his home?

Picture Frank, the eager homeowner who wishes to renovate his property in 2023. He needs money to fund his renovation project. Thus, Frank decides to take out a home equity loan, subordinate to the primary mortgage. In other words, Frank chooses subordinate financing. 

Suppose Frank defaults on his loans (he forgets or can’t pay the monthly mortgage and liens), and his property is sold. In that case, the primary mortgage lender will be paid first from the returns. Furthermore, any remaining funds will be channeled to repay his home equity loan.

Liens on a property must also be subordinated.

Subordination isn’t restricted to mortgages. Real estate subordination also applies to other types of liens, such as mechanics, judgment, and tax liens. As you’d presuppose correctly, these liens entangle property transactions regarding selling or refinancing the property. To untie this knot, the parties involved must agree on the order of priority for the liens. Subordination agreements are used to establish this order formally.

About the legality of subordination agreements in real estate

A subordination document is a legally enforceable contract between lienholders (your lenders). Also, it determines their positions in the lien hierarchy. The legal agreement requires the junior lienholder (the one being subordinated) to agree that the senior lien (the one with higher priority) will hold onto its position even after the new lien is established. Under such circumstances, the junior lien will be paid after the senior lienholder has been completely reimbursed.

Buyers, sellers, and developers will also encounter real estate subordination.

Homebuyers must understand a property’s subordination status before making a purchase. Suppose you want to take out a mortgage on your home with an existing lien. Then, it would be best to learn how the lien hierarchy will be established. 

Similarly, sellers must be aware of existing liens to avoid issues during the sales process.

Real estate developers can also encounter subordination issues when financing extensive projects. Often, numerous lenders are involved in funding different phases of the development. In such cases, developers need to negotiate and organize subordination agreements. That’s how they can secure smooth cash flows and loan repayment.

Final thoughts

In real estate transactions, to subordinate finances means determining how homeowners and developers repay mortgages and liens. As a result, subordination plays a decisive role in shaping property deals in purchasing, refinancing, or developing real estate.