Financing real estate transactions follow a standard practice that involves factors such as meeting income requirements, employment verification, and assessing a prospective buyer’s credit score to determine eligibility for a mortgage from a bank or other financial lender.
But what happens when a buyer isn’t able to satisfy the requirements needed to secure a traditional mortgage loan, yet still wishes to move forward with a real estate transaction? In these instances, seller financing is a great opportunity for a buyer to continue on a path towards homeownership while avoiding the restrictions of bank lending, and it is a service that SRC Land takes pride in offering to aspiring landowners.
Understanding Seller Financing
To put in the simplest terms, seller financing is the opportunity for someone selling a home or property to finance the purchase for a buyer rather than requiring a prospective buyer to seek a bank’s assistance in securing a mortgage loan.
Seller financing grants the buyer a chance to purchase property quickly and at a lesser rate than that of a traditional and/or conventional transaction.
Important Aspects of Seller Financed Real Estate
A seller-financed property will likely run for a shorter period than what would be expected as part of a conventional mortgage. It’s important for a buyer to inform themselves on the terms of the financing agreement to ensure a desired and favorable timeline for repayment.
Both a seller and a buyer should hire a professional to prepare the contract and promissory note as well as discuss any matters that require further explanation or clarification.
Why Seller Financing is a Wise Move
Sometimes a mortgage isn’t easy to secure, and purchasing property under seller finance terms is a fantastic alternative in cases where there isn’t a clear path to move forward via a bank or financial institution. Accessing alternative forms of credit is an advantage for prospective buyers, and when a seller is financing a sale, oftentimes a property may command a higher sale price.
Aside from a quicker and less expensive way to buy a home, seller financing offers buyers the chance to save money on fees generally associated with traditional lending. In transactions involving only two parties, it’s appealing to be able to avoid many of the costs associated with conventional real estate transactions.
Seller financing guarantees better terms than what a bank or financial institution would provide through their traditional lending options. A seller-financed deal may give a buyer more flexible terms, and access to more ideal financial options for their specific needs.
Quick Guide To Common Types of Seller Financing
- All-Inclusive Mortgage: Also known as an all-inclusive trust deed (AITD), this option offers the seller the option to carry the promissory note and mortgage on the entire balance of the home price deducting the down payment.
- Junior Mortgage: If there’s reluctance from a lender to finance more than 80% of a home’s values, sellers may extend credit to the buyer to make up the difference. The seller carries a second, or “junior” mortgage for the balance of the purchase price, deducting the down payment.
- Land Contract: Land contracts don’t involve passing the title to the buyer. Rather, the buyer is afforded an “equitable title,” or temporary shared ownership. A buyer will make payments to a seller, and once the final payment is received, the buyer receives the deed.
- Lease Option: This option allows a seller to lease a property to a buyer for a contracted term, much like ordinary rental property. However, a lease option lets a seller agree to sell the property to a buyer within an agreed-upon time frame and in return for an upfront fee. Varying terms under a lease option can be agreed upon between a buyer and seller, offering a flexible alternative to the traditional lending process.
- Assumable Mortgage: An assumable mortgage offers a buyer to take a seller’s place on the existing mortgage. In these scenarios, a buyer may assume a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Veteran Affairs (VA) loan, along with a conventional adjustable mortgage rate (ARM) with the bank’s approval.
SRC Land works with customers to make the dream of owning land a reality. For over 20 years, we’ve offered seller financing options that work to put our customers on a clear path to a prosperous future by providing low down payments and affordable monthly payments regardless of bad or no credit.
