Pros and Cons of Seller Finance

by Brooke 6. January 2010

There are several ways that you can work toward owning your own home.  If you don’t want to go through a lender or bank institution, then considering seller finance may be a better option.  However, before you jump into this opportunity, you want to make sure that it can provide you with the best alternatives to buying the real estate that you desire.  Understanding both the pros and cons of this option can then help you to get the assistance you need. 

The main problem that is associated with seller finance is based on the obligations that the current seller has.  If they have a mortgage, then they are required to pay this off first.  If you decide to buy the home from them, then you will be paying off what is owed on the home to the mortgage company, unless the seller already owns the home.  In most instances, this will stop the seller and the buyer from arranging a situation where you can pay directly to the home owner instead of to a bank. 

The payment arrangement for seller finance then becomes the main complication that is associated with selling a home.  Because most sellers don’t want to create a long term agreement with a buyer, they will require a down payment that states you should pay a certain amount of money up front.  There are certain contracts that provide you with other options, such as a lease to own program.  You will want to know how to work into a payment plan with the seller unless you can buy the house up front.  This will allow you to buy the home without the use of a mortgage company. 

Often times, the complications with seller finance will lead to alternative agreements so everyone can win with the purchase in the end.  For instance, if the seller isn’t concerned with moving out right away then you can begin to pay as an investment.  This works similar to a mortgage where you are required to make monthly payments to the seller who then pays the mortgage company.  If you don’t do this, then you default on your loan and are forced to foreclose.  You can also offer more opportunities to the seller of a home by providing higher interest rates or by paying a percentage of the loan to the seller.  For most that want to get rid of their home, this will offer a better deal than selling through an agent or company, which will help you to get into an arrangement that works for everyone. 

If you are considering seller finance, then you want to make sure that you know the stipulations before jumping into this type of real estate deal.  Knowing how this differs from a regular mortgage or from buying a home with a real estate agency as a liaison can then provide you with the correct investments and movements forward.  You will find that the seller finance available then allows you to get into the home you desire through an alternative contract.