What Is Seller Financing?
Quick Answer
Seller financing, also called owner financing, is when a home seller also serves as the buyer’s mortgage lender. Ownership is usually transferred to the borrower once they satisfy their loan. This arrangement comes with unique pros and cons for homebuyers.
During a home sale, most homebuyers will finance the transaction by taking out a mortgage with a financial institution. Seller financing (also known as owner financing) is when the seller provides that funding directly to the buyer. It can be an attractive option for both parties, but it's an uncommon approach that also comes with some risk.
To help you decide, here's how seller financing works and when it may be a good idea—plus alternatives to consider.
What Is Seller Financing?
Seller financing is a real estate arrangement that has one very unique feature: Instead of the buyer working with a traditional mortgage lender, they enter into a lending agreement with the seller, who finances the transaction. The buyer and seller must agree on the specifics, which include the:
- Type of seller financing agreement
- Sale price
- Down payment amount
- Loan term
- Interest rate
- Monthly payment amount
- Payment due date
How Does Seller Financing Work?
Seller financing arrangements can be structured in the following ways:
- The seller steps in for a traditional mortgage lender. The seller collects a down payment, then accepts monthly mortgage payments until the purchase price is satisfied. At that point, ownership will transfer to the buyer.
- The buyer and seller co-own the property together. This arrangement, which is also called a land contract, allows the buyer to make monthly payments and gradually increase their ownership position over time. They'll likely make a final balloon payment at the end of the term, and then assume full ownership of the property.
- The seller provides a "junior" mortgage. If the buyer doesn't qualify for enough financing from a traditional lender, they can take out a second home loan with the seller to cover the shortfall.
- The seller offers a rent-to-own contract. Sometimes called a lease option, a rent-to-own agreement allows the buyer to move in, make rental payments for a set period, then officially purchase the home when the lease expires. A portion of their rent payments may count toward the sale price.
- The buyer assumes the seller's home loan. If the seller has an FHA loan, VA loan or adjustable-rate mortgage, the buyer might be able to assume the mortgage and take over the payments—known as an assumable mortgage.
How Is Seller Financing Different From a Conventional Mortgage?
When applying for a mortgage from a financial institution, the buyer will need to satisfy the lender's eligibility criteria. That includes:
- Meeting minimum credit score requirements
- Making a satisfactory down payment
- Providing financial documents and submitting a mortgage application
- Purchasing mortgage insurance in some cases
- Ordering a home inspection and appraisal
- Paying closing costs
With owner financing, the seller decides the purchase requirements and financing terms. Their risk tolerance, financial situation and goals will determine the details.
Seller Financing Example
Let's say a buyer is interested in a home and has an adequate down payment, but their credit score is preventing them from qualifying for a traditional mortgage. If the owner is open to seller-financing, they might draft an agreement, collect their down payment and allow them to move in. The buyer then makes monthly payments for a set amount of time—let's say five years.
At the end of five years, the buyer makes a final balloon payment and assumes ownership of the property. By taking this approach, the buyer gets the home they wanted, and the seller gets paid—a win-win for both.
Learn more: The Complete Guide on How to Get a Mortgage
Pros and Cons of Seller Financing
Seller financing may sound like an ideal option, but there are potential drawbacks to consider.
Pros
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Faster closing times: Without a third-party mortgage lender, the buyer and seller can move quickly to finalize the home sale. On average, it takes about 45 to 60 days to close on a traditional mortgage.
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No minimum down payment: While it's possible to get a mortgage with a 3% down payment, that can still be a significant hurdle for some buyers. An individual seller may not require as much.
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Lower closing costs: Seller financing can minimize closing costs, which typically amount to 2% to 5% of the purchase price.
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No mortgage insurance: If a borrower puts down less than 20% on a conventional mortgage, they'll need to purchase private mortgage insurance. FHA loans, which are federally insured, also require mortgage insurance.
-
Potentially looser credit requirements: Depending on the seller's risk tolerance, they may be willing to work with someone who doesn't have perfect credit. To qualify for a conventional mortgage, you'll likely need a credit score of at least 620.
Cons
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Potentially higher down payment: The seller might have a maximum amount they're willing to finance, which could require the buyer to make a hefty upfront payment.
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Higher interest rates: With seller financing, interest rates are often higher than traditional mortgages because the seller is assuming considerable financial risk.
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Shorter loan terms: Most seller-financing agreements have loan terms that only last up to five years. That could result in a large monthly payment. Conventional mortgage terms are usually 15 or 30 years.
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A large balloon payment at the end of the term: These allow for lower initial payments, but the final payment could be a significant expense.
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Fewer buyer protections: Federal and state governments regulate the mortgage industry, which helps protect buyers from unfair lending practices. Seller financing could expose you to more risk.
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No property appraisal requirement: A traditional mortgage lender will order an appraisal to ensure that the loan amount doesn't exceed the property's value. If it does, the full amount won't be approved. A home appraisal can also help the buyer understand how much the home is worth so they can negotiate a fair price.
Should You Use Seller Financing?
Whether owner financing is right for you will depend on your financial situation and personal preferences. You might consider it if:
- Your credit score is making it difficult to qualify for a traditional mortgage.
- You have a personal relationship with the seller and trust their character.
- You want to close the deal quickly without the interference of a mortgage lender.
- You're hoping to save money on closing costs and mortgage insurance.
- You're comfortable with the financing details, including the monthly payment, interest rate and potential final balloon payment.
- You feel comfortable foregoing the federal and state buyer protections that come with traditional mortgages.
Alternatives to Seller Financing
If you decide that seller financing isn't right for you, there are other types of mortgages that may be a better fit. That includes:
- Conventional mortgages: These are home loans that aren't guaranteed by the federal government. Conventional mortgages are offered by financial institutions like banks and credit unions. Down payment and credit score requirements vary by lender.
- Federally backed mortgages: Some home loans are insured by the federal government and have low (or no) down payment requirements. Credit requirements also tend to be more forgiving. Federally insured mortgages include FHA loans, VA loans and USDA loans.
If you're having trouble qualifying on your own, you might consider applying with a creditworthy cosigner. This is someone who agrees to assume the loan if you default on your payments. Alternatively, you may continue renting while you save up a larger down payment or work on your credit score. You can check your credit report and scores with Experian to see where you stand.
Learn more: How to Compare Mortgage Loan Offers
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
Owner financing is an unconventional real estate agreement that allows the seller to extend credit to the buyer. It's not for everyone, but in some cases, it could result in lower borrowing costs and a quicker, easier home sale. Seller financing comes with risk, so it's wise to navigate the process with a real estate attorney.
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About the author
Marianne Hayes
Marianne Hayes is a longtime freelance writer who's been covering personal finance for nearly a decade. She specializes in everything from debt management and budgeting to investing and saving. Marianne has written for CNBC, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping and more.
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