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Selling a home requires a lot of decision-making. One of those decisions concerns financing, and there are numerous options available to both sellers and buyers. Real estate negotiations can be confusing, but there are some unconventional ways to finance a deal, and owner financing, for some buyers and sellers, can be the answer.
In today's world, it can be an option for buyers who are short on cash for a down payment, or for those who would like to trade some "sweat equity" for a reduced price on a home.
For sellers, taking back a note on their property provides guaranteed income for the duration of the note. In case of default on the part of the buyer, the property reverts to the owner.
Owner financing is not without risk, to either seller or buyer. Although the concept sounds simple, it can actually be complicated. But being open to carrying a note personally can speed a sale in difficult times. In a down market, it might be the only way to promote a sale. Typically, a commercial lender would not want to be a party to a transaction partially funded by the owner, but there are private lenders who routinely consider financing property on which the current owner takes back a second mortgage. In such transactions, however, owner financing is more risky.
Seller Reasons to Consider Owner Financing
In slow or deflated markets, owner financing represents a way to sell property at market value, or even at a higher than normal price. Buyers who cannot qualify for a traditional loan are sometimes willing to pay a premium in order to buy with a lower down payment.
Property owners who don't need cash proceeds to buy another home, view the potential of stable monthly income for the term of the loan as a distinct advantage. It eliminates most worries about ongoing maintenance and repairs. In practical terms, the seller no longer "owns" the property, but retains the right to reclaim it in case of default. Money earned is retained, and the property could be resold, theoretically at a higher price.
If a home needs repairs that the seller is unwilling or unable to complete, some buyers would be willing to exchange needed work for a discounted sales price, resulting in real value for both parties.
Buyer Incentives
For a buyer short on cash, starting a new job, or moving to a new area, securing a traditional mortgage can be difficult. A lease-purchase option, possibly in tandem with a commitment for owner financing can be a viable path to a secure financial future.
Frequently, the option for owner financing is more available for a lot or for undeveloped land. If you're interested in buying land on which to build a home, look for owner-financed deals offering a short-term loan with a balloon payment for the balance at some time in the future.
Owner financing can be beneficial to both parties, but it is important that understand legal requirements and ramifications.
About the Author
Kimberly Hering
Kimberly Hering's devotion to helping people achieve their real estate goals stems from her genuine enjoyment of the process. Whatever the task, Kimberly makes it her mission to get it done, however she can, without compromising her client's needs. Often, that means thinking outside the box. After working with Kimberly, clients describe her as being Trustworthy, Creative, Patient, Highly Skilled, Attentive to the Process and having a lot of Integrity.
After spending more than 15 successful years working on Wall Street, Kimberly transitioned into Real Estate, joining Alain Pinel Realtors, then moving to Zephyr, now Corcoran Global Living, in 2018. During her career on Wall Street, Kimberly was a Vice President working as an Institutional Equity Salesperson for Montgomery Securities for 10 years. She covered the top money managers throughout the US and Canada. She joined Jefferies & Co as a Senior Vice President managing the Western Region Institutional Sales group, while continuing to cover the top money managers.
Kimberly leverages her extensive experience selling equities to top money managers throughout the US and Canada, to successfully negotiating any Real Estate transaction seamlessly for her clients. Kimberly is well versed in Marin's neighborhoods, towns, cities, and education system.
Living in the Bay Area for 35 years, 25 years in Marin and having 2 sons in local Marin schools, Kimberly spends a lot of time volunteering in the community and serving on various local Boards. Kimberly has a collection of resources ranging from the best local breakfast spots to vetted contractors. With her reliable list of valuable resources, Real Estate experience and unsurpassed knowledge of Marin's many communities, Kimberly can guide her clients through every aspect of a Real Estate transaction seamlessly.
Relocating to Marin, downsizing, upsizing, first time home buying, final home purchase or sale, or a lot to build a dream home, no matter the undertaking, Kimberly works seamlessly until the job at hand is completed with 100% satisfaction.