Definition of "Seller financing"

Sheila Myers real estate agent

Written by

Sheila Myerselite badge icon

Keller Williams Realty of Franklin

If buyers are considering a home with an assumable mortgage at a fair interest rate or if the sellers have already paid their mortgage, remember to consider seller financing. With seller financing, the seller determines the sale price and then acts much like a lender. He or she determines the amount of down payment and the others terms of sale. Seller financing becomes more common when interest rates are high and buying a home is out of reach for many who could otherwise not afford it. But regardless of interest rates, this option helps qualify people to buy who might not be able to qualify for a loan through a lending institution or who may have the income to afford monthly payments but not the cash for a down payment. With seller financing, borrowers whom lenders might consider marginally qualified not only may qualify to buy but also may save money because closing costs are often nonexistent or less expensive than with lender financing. Seller financing is treated as an installment sale for tax purposes, and the seller will be taxed only on the proportional amount of gain received each year. Finally, if the buyer defaults, the seller can take the property back under the contract or, if absolutely necessary, he can foreclose on the property. A seller can also offer a wraparound mortgage to a buyer who already owns a home. With this option, the seller makes a money advance to cover or 'wrap' the balance due on the old mortgage and the amount on the new loan at an interest rate below market levels.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

In business, one may come across the cash accounting method, also known as cash-basis accounting, during the accounting period. The cash method of accounting is used where payments are ...

Usually a fairly large site zoned and planned for the purpose of industrial development and located outside the main residential area of a city. Industrial parks normally are provided with ...

Brick wall where a space or cavity is left between the inner and outer walls and is usually filled with insulation. ...

The term endorsement can have various meanings depending on the context. In a business transaction, the parties sign a contract about the legal transfer of a negotiable instrument in ...

Highest bid to buy and the lowest offer to sell a parcel of real estate in a particular market at a specified time. ...

Created by the US Congress in 1965, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the agency principally responsible for federal programs relating to housing and urban ...

The addendum definition is an attachment, clause, or section added to an agreement or contract specifying additional terms, conditions, or requirements to the original agreement or ...

Right of a current stockholder to maintain the percentage ownership in a real estate company by purchasing new shares on a proportionate basis before they are issued to the public. It ...

A shallow yet funny definition of a tax specialist is someone who loved math since 1st grade. He or she has an elephant’s memory and is always up to date with the regulations and ...

Popular Real Estate Questions