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 the business world, the definition of override means a salesperson paying a commission to a supervisor or another agent. The meaning of override refers to an arrangement for acquitting ...

Form of deed used in the transfer or real property. It is somewhat narrower than a warranty deed in terms of covenants and warranties. ...

The willingness of a lender to give a mortgage to a mortgagor. A mortgage commitment will give a time period the mortgage will be given and an indication of the interest rate to be charged ...

Thinking about selling your own home without an agent? You can. For Sale By Owner or FSBO is how it’s called in the real estate world. It's when a homeowner decides to sell his/her ...

Where property is sold to the highest bidder. ...

Putting a waterproofing substance on the exterior cement walls of the structure to prevent water from entering the interior of structure. The cracks in the walls are patched up. ...

Contractual clause allowing one or both parties to terminate the agreement if a specified occurrence takes places. This is a cancellation clause, which allows the agreement to become null ...

Device that cuts off an electric circuit when the current becomes to strong. ...

Any walls constructed without using concrete or mortar. Drywall materials include sheetrock, gypsum, plywood, Styrofoam, and pressed fiver. See also drywall construction. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions