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

You’ll find the most common definition and use of the term ‘perimeter’ in mathematics, more precisely geometry, to determine an item’s or land’s surface area. ...

People say, in real estate, there's a lot more than meets the eye. If you're connected to the housing market in any way, you've probably heard the term "implicit cost." It sounds fancy, but ...

If you came here looking for the Sublease definition, chances are that you know what it means, but you need more information about it, with scenarios and facts to better grasp it. ...

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is not only a commonly used term in the real estate industry, but it is also the largest trade association in the US. With over 1.4 million ...

Approval given by a local municipality to construct a particular structure at a specific location. The permit may contain certain provisions that require builder compliance. ...

Unanticipated damages incurred as the result of the sub effects of a parties breach of responsibility or contract. Consequential damages often result in financial compensation. ...

The definition of a service fee or brokers fee in real estate is a flat fee paid to a real estate agent or broker in addition to the commission for the sale or purchase. This is to cover ...

Past action of a property owner or tenant. ...

Mortar or concrete which is pumped or 'shot' through a hose at high velocity onto a surface. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions