Seller Financing Can Be Beneficial If You Protect Yourself

By Hubert Miles

Owner financing is an alternative method of seller your home, where you the homeowner enters into a mortgage contract with a buyer who wants to purchase your home. Owner financing usually yields full market price for the home and a good rate of return. Here are 6 ways to insure that your risk is minimized.

1. Ask for a cash down payment of at least 10% on the purchase of the home.

2. Ask for additional collateral. If the buyer does not have the required down payment and you feel comfortable with the transaction, proceed as planned be require additional security in place of the down payment such as a car title.

3. Obtain a credit report. Ask your buyer to provide you a copy of their credit report. They can get one online, sometimes for free. If there are some negative things on their credit report, it may be okay just be sure that to issue has been resolved and they have recovered financially from what caused the problem.

4. Trust your instincts. It has been proven time and time again that your first impression is usually the correct one. If you have a funny feeling about the situation, it may be best to walk away and find another buyer.

5. Look at the big picture. The buyer has found a lender that is willing to give them a mortgage for 90% of the homes value. They have agreed to allow the buyer to put 5% down if you hold a 5% second mortgage on the house. The big picture is you'll receive 95% of the purchase price up front and the remainder in payments over say 5 years. Worst case scenario, you never get paid and foreclose on a home you were paid 95% on already.

6. Speak to a lawyer. The courts in your area may take as long as two years to get a foreclosure on a mortgage, but only six months to foreclose on a contract for sale. Determining all the options up front can help you make a wise decision.

Offering seller financing makes it easier to sell, and to get a higher price. Just be safe about it. Have a real estate lawyer review your paperwork, and use the tips here. - 31387

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