Among the many options for home financing available to buyers, financing by owner homes often offer the most flexibility. By working with an individual seller rather than a mortgage lending institution, you have the opportunity to skip considerable amounts of red tape and extra fees.
But what exactly is owner financing? Here are some of the basics buyers should know:
Owner financing, also called seller financing, is when the owner of a property for sale provides partial or complete financing to the buyer directly. The agreement is similar in concept to a mortgage loan, only that the property owner owns the debts. Owner loans typically do not appear on buyers' credit reports for a particular transaction.
Owner financing agreements work similarly to conventional mortgage loans. However, the seller provides credit to the buyer to cover the purchase. The buyer pays the owner back directly rather than a third-party lender. In most cases, the owner holds on to the title until the home has been completely paid off.
As with all real property contracts, owners' financing arrangements need to be detailed in writing so both the buyer and the seller know the responsibilities of the contracts. Owner financing agreements require signing a promissory note including details on the interest rate, repayment schedule and the consequences of default.
For buyers, there are multiple advantages to an owner financing agreement. This type of financing is much quicker than working with a mortgage lender, and doesn't come with any bank fees or appraisal costs. It can be a great option for buyers who have trouble getting financing for other reasons like bad credit.
However, one major disadvantage of this type of agreement is a higher interest rate. Also, some agreements require a large balloon payment due after a certain number of years.
Is owner financing the right way for you to buy a home? Keep these key facts in mind when weighing your options for financing your dream home.
Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with The Goss Real Estate Group for many years. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close.
As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.
