Making seller financing attractive in a hot market

Making seller financing attractive in a hot market

United States · Member since 2015 · 47 posts · 28 votes
Hello BP! I was at a bbq with some family friends today and I overheard one of the neighbors mention his rental properties. Needless to say, my ears instantly perked up. The neighbor mentioned that he owns 5 rental properties in my area. He goes on to say that he's burnt out on being a landlord, as he's been doing it for 30 years. However, he then states that he'd like to potentially exchange them into a duplex. I am under the impression that the owner owns all 5 properties free and clear. Well, here's where my gears started turning... I've seen one of his properties, and it's something I wouldn't mind owning if the price was right. I'm not sure about the others, but I'd still at least like to see them and potentially make an offer. Here's the scenario: I'm in an extremely hot market, where most SFRs are selling for above asking price. It's a sellers market, period. I know the owner isn't hurting for cash, as my father (a contractor) just rehabbed a property for this same neighbor. He sold it for 330K. It was owned free and clear. Currently, I am rehabbing a property (live and flip/house hack), and do not have financing to purchase any of his properties conventionally. So, here's my question: How would I make an appealing offer to this owner using seller financing? Let's just assume one of his properties is worth 300K in the current market and may sell for above that on the MLS. I would only hold the property if we could agree on terms that would allow me to cash flow after PITI, utilities and expenses (cap-ex etc.). He likely wouldn't agree to holding the note, if I was simply going to flip the property. He could pay someone to do that and profit more. I believe the only real benefit to the owner would be collecting interest by holding the note (acting as the bank) over a period of time. Essentially like a 30 year mortgage, and he just collects the interest. Which, should make him a lot more money when amortized over 30 years. In comparison to selling his property at 300K and paying closing cost, broker fees, and capital gains. Would there be any other benefit to the owner other than the interest? Can someone give me an example of how this may allow me to get a better purchase price/terms? Any experience/wisdom that you could share would be appreciated! Thanks in advance! Taylor
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Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2013 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
9y
If/when I ever sell it'll be via seller financing. I'd rather continue to make income (via interest) than sell, get a ton of cash, and stick in the bank making 0%
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  • United States · Member since 2015 · 47 posts · 28 votes
    9y
    Also, if anyone can point out any older informative threads on the benefits of seller financing that would be great!
  • Rental Property Investor · Arlington Heights, IL · Member since 2017 · 243 posts · 108 votes
    9y
    Taylor Corder the benefit is he still would get monthly income. Plus with the interest, he would make more than if he sold it.
  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2013 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    9y
    If/when I ever sell it'll be via seller financing. I'd rather continue to make income (via interest) than sell, get a ton of cash, and stick in the bank making 0%
  • Investor · Madison, WI · Member since 2015 · 47 posts · 16 votes
    9y
    Unless he plans to sell and 1031 into a different / larger property, selling (to you, hopefully!) via Seller Financing would potentially earn him more overall (because of the selling price + interest) and also provide tax advantages (limiting his income in the first year / year of sale and stretching it for several years). Suggest you try for seller financing at $xx down (I try for the lowest down to conserve my money), yy% interest rate (don't lowball the interest rate, look for a win-win number lower than hard money but higher than you'd get from the bank), at a ~25 year amortization and balloon payment in ~5(?) years. He may not want to hold your note for 25 or 30 years but after 3-5 years the loan paydown +/- appreciation will hopefully get you enough to refinance into a conventional loan.
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