Do I just have my real estate agent ask about seller financing?

[Jamie Blair]

I own a couple investment properties, but they've all been traditionally funded with down payments from myself. There's a triplex I'm  quite interested in.......now I've read a lot about seller financing (or VTB in Canada, I'm in Canada!), but how does the conversation actually happen?? Do I have my real estate agent simply ask the selling agent if the sellers mortgage is paid off? That feels like an inappropriate question for some reason. Or do I have them simply ask if they're open to seller financing? I guess I'm a bit worried that the seller wouldn't even know what that is......and they would just say no without hearing any of the other details of the offer. 

Thanks for your feedback! 

[Dwayne Poster]

Here's a really good opportunity to measure the worth of your Realtor. Can they open the door to the concept. My personal experience is that the majority of Realtors will fumble this. But, if they are involved, so be it. Simply let your Realtor know that you would like to explore that opportunity with the seller, and see how it turns out. Be prepared (ahead of time) to intelligently negotiate such a deal should it materialize. I say that because once the seller signals to their lister that they are considerate, the flood gates open and the competition pours in.  It's a concept that I always put forward to my prospects, as basic option.