Specialist · Miami, FL · Member since 2017 · 82 posts · 40 votes
Hi! I have a deal on the table where I am approaching the seller with terms for seller financing. She is potentially into it; she just needs me to start the conversation. Any input from others would be appreciated. Let me know what you think, thanks!
She wants $315k for the house. It's a 3/2 single family that is currently rented for $1,550 a month.
The house needs work, it's livable but hasn't been updated in awhile.
Fixed up, the house could rent for $2,500 to 3,000k a month.
I'm thinking of offering her $315 over 30 years at 4.25% which would equal what she is currently receiving per month.
She is 76, so maybe giving her some type of Call in 10 years where she has the option (or not) of calling the note due (this is more for her peace of mind than anything since she's older).
Ideally I do this do with little to no money down.
I would draw up a letter of intent that states what your initial offer is; purchase price, down payment, financing term, and interest rate. Once you have agreed and this has been signed, send it to your real estate attorney to draft the purchase and sale agreement.
I typically will do seller financing deals with interest-only financing (paid monthly) and then usually make the term 5 or 10 years, with no prepayment penalty. Interest only makes it very simple and in the beginning, you would rather put the normal principal portion of a mortgage payment directly into the property. 30 years is a great term but, you most likely will want to refinance it anyway and this person at the age of 76 probably does not want to wait until they are 106 to get all of their money.
The LOI just starts the negotiation process. Ask for what you want and then see what they say. The key with seller financing deals is to find out what is most important to the seller; price, interest rate, or down payment. Once you have that, you tailor the rest of the offer around it. For example; you are giving her the $315k she wants, maybe ask for a low down payment and a low-interest rate then.