Sellers and investors ask how to offer seller financing when they want speed, a larger buyer pool, or ongoing interest income. The real questions are usually: how do I structure safely, and what terms should I set?

Decide your terms up front

• Down payment—your primary risk control; many sellers target 10–30%.
• Interest rate—market-driven and negotiable.
• Loan length and balloon—short balloons (e.g., 3–7 years) are common so the seller is not tied to decades of servicing unless they want to be.

Screen the buyer

Review income, employment, credit history, and references. Seller underwriting can be flexible, but blind trust is expensive. Align your standards with what you would expect if you were the bank—because you are.

Use proper documents

• Promissory note
• Deed of trust / mortgage or, where appropriate, a land contract—state law governs which vehicle fits.

Educational samples to review with counsel: https://ownerfi.app/owner-financing-contracts.

Protect yourself

• Late fees and clear default remedies
• Insurance requirements naming the seller as additional insured or loss payee where appropriate
• Record your lien or agreement so your position is visible and enforceable

Operational help

Track communications and documents with OwnerFi Pro. Read related posts on the blog or say hello via Contact.

OwnerFi Seller Financing App

Get the OwnerFi App on Google Play. Sellers can track loans, payments, late fees, and history, share documents, and message buyers. Buyers can view schedules and amortization tables, see reminders, and stay in touch—practical tools for managing owner financing day to day.

Pair the app with OwnerFi Pro in your browser. The app is for managing loans set up with your title company or lender; it does not create a contract or change your existing legal obligations.