Common challenges
- Understanding how monthly payments and interest compare to a lump sum
- Managing default risk if a buyer stops paying
- Structuring a note that fits your income and tax goals
- Choosing the right servicer to handle payments
Seller Financing
Interested in seller financing? Understand how it actually works.
Seller financing can unlock outcomes traditional sales can't — steady income, tax spreading, and flexibility for both sides. We explain how it works in plain language, so you can decide whether it fits your goals.
- Takes about 60 seconds
- No obligation
- No pressure
Understanding Seller Financing
A calm walkthrough of the situation.
In a seller-financed sale, the buyer makes payments to you over time instead of paying the full purchase price up front — essentially, you become the lender. The right structure depends on your income needs, tax situation, and appetite for holding a note.
Questions to consider
- Do you own the property free and clear, or is there a mortgage?
- Would you prefer steady monthly income or a lump sum?
- How long are you comfortable holding a note?
- Have you spoken with your CPA about the tax implications?
Options available
Every situation is different — here are the paths most homeowners consider.
Traditional seller financing
You act as the lender. The buyer signs a promissory note and pays you monthly until the balance is paid or refinanced.
Wraparound structures
When there's an existing mortgage, a wrap can allow financing to layer on top. These require careful structuring and legal review.
Sell the note later
Notes are assets. If your situation changes, a properly structured note can often be sold to a note buyer for a lump sum.
Mistakes to avoid
- Structuring a note without professional legal and tax input
- Underwriting the buyer poorly
- Assuming servicing 'just happens' — a professional servicer is worth every penny
How IVGI Properties Can Help
Guidance shaped around the situation you're actually in.
We approach every conversation the same way — quietly, respectfully, and with the intention of helping you find the right path, even if that path doesn't involve us.
We walk you through what a note structure would actually look like on your property.
We involve attorneys and professional servicers from the start.
We're comfortable with creative structures — but never at the expense of clarity.
Frequently Asked
Questions homeowners often ask us.
Direct answers to the questions we hear most often about seller financing.
Do I need to own the home free and clear?+
It's simplest when you do, but not required. There are structures for properties with existing mortgages, and we'll discuss them honestly.
What happens if the buyer stops paying?+
A properly documented note allows you to pursue remedies similar to any lender. This is one of the reasons professional documentation matters.
Is seller financing right for everyone?+
No. Some homeowners want a clean lump sum. We'll be direct about whether it fits your goals.
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Learn moreSee If You Qualify
Take the 60-second IVGI Homeowner Assessment.
Take our 60-second IVGI Homeowner Assessment to see whether IVGI Properties is the right fit for your situation.