Re-lo — relocation real estate platform

All paths to ownership
Seller Financing

The seller becomes the bank.

In a seller-financed deal, the seller holds the mortgage themselves instead of you getting a loan from a bank. You and the seller agree on price, down payment, interest rate, term, and balloon date. The seller deeds the property to you and you sign a private promissory note secured by the property.

How it works

Step by step.

01

Find a willing seller

Most Re-lo seller-finance listings come from owners who hold the property free-and-clear (no mortgage of their own) and want the monthly income from carrying a note.

02

Paper the terms

Negotiate down payment, interest rate, amortization (often 20–30 years), and balloon (typically 5–10 years). A real estate attorney prepares the note and mortgage.

03

Close

Title transfers to you, mortgage is recorded with the county, you start making monthly payments directly to the seller (or a loan servicer).

04

Refinance or pay off

By the balloon date you'll either refinance into a traditional loan or pay off the remaining balance from sale proceeds.

Who it’s for

Best fit.

  • Buyers turned down by banks who want a clean path to ownership
  • Investors who value speed-of-close over the absolute lowest rate
  • Buyers in markets where seller-financed listings are common (FL, TX, AZ have active networks)
What you’ll need

Before you start.

  • Down payment (negotiable — often 10%–25%)
  • Cash for closing, title insurance, and recording fees
  • Real estate attorney to draft the note + mortgage
  • Plan for the balloon payment (refinance plan or sale exit)
What to watch for

Risks & trade-offs.

Every acquisition strategy has trade-offs. Going in with eyes open is the difference between a great deal and a painful one.

  • Seller still holds a senior interest until you pay off. Default = foreclosure.
  • Rates are often higher than bank loans (6%–9% typical) because the seller is taking on bank-like risk.
  • If the seller dies or sells the note, you may end up making payments to an entity you didn't pick — make sure the assignment terms are clear in the note.
Common questions

FAQ.

Still curious? Re-lo’s advisors can walk you through a specific scenario.

Why would a seller agree to this?
Monthly income, deferred capital gains tax, faster close, larger buyer pool — and often a higher price than they'd get cash.
Who collects my payments?
Either the seller directly or a third-party loan servicer (recommended for tax reporting and dispute-free records). Re-lo's advisor network has servicer referrals.
Is it taxable to me?
Mortgage interest deducts the same way it would on a bank loan; the seller pays installment-sale capital gains. Your tax advisor will model the numbers before close.
Can the seller foreclose if I miss a payment?
Yes — same default process as a bank mortgage. State law governs the timeline.
Ready?

Browse seller financing listings in Florida.

Every Re-lo listing tells you the exact terms — rate, balance, monthly carry, what you’ll need to bring to close — before you ever fill out a form.