Owner financing is a type of real estate transaction in which the owner of a property provides financing to the buyer, rather than the buyer obtaining a mortgage from a traditional lender. Under an owner financing arrangement, the buyer and seller agree on the terms of the sale, including the purchase price, down payment, and monthly payments. The seller acts as the lender, and the buyer becomes the borrower, with the property serving as collateral for the loan.

Owner financing can be a useful option for buyers who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage due to their credit history, income, or other factors. It can also be an attractive option for sellers who want to sell their property but may have difficulty finding a buyer who can qualify for a mortgage. In some cases, owner financing may allow the seller to get a higher price for their property, since the buyer may be willing to pay more if they can obtain financing directly from the seller rather than going through a traditional lender.

However, owner financing can also be risky for both parties. The buyer may be at a disadvantage if the seller is not a professional lender and does not have experience with loan underwriting and credit analysis. Additionally, the seller may be at risk if the buyer defaults on the loan, as they may not have the same legal protections that a traditional lender would have. It is important for both parties to carefully consider the terms of an owner financing arrangement and to seek legal advice before entering into such an agreement.