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Is a loan from a seller a bad idea?

Is a loan from a seller a bad idea? The seller is offering a loan as part of the deal. The interest rate is below what I could get from a bank, but I'm worried about a shady deal.
Asked By Meri | San Diego, CA | 59 views | Finance Legal Info | 1 month ago
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Seller financing was common practice in the past. My advice is to have an attorney draw up or review any contract the Seller is using -- so that you are fully aware of the terms and conditions you are accepting. Many times Seller financing is for a limited time -- under 5 years. After which you will need to get traditional mortgage. You negotiation is at the initial purchase. Money that you put down may or may not be refundable if for some reason at the end of the term you are not able to get traditional financing. Have your inspections done before signing and maybe even pay for an appraisal to assess current value of home. If for some reason home values decrease -- you will be locked into the price you accepted when you "bought" the home using the Sellers as your Lender. There are situation that Seller financing is beneficial. Make sure you are in that kind of situation. Traditional financing will have a title search and appraisal as part of the purchase. Your taxes and property insurance can be included in your monthly payment to aid in budgeting and it will remain pretty consistent (fluxuations are increases in property taxes and insurance rate) for the life of the loan or until you refinance. There is a sense of security in using a lender or bank to hold the loan for you home purchase.

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