What is the most common alternative private source of lending available to home buyers?

Sellers often provide a common alternative private source of lending available to home buyers through a practice known as seller financing or owner financing. In this arrangement, the seller acts as the lender, allowing the buyer to make payments directly to them over time rather than securing a traditional mortgage through a bank or other financial institution.

This approach can be beneficial for both parties: the buyer may have difficulty securing conventional financing due to credit issues or other factors, and the seller can potentially sell their property more quickly and may receive a higher sale price when offering such financing. This type of arrangement can also be flexible, as sellers can tailor the terms to suit both their and the buyer's needs.

While banks and credit unions are well-known lending institutions, they operate within a more formalized framework that includes strict lending requirements. Institutional investors can also provide financing, but they tend to focus on larger-scale investments rather than individual residential home purchases. Therefore, seller financing uniquely positions sellers as a practical and accessible alternative for home buyers seeking financing solutions.