Loan Servicing Education Center
Learn & Grow — Explore our guides on owner financing, Bond for Deed, and creative real estate financing.
Featured Series
The Creative Financing Playbook
A complete guide to the alternative real estate financing structures — seller financing, subject-to acquisitions, wraps, lease options, Bond for Deed, private money, hybrid deals, and IRS reporting. Read straight through, or jump to the chapter that fits the deal in front of you.
All Articles
Showing 28 of 28 articles
Playbook•6 min readChapter 7: Hybrid Creative Financing Sales & Case Studies
Hybrid Creative Financing for Investors Buying Property (Subject-To + Seller Financing). Take control of properties while preserving favorable existing loan terms.
Playbook•3 min readChapter 6: Private Money & Hard Money Lending
Raising Private Money for Real Estate Investments — money from individuals who want to invest in real estate without being active landlords.
Playbook•9 min readChapter 5: Contract for Deed & Bond for Deed
An owner-financing arrangement where the buyer pays the purchase price in installments directly to the seller, who retains legal title until paid in full.
Playbook•2 min readChapter 4: Lease Options & Rent-to-Own
A lease option (or rent-to-own) combines a rental agreement with an exclusive option to purchase the property at a set price within a specified time frame.
Playbook•4 min readChapter 3: Subject-To Deals
A real estate financing method where the buyer takes ownership of a property but leaves the existing mortgage in the seller's name.
Playbook•4 min readCreative Financing Playbook -- Chapter 2: Seller Financing
Seller Financing Strategies, Pitfalls & Servicing Solutions. What Is Seller Financing, and Why Do Sellers Agree to It?
Playbook•2 min readCreative Financing Playbook
Unlocking Profitable Real Estate Deals Without Traditional Bank Loans. A guide to navigating alternative financing strategies.
About SLS•3 min readWhy Southern Loan Servicing Is The Best Choice
Choosing the right loan servicing company can make the difference between a seamless experience and a financial nightmare.
Playbook•7 min readChapter 8 – Creative Financing - Paying The Tax Man
Understanding IRS reporting for subject-to and wrap transactions — Forms 1098 and 1099-INT, and the distinction between reporting and deductibility.
Tax Strategy•3 min readSaving Capital Gains Tax With Seller Financing
How seller financing spreads capital gains over time, potentially reducing tax liability and keeping sellers in lower tax brackets.
Education•3 min readWhat Is The Difference Between A "Lease Purchase" And A "Bond For Deed/Land Contract"?
A clear breakdown of the differences between a lease purchase arrangement and a Bond for Deed or Land Contract.
About SLS•2 min readProtect Your Investment: Why Professional Loan Servicing Matters
How Third-Party Loan Servicers Can Protect Homebuyers From Costly Scenarios Like David Ortega's.
- About SLS•2 min read
Struggling With Tight Lending Standards?
When traditional lenders say no, owner financing opens the door. How Southern Loan Servicing helps buyers and sellers navigate tight credit markets.
Education•2 min readOwner Financing: What Is It And How It Works
A plain-language overview of owner financing — negotiation, purchase agreements, payments, title, and default provisions.
- About SLS•2 min read
Are You Wondering Why You Should Work With A Loan Servicing Company?
The key reasons buyers and sellers benefit from using a professional third-party loan servicer for owner-financed transactions.
- FAQ•6 min read
Common Borrower Questions During The Contract Period
Answers to the most common borrower questions about owner financing options, Bond for Deed terms, balloon payments, and servicer fees.
- FAQ•2 min read
Common Seller Questions During The Contract Period
Answers to the most common questions sellers have about Bond for Deed, Land Contracts, and using a third-party servicer.
Education•2 min readWhat Is The Difference Between "Subject-to" And "Land Contract"?
Understanding the key distinctions between taking a property subject-to an existing mortgage and using a land contract for seller financing.
- About SLS•2 min read
What Is A Loan Servicing Company?
How a loan servicing company acts as a neutral party between buyer and seller to manage payments, records, and reporting.
- Education•2 min read
Owner Financing – How Do We Get Started?
A step-by-step guide to closing an owner-financed transaction — from purchase agreement through recording and loan setup.
Tax Strategy•2 min readCapital Gains Tax?
Three ways seller financing helps reduce your capital gains tax burden: installment reporting, lower tax brackets, and interest income.
Education•2 min readWhat Is A Deed In Lieu Of Foreclosure?
How a deed in lieu works in owner-financed loans — a voluntary property transfer that avoids formal foreclosure proceedings.
- Education•2 min read
What Is A "Subject To" Mortgage?
How subject-to transactions work, the risks involved, due-on-sale clauses, and when this strategy makes sense for buyers and sellers.
- Education•2 min read
What Is Escrow In A Mortgage?
How escrow accounts work in owner-financed and traditional mortgage transactions, and why they protect both buyer and seller.
- Education•2 min read
What Is A Wraparound Mortgage?
How wrap-around mortgages work, advantages for buyers and sellers, and the risks to watch out for including the due-on-sale clause.
Investor Risk•2 min readThe Lurking Danger of "Zombie" Second Mortgages for Real Estate Investors
Opportunities often come with hidden risks, and one such peril lurking in the shadows is the dreaded "zombie" second mortgage.
Subject-To•2 min readSubject-To Mortgage Sales With Southern Loan Servicing
Considering a subject-to mortgage sale for your property? It's an enticing avenue for both buyers and sellers, but navigating the complexities can be daunting.
Playbook•2 min readCreative Financing Playbook -- Chapter 1
Banks say no. Creative financing says, 'Let's make it work.' Explore alternative strategies when traditional mortgages are out of reach.