How Does Seller Financing Work? A bank isn't involved in a seller-financed sale; the buyer and seller make the arrangements themselves. They draw up a promissory note setting out the interest rate, the schedule of payments from buyer to seller, and the consequences should the buyer default on those obligations.
Unlike improved property loans, land loans lack the security of a built structure, making them riskier investments. The following results from this: Lenders typically require higher down payments, often 20% to 50% of the land's value. Interest rates are usually higher than traditional mortgages.