Big Picture: What OwnerFi Does (and Doesn’t Do)
What OwnerFi Does
- Shows owner-financed and rent-to-own style properties across the U.S.[web:32]
- Lets you swipe and filter homes by price and budget
- Connects you with sellers or their agents
- Provides educational guides on owner financing types and risks[file:1]
What OwnerFi Doesn't Do
- Does not decide your deal structure (seller finance vs. lease-to-own, etc.)[file:1]
- Does not verify or guarantee listing accuracy or availability[file:1]
- Does not create, review, or enforce contracts
- Does not collect payments, taxes, or insurance (no escrow)[file:1]
Every deal is between you and the seller/agent. OwnerFi does not negotiate, structure, or close transactions and does not guarantee that any specific property will be available or offered with owner financing.[file:1]
Step 1: Understand Owner Financing Basics
Before you start swiping, it’s important to understand the four main ways “owner financing” can be structured.[file:1]Seller Finance
Seller acts like the bank and finances the purchase directly to you with a promissory note and deed of trust or mortgage.
Subject-To
You buy the home subject-to the existing mortgage, and payments continue on the seller’s old loan in the background.
Contract for Deed
You make payments over time and usually don’t get the deed until you’ve paid off the contract or hit specific milestones.
Lease-to-Own
You start as a tenant with an option or obligation to buy later, often with part of your rent credited toward purchase.
Step 2: Browse & Swipe Properties
OwnerFi is built to feel familiar—like a dating app, but for homes.[web:32]Create an Account (Optional)
Set up your profile so you can save favorites, track viewed homes, and quickly request more information.
Set Your Budget
Use price and payment filters to focus on homes that match your real monthly comfort, not just the sticker price.
Swipe Through Properties
Swipe or scroll through owner-financed and rent-to-own style homes, saving the ones that catch your eye.
Step 3: Connect With Sellers or Agents
Once you find a property you like, the next step is to talk to the human on the other side.Request More Info
Click the “Contact” or similar call-to-action to send your info to the seller or their agent.
Discuss Deal Type
Ask whether the home is offered as seller finance, subject-to, contract for deed, lease-to-own, or traditional financing.[file:1]
Clarify Terms
Discuss price, down payment, interest rate, balloon payments, and what happens if you’re late or miss payments.
Step 4: Verify the Deal Yourself
OwnerFi is not part of the transaction. You are responsible for verifying everything—but you can approach it methodically.[file:1]Confirm the exact deal structure
Confirm the exact deal structure
Get clear, in writing, whether this is seller financing, subject-to, contract for deed, lease-to-own, or another structure.[file:1]
Check title, liens, and legal status
Check title, liens, and legal status
Use a title company or attorney to verify there are no surprise liens, unpaid taxes, or ownership issues that could put you at risk.[file:1]
Understand when you get the deed
Understand when you get the deed
In some structures (like contract for deed), you may not get the deed immediately. Make sure you know when and under what conditions it transfers.[file:1]
Clarify balloon payments and timeline
Clarify balloon payments and timeline
Many owner-financed deals involve a balloon payment in 3–7 years, at which point you’ll likely refinance or pay off the remaining balance.[file:1]
Step 5: Closing & After Closing
Once you’re comfortable with the property and deal terms, you’ll move toward closing with your chosen professionals.Draft and Review Documents
Work with your attorney and/or agent to review the purchase agreement, promissory note, deed of trust or mortgage, and any addenda.
Close With a Professional
Sign documents at a title company, attorney’s office, or another closing agent depending on your state norms.
Start Making Payments
Begin making monthly payments directly to the seller or a servicing company, as agreed in your contract.
What You’re Responsible For
Think of OwnerFi as the introduction, not the transaction. You carry the responsibility from there.[file:1]Verify the Property
- Confirm availability and seller’s willingness to finance
- Verify condition, repairs, and neighborhood fit
Verify the Deal
- Confirm exact deal type and legal structure
- Understand when you receive the deed and your rights
Verify the Numbers
- Total payment, interest, balloon, and fees
- Taxes, insurance, and HOA outside your monthly payment
Plain English: OwnerFi is just a website showing property info and connecting you with real estate agents and sellers. We don’t guarantee availability, accuracy, or outcomes—you’re in the driver’s seat and responsible for checking everything and getting professional help.[file:1]
Quick Summary Table
| Stage | What OwnerFi Does | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| Learn | Provides guides on owner financing | Read, ask questions, and understand the basics |
| Browse | Shows owner-financed style listings | Save favorites and shortlist homes that fit your budget |
| Connect | Sends your interest to sellers/agents | Ask about deal type, terms, and risks |
| Verify | — | Hire professionals, verify title, structure, and legal details[file:1] |
| Close & Pay | — | Sign documents and handle payments, taxes, insurance, and HOA directly[file:1] |
Next Steps
Ready to go deeper?- Is Owner Financing Right For Me?
- Understanding Deal Terms (Interest, Down, Balloon)
- Risks & Protections for Buyers
- Browse Owner-Financed Properties
Support: Questions about how the platform works? Contact [email protected]