When it comes to creative real estate investing, building rapport with the seller is often the key to closing deals faster. Whether you’re offering seller financing, owner financing, or proposing to take over mortgage payments through subject-to investing, the first question you ask can set the tone for the entire negotiation.

In this post, I’ll share the one simple question you need to ask every seller to build rapport instantly and move toward closing creative real estate deals. Plus, we’ll cover the strategies for structuring seller financing deals, how to take over mortgage payments, and generating free leads to find motivated sellers.

Why Seller Rapport Matters in Creative Real Estate Investing

Creative financing deals, like seller financing and subto investing, don’t involve banks or traditional lenders. Instead, they rely on direct negotiation between the buyer and seller. That’s why building trust and rapport early in the conversation is critical. Without it, sellers are unlikely to agree to flexible financing solutions like a wraparound mortgage or owner financing.

The Magic Question That Builds Instant Trust

So, what’s the one question you should ask every seller to break the ice and build trust?

"What do you like most about your property?"

This simple question shifts the conversation away from the transaction and toward the seller’s emotions. They’ll start talking about what makes their property special, which is not only valuable information for you as the buyer, but it also helps build rapport. Once the seller is comfortable, they’re more likely to discuss alternative financing options like seller financing or letting you take over their mortgage payments.

How to Transition from Rapport to Creative Financing Solutions

Once the seller has opened up, you can begin discussing creative financing solutions that benefit both parties. Here’s how to transition from rapport-building to making an offer:

1. Propose Seller Financing: If the seller owns their property free and clear, suggest a seller financing deal where they act as the bank. This allows you to make payments over time without needing traditional financing, and it benefits the seller by providing them with a steady stream of income.

    

2. Offer to Take Over Payments: If the seller still has an existing mortgage, offer a subject-to deal where you take over the mortgage payments. This allows the seller to move on without having to worry about their mortgage, and you can acquire the property without needing to qualify for a loan.

    

3. Discuss Wraparound Mortgages: For sellers who still owe on their mortgage but are open to seller financing, a wraparound mortgage is an excellent option. This allows you to make payments on their existing loan while structuring a new seller-financed loan for the remainder.

    

The Benefits of Seller Financing for Both Parties

Seller financing benefits both the buyer and the seller. For the buyer, it provides a way to acquire property without needing to qualify for traditional financing. For the seller, it offers a flexible way to sell the property while generating income over time. This can be especially appealing for motivated sellers who need to sell quickly and aren’t finding success through traditional methods.

Subject-to investing, or subto, is another powerful tool for creative real estate investors. It allows you to take over a seller’s mortgage payments, providing them with relief from their financial burden while giving you control of the property.

Finding Motivated Sellers with Free Lead Generation Tactics

Of course, to make deals like this work, you need a steady stream of motivated seller leads. Cold calling, door knocking, and using bandit signs are all effective, low-cost ways to generate leads. If you want to learn how to generate free leads, visit www.MyRealEstateDojo.com and download my free guide on 42 ways to generate leads without spending a dime.

The Call to Action

If you want to learn more about seller financing, subject-to investing, and how to close more creative deals, grab my book at www.TheNewFlip.com or visit www.MyRealEstateDojo.com for more in-depth courses. Start generating leads and closing deals today!