How Buying Directly From Me Works Since I'm selling the property myself (without a listing agent), here's what that means for you as a buyer and how the process works: You're still welcome to use your own agent. I'm offering a 2% commission to a buyer's agent who represents you in this transaction. That means if you're working with an agent, their fee is covered by me at closing — it doesn't come out of your pocket. Your agent can help you draft the offer, negotiate terms, coordinate inspections, and manage the paperwork on your side, just like in any traditional sale. If you don't have an agent, you can work with me directly, and I'd recommend having a real estate attorney or title company review the contract and handle closing on your behalf to make sure your interests are protected. What the process looks like: Tour the property — schedule directly with me Submit an offer — either through your agent or directly to me, including price, financing terms, and any contingencies (inspection, appraisal, financing) Negotiation — we work out final price and terms Contract signing — typically reviewed by an attorney or title company Due diligence period — inspections, appraisal (if financing conventionally), and review of seller disclosures Closing — title company or attorney handles the closing, funds transfer, and recording What I provide as the seller: All required disclosures (property condition, lead paint if applicable, etc. — DC has specific requirements I'll make sure are covered) Access to the property for inspections and appraisals Transparent pricing (typically backed by comps or an independent appraisal, so you know the asking price is grounded in market value) Seller Financing Option In addition to buying with a conventional mortgage, I'm open to seller financing, which may be worth considering depending on your situation. Here's how that could work: What it means: Instead of getting a loan from a bank, you'd make payments directly to me under agreed-upon terms. This can be useful if you're self-employed, have a nontraditional income situation, need a faster closing, or simply prefer not to go through conventional underwriting. How it could be structured: Promissory note secured by a deed of trust/mortgage — you'd receive title at closing, and sign a note back to me, similar to a bank loan but between us directly Land contract — I retain legal title until the loan is paid off, while you take possession and build equity over time Lease-option — you lease the property first, with an option (and often a rent credit) toward eventually purchasing Typical terms we'd negotiate together: Down payment (often 10–20%+) Interest rate Loan term and amortization schedule Whether there's a balloon payment (e.g., a 5–10 year term requiring refinancing to a conventional loan at the end) Why this might benefit you as a buyer: Potentially faster, more flexible closing than conventional financing More negotiable terms than a bank Can work well if you don't fit standard lending criteria but have reliable income or savings What I'd expect from you: Documentation of income/employment and proof of funds for the down payment, similar to what a bank would ask for A reasonable down payment to demonstrate commitment Agreement to a properly drafted note and security instrument, prepared by a real estate attorney, so both of our interests are protected If seller financing is something you're interested in exploring, I'm happy to discuss specific terms — and I'd encourage you to have your own attorney review anything before signing.