Most homeowners think selling means one big check and that’s the end of the story. But what if your home could keep paying you — month after month — for decades?
That’s exactly what seller financing makes possible.
In Rochester, NY, this strategy has helped homeowners turn their properties into reliable long-term income streams while earning thousands more than a traditional cash offer.
After more than 15 years helping sellers across Monroe County, I’ve seen this “hidden gem” of real estate turn into a practical retirement plan for everyday people.
What Is Seller Financing?
In a traditional sale, the buyer gets a mortgage and you’re paid once at closing.
With seller financing, you become the bank. You sell the home but agree to receive monthly payments — principal plus interest — over time (usually 20 to 30 years).
You still receive a down payment at closing, so you walk away with cash up front, and your investment stays protected by a legally recorded note and mortgage handled by local attorneys.
Why We Can Offer More Than Cash
At Brett Buys Roc Houses LLC, we typically pay cash — but cash comes with high costs:
- Short-term borrowing interest
- Two full sets of closing costs (buying and later refinancing)
- Combined fees often topping $15,000–$25,000+
When a seller offers financing, those expenses disappear — allowing us to pay you more overall.
Because we’re paying a higher total price, the interest rate or term usually favors the buyer (for example, a lower rate or longer term), but you still earn substantially more over time.
🧮 The Math in Action — 30-Year Amortization Example
Here’s a real-world look at what happens with a $200,000 property sold through seller financing versus cash:
| Option | Sale Price | Interest | Term | Monthly Payment | Total of Payments | Total Interest |
| Cash Offer | $180,000 | — | — | — | $180,000 once | — |
| Seller Financing | $200,000 | 4.0% | 30 years (360 payments) | $954.83 | $343,739.01 | $143,739.01 |
💡 That’s an extra $163,739 earned over time — plus a down payment at closing for immediate cash!
You’re not just selling a house — you’re creating a steady income stream secured by the property itself.
Why Seller Financing Works So Well
✅ Earn predictable monthly income for up to 30 years
✅ Collect interest just like a bank would
✅ Defer capital gains taxes by spreading income
✅ Support your community by helping a local buyer
✅ Stay protected with attorney-recorded documents
When It Makes the Most Sense
Seller financing is perfect if you:
- Own your home free and clear
- Don’t need all your money immediately
- Want consistent retirement-style income
- Value secure, attorney-supervised closings
Real Rochester Example: Turning a Sale Into a 30-Year Paycheck
A retired couple in Webster sold their home for $220,000 under seller financing. They collected a 10% down payment ($22,000) and financed the balance at 4% interest for 30 years.
Their monthly payments came to $945, generating over $340,000 in total payments — more than $120,000 in interest over time.
That’s not just a sale — it’s a legacy.
FAQs
Do I get cash at closing?
Yes. Every deal includes a negotiated down payment so you leave the table with funds right away.
Is this safe?
Absolutely. Your note and mortgage are prepared by attorneys and recorded in Monroe County.
What if the buyer pays off early?
You receive the full remaining balance and any accrued interest.
Can I sell my note later?
Yes, you can sell or assign it to another investor for a lump sum anytime.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wished you could sell your house and create dependable long-term income, seller financing could be your answer.
It’s flexible, attorney-secured, and often pays more than cash — all while giving you a monthly paycheck backed by real property.
Visit www.brettbuysrochouses.com to see what your home could earn through seller financing — the smarter, steadier way to sell.