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Creative Finance Strategies Cheat Sheet
8 strategies. One page.
The cheat sheet breaks down every major creative finance structure — what it is, when to use it, and how to know which one fits your deal.
Subject-To
Buyer takes over payments on the seller's existing loan. Title transfers. Loan stays in the seller's name.
Seller Finance
Seller owns free and clear and acts as the lender. Buyer makes payments directly. Title transfers at closing.
Hybrid (Subto + SF)
Buyer takes over the existing loan and gives the seller a second-position note for their remaining equity.
Contract for Deed
Buyer gains equitable interest and makes payments, but legal title doesn't transfer until paid in full.
Master Lease Option
Buyer leases with the option to purchase. Title doesn't transfer at the outset. Buyer can sublease or assign.
Subto Rehab
Seller's loan stays in place as a bridge. Buyer rehabs, then sells or refinances before the balloon date.
Novation (Rehab)
Buyer funds renovations while property stays in seller's name. Proceeds split at resale.
Novation (Replacement)
Buyer finds a new end buyer at a higher price and is formally replaced — not assigned. Seller pays the difference at closing.
Not sure which strategy fits? The cheat sheet walks you through it.
A built-in decision tree that takes you from the seller's situation to the right structure in 7 questions.
- Q1 Is the seller okay with the buyer taking title immediately?
- Q2 Is there an existing mortgage on the property?
- Q3 Is the seller willing to leave their mortgage in place long-term?
- Q4 Does the seller need a large amount of cash at or shortly after closing?
- Q5 Does the property need repairs or updating?
- Q6 Is the seller open to letting the buyer market the property for resale?
- Q7 Is the buyer intending to hold as a rental or personal residence?