Phygmint

The MLS is just about useless for a search, since it will just give you all the houses instead of specifying "seller financing".

Actually, you can Google "seller financing real esatate texas" and stuff will come up. I'd also try, surprisingly enough, Craigslist, Kijii, Ebay, http://www.forsalebyowner.com, as well as other sites that promote FSBO's or seller financing.

You may also consider typing in "Lease Option", which is another form of seller financing. People who are willing to lease option are sometimes willing to do other types of seller financing.

The buyers agent is usually 'free', but that's because their commission comes from the seller instead of the buyer. So you have to find someone who is willing to work with and pay your agent. Also, an agent will not generally show you homes that they aren't getting a commission on (why would they?) While some people are smart enough to know the advantages of working with buyer's agents, a lot of seller financing / lease option / for sale by owners don't want to pay the commission and won't do it.

Good luck! - Mon Jun 30 2008, 09:29