We used to think of seller-carried financing, aka a "seller carry," for buyers with low credit due to a recent short sale, lack of employment history, or other financing challenges. Buyers would pay a higher rate but get to buy the house. Today, sellers may offer to carry the loan (i.e. act like the bank) to incentivize buyers with a below market interest rate. For example, on a $1,000,000 home, the seller may finance $800,000 at 5% amortized over 30 years, but with a balloon payment due in 3 years. Please ask me for details, I love this stuff!