Why Seller Financing Is Common in Hospitality Real Estate

Commercial mortgages on resort properties are notoriously difficult. Most banks require 20–35% down, charge premium rates for hospitality assets, and demand months of underwriting documentation. For Belize specifically, local bank financing is available but slow — and international lenders rarely underwrite cross-border hospitality deals under $5M.

Seller financing sidesteps all of this. The seller acts as the lender. You negotiate terms directly, close faster, and avoid bank friction entirely.

Lina Point's Public Deal Terms

Down payment: 50% of purchase price
Interest rate: 9% per annum
Amortization: 15 years
Balloon payment: 3 years (full balance due at year 3)

At the $2,100,000 list price, a 50% down payment is $1,050,000. The seller holds a note on the remaining $1,050,000 at 9%, amortized over 15 years, with the balance due in full at year 3.

Cash Buyer Discounts

All-cash deal: 5% off list price — $1,995,000 net
All-cash + no realtor: Additional 3% off — $1,932,000 net

What the 3-Year Balloon Actually Means

A balloon payment means the full remaining loan balance becomes due at year 3. At year 3, you either refinance with a commercial lender, pay the balloon in cash, or negotiate an extension with the seller.

Is Seller Financing Better Than a Bank?

Speed: No bank underwriting. Close in 60–90 days from LOI.
Flexibility: Terms are negotiated directly. Banks are rigid.
No country-risk premium: International banks often add 2–3% for Caribbean cross-border deals. Seller financing at 9% may be directly competitive.
Aligned incentives: A seller who holds the note has motivation to support a smooth ownership transition.

Due Diligence Before Committing

Independent legal review of the IBC and all corporate documents
Title search on all parcels
Review of permits, licenses, and regulatory compliance
Physical inspection by a qualified inspector
Review of operating agreements with cabana owners

The seller makes full documentation available to qualified buyers after a signed NDA.

How to Start

The first step is a brief intro call — typically 20–30 minutes. Site visits are arranged for serious buyers within 2–4 weeks.

Start the conversation →

Seller Financing a Caribbean Resort: How the Lina Point Deal Structure Works