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

<h2>Why Seller Financing Is Common in Hospitality Real Estate</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Seller financing sidesteps all of this. The seller acts as the lender. You negotiate terms directly, close faster, and avoid bank friction entirely.</p>
<h2>Lina Point's Public Deal Terms</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Down payment:</strong> 50% of purchase price</li>
<li><strong>Interest rate:</strong> 9% per annum</li>
<li><strong>Amortization:</strong> 15 years</li>
<li><strong>Balloon payment:</strong> 3 years (full balance due at year 3)</li>
</ul>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Cash Buyer Discounts</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>All-cash deal:</strong> 5% off list price — $1,995,000 net</li>
<li><strong>All-cash + no realtor:</strong> Additional 3% off — $1,932,000 net</li>
</ul>
<h2>What the 3-Year Balloon Actually Means</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Is Seller Financing Better Than a Bank?</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speed:</strong> No bank underwriting. Close in 60–90 days from LOI.</li>
<li><strong>Flexibility:</strong> Terms are negotiated directly. Banks are rigid.</li>
<li><strong>No country-risk premium:</strong> International banks often add 2–3% for Caribbean cross-border deals. Seller financing at 9% may be directly competitive.</li>
<li><strong>Aligned incentives:</strong> A seller who holds the note has motivation to support a smooth ownership transition.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Due Diligence Before Committing</h2>
<ul>
<li>Independent legal review of the IBC and all corporate documents</li>
<li>Title search on all parcels</li>
<li>Review of permits, licenses, and regulatory compliance</li>
<li>Physical inspection by a qualified inspector</li>
<li>Review of operating agreements with cabana owners</li>
</ul>
<p>The seller makes full documentation available to qualified buyers after a signed NDA.</p>
<h2>How to Start</h2>
<p>The first step is a brief intro call — typically 20–30 minutes. Site visits are arranged for serious buyers within 2–4 weeks.</p>
<p><a href="/contact">Start the conversation →</a></p>