Telling When It's Right: Subject-to and Seller Financing

[Jewel B.]

When looking into creative financing, subject-to and seller-financing often come up for those without a substantial down payment or current ability to get conventional financing. However, most homeowners either have no interest or no knowledge of these two options. What homeowners do have though, is a problem or situation that requires a solution or offers an alternative to cash or conventional.

Whether on market or off market, what signs should you be looking for that subject-to or seller financing would be right for a seller? 

What key phrases or signs are you listening/looking for during discussions?

Is it an age? A situation? A certain % equity? A certain condition of the home? Motivated sellers only? What else?