Legal
How the platform works
Dwellafy is software that connects buyers and sellers. It is not a broker, lender, or advisor.
Last updated: June 29, 2025
1. Summary
Dwellafy is an online marketplace operated by Dwellafy. We provide software that lets property owners ("Sellers") publish listings for seller-financed real estate and lets interested buyers ("Buyers") search, save, and message Sellers.
We charge fees for certain listing and visibility features. We do not participate in negotiations, document preparation, funding, or closing. Every transaction is between Users and their own advisors.
2. What we are — and what we are not
We are
- A software platform for listing and discovering seller-financed properties
- A messaging tool so Buyers and Sellers can communicate
- A billing layer for optional paid listing and promotion features
We are not
- A real estate broker, agent, or MLS
- A mortgage lender, bank, credit union, or loan servicer
- An escrow agent, title company, or closing attorney
- An investment adviser or securities broker
- A legal, tax, or financial advisor
- A guarantor of any deal, listing accuracy, or user conduct
Nothing on the Platform is an offer to lend, an offer to buy or sell real estate from us, or professional advice. Displayed monthly payments and financing terms come from Sellers and are not verified by us.
3. How listing works (Sellers)
- Create an account — Register with a valid email and complete your profile so Buyers can identify you.
- Build your listing — Enter property details, photos, description, and proposed seller-financing terms (down payment, interest rate, term, balloon if any, etc.).
- Choose visibility — Select standard or featured placement where offered. Featured listings may receive additional exposure on the homepage and browse pages.
- Pay if required — Your first published listing may be free. Additional listings or paid promotion require checkout through our payment provider before the listing goes live.
- Manage inbound interest — Respond to Buyer messages in your inbox. You decide whether to share more information, schedule showings, or proceed toward a contract.
- Close off-platform — Contracts, disclosures, title work, recording, and funding happen outside the Platform with your attorney, title company, or other professionals.
4. How discovery works (Buyers)
- Browse and filter — Search published listings by location, price, payment, and other filters on the marketplace.
- Save favorites — Bookmark listings to review later from your dashboard.
- Saved searches — Save search criteria to track new opportunities that match your preferences.
- Contact a Seller — Send a message through the Platform to ask questions or express interest. You must be signed in to message Sellers.
- Do your diligence — Before making any commitment, verify property condition, title, liens, taxes, insurance, occupancy, and the legal structure of the seller-financing arrangement with qualified professionals.
5. Messaging
Messaging is provided so Buyers and Sellers can discuss a listing. Messages are not legally binding offers or contracts. We do not mediate disputes between Users.
Use professional, accurate communication. Report harassment, spam, or suspected fraud to contact@dwellafy.com.
6. Fees and payments
What you may pay for
- Publishing additional listings beyond any free tier
- Featured or promoted placement for increased visibility
- Future paid features we introduce with notice
What you do not pay us for
- Commission on a property sale or seller-financed note
- Origination fees on a loan between Buyer and Seller
- Closing costs, escrow, or title services
All Platform fees are shown before checkout. Payments are processed by Stripe or another designated payment provider. Refund terms are described in our Terms of Service.
7. What we verify — and what we do not
We may review for
- Obvious policy violations (spam, harassment, prohibited content)
- Suspected fraud or impersonation
- Technical issues preventing publication or payment
We do not verify
- That the Seller owns the property or has authority to sell
- Property condition, square footage, or amenity claims
- Title status, liens, encumbrances, or tax delinquency
- That proposed financing terms comply with federal or state law
- That a Buyer is qualified or creditworthy
- That any transaction will close or perform as expected
Treat every listing as an advertisement subject to your own investigation, not as a certified offering.
8. Seller financing basics (informational only)
Seller financing (also called owner financing or a purchase-money mortgage) generally means the Buyer pays the Seller over time under a note and security instrument rather than obtaining a loan from a traditional lender. Structures vary widely.
This section is educational only. We do not recommend any structure and cannot tell you whether seller financing is appropriate for your situation. Rules differ by state and transaction type. Federal laws such as the Truth in Lending Act, Dodd-Frank mortgage rules, and state licensing or usury laws may apply depending on the facts. Consult licensed professionals before advertising terms or signing documents.
9. Due diligence checklist for Buyers
Before proceeding with any Seller, consider investigating:
- Current title report and chain of ownership
- Outstanding mortgages, liens, judgments, and HOA obligations
- Property taxes, special assessments, and insurance requirements
- Physical inspection, environmental issues, and code compliance
- Rent roll and leases if the property is tenant-occupied
- Draft promissory note, deed of trust or mortgage, and deed
- Default remedies, balloon payment timing, and prepayment terms
- Whether the Seller can deliver clear title at closing
- Tax consequences for both parties
10. Due diligence checklist for Sellers
- Whether you are legally permitted to offer owner financing
- Required disclosures in your jurisdiction
- Fair housing compliance in marketing and buyer selection
- Buyer credibility, down payment source, and ability to perform
- Drafting or review of note, security instrument, and deed by counsel
- Servicing, insurance, and tax reporting obligations after closing
- What happens if the Buyer defaults
11. Off-platform transactions
Users often move from Platform messaging to email, phone, in-person showings, and formal contracts. That is expected. We are not responsible for anything that happens off the Platform, including wire fraud, misrepresentation, or failed closings.
Never send money to someone you met on the Platform without verifying identity, documents, and wire instructions through independent channels. Be alert to common real estate fraud schemes.
12. Trust and safety
We may remove listings or suspend accounts that appear fraudulent, misleading, discriminatory, or abusive. We cannot guarantee the conduct of any User.
To report a concern, email contact@dwellafy.com with relevant listing links, usernames, and a description of the issue. We review reports as capacity allows but cannot act as an arbitrator in private disputes.
13. Related policies
- FAQ — common questions about using the Platform
- Terms of Service — binding rules for using the Platform
- Privacy Policy — how we handle your data
Questions: contact@dwellafy.com
This page is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult qualified counsel regarding your specific situation.