Chris Prefontaine - How to Buy Real Estate With No Banks Using Creative Financing

Chris Prefontaine has been in real estate since the early 1990s, navigating multiple market cycles along the way. After getting hit hard during the 2008 crash, Chris found himself with little money and damaged credit—and had to find a different way to get back into real estate. That led him to creative financing and the strategies that eventually became the foundation of Smart Real Estate Coach.

In this episode of the Real Estate Educators Podcast, Kevin Amolsch and Chris break down three creative financing strategies: owner financing, subject-to, and lease purchases/options. Chris explains how each works, why terms can sometimes matter more than purchase price, and how investors can structure deals without relying on traditional bank financing.

They also discuss why today's real estate market could be particularly interesting for creative investors. With sellers competing for fewer buyers and many homeowners still holding mortgages at rates well below what's available today, Chris explains how creative structures can help bridge the gap between what sellers want and what buyers can afford.

Chris also shares the mistakes he's made along the way, including why he now prioritizes longer terms when structuring deals. He and Kevin discuss rent-to-own buyers, the importance of cash flow, mentorship, negotiating with sellers, and Chris's "Three Paydays" model for generating multiple potential income streams from a single deal.

Whether you're struggling to make conventional deals pencil or simply want more tools in your real estate investing toolbox, this episode offers a practical look at creative financing from two investors who have used these strategies firsthand.

Timestamps

00:00 – Chris's 35+ years in real estate

03:15 – Getting crushed during the 2008 crash

05:10 – Rebuilding with no money and damaged credit

07:10 – Why today's market favors creative financing

13:20 – Owner financing explained

16:45 – Lease options and controlling real estate without owning it