Become a Certified Seller Finance Advisor
The SFA® is the seller finance industry's definitive professional credential. 100+ hours of instruction, 10 comprehensive modules, a proctored examination, and a nationally recognized digital badge.
Curriculum
What You'll Learn
Ten comprehensive modules covering every dimension of professional seller finance practice — from fundamentals to advanced secondary market mechanics.
Seller Finance Fundamentals
Introduction to seller financing — what it is, how it works, and why it represents a critical capital source for small business acquisitions. Market size, deal structures, and stakeholder roles.
Legal Framework & Licensing
Federal and state regulatory landscape governing seller-financed transactions. Dodd-Frank exemptions, state usury laws, SAFE Act considerations, and licensing requirements by state.
Note Structuring & Documentation
How to structure promissory notes, security agreements, and purchase agreements for seller-financed business acquisitions. Key provisions, negotiation strategies, and common documentation errors.
Credit Analysis & Borrower Underwriting
Evaluating buyer and borrower creditworthiness. Personal financial statements, credit reports, management experience, industry knowledge, and character assessment frameworks.
Pricing, Yield & Discount Methodology
Note pricing mechanics — yield-to-maturity, IRR, discount rate analysis, partial purchase pricing, and balloon structuring. How to price notes for purchase and sale in the secondary market.
Due Diligence — Business, Collateral & Title
Comprehensive due diligence frameworks for seller-financed transactions. Financial statement analysis, business valuation methods, collateral assessment, UCC searches, and title review.
Closing & SFSB Form Agreements
Transaction closing mechanics and the SFSB standard form agreements. How to use SFSB-1 through SFSB-4 in practice, closing checklists, and post-closing documentation requirements.
Note Servicing & Collections
Loan servicing standards per SFSB-5. Payment processing, escrow, insurance tracking, default and workout procedures, foreclosure basics, and borrower communications.
Secondary Market & Note Brokering
How the seller finance secondary market operates. Note brokering practices, investor relationships, marketing notes for sale, pricing for market, and SFSB-3 broker engagement standards.
Ethics, Best Practices & Case Studies
The SFSB Code of Ethics in practice. Real-world case studies covering conflicts of interest, disclosure obligations, misrepresentation scenarios, and professional responsibility. Exam preparation.
Ideal Candidates
Who Should Earn the SFA®?
The SFA® is designed for practitioners across the seller finance ecosystem who want to formalize their expertise and differentiate themselves professionally.
Note Brokers
Demonstrate expert competency to investors and clients.
Business Brokers
Differentiate your practice with seller finance expertise.
Attorneys
Deepen your seller finance practice knowledge.
Note Investors
Build systematic underwriting and due diligence skills.
Loan Servicers
Master SFSB servicing standards and compliance.
Financial Advisors
Expand into seller finance advisory for business-owner clients.
Certification Fee
Everything included for $1,495
- Access to all 10 course modules
- 100+ hours of self-paced instruction
- Downloadable study materials and guides
- One proctored exam attempt included
- SFA® digital badge upon passing
- Certificate of completion
- SFSB member discount available ($200 off)
SFSB Members receive a $200 discount on the SFA® certification — bringing the total to $1,295.
Display Your Expertise
Your SFA® digital badge is verified and shareable on LinkedIn, email signature, and marketing materials.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Be notified when enrollment opens
The SFA® inaugural cohort will be announced soon. Enter your email to be first in line for enrollment access and early-bird pricing.
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