Making Dreams a Reality in Real Estate: The Power of Seller Financing

A 17 Mile Case Study

When the United Methodist Church made the difficult decision to consolidate parishes due to declining attendance and rising costs, the historic Wallingford Old Union Methodist Church in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania, was among those affected. On June 17, 2012, the church officially closed its doors. The property—featuring a historic sanctuary, school building, and adjacent cemetery along Brookhaven Road—was no longer needed and was listed for sale.

For 17 Mile Real Estate, finding unique real estate opportunities is central to its approach. The team regularly reviews properties across multiple databases, with a focus on those that offer built-in income, especially from telecom equipment like cell towers or antenna systems.

The Brookhaven Road property stood out immediately. In addition to its historic character, it included a cell tower cleverly designed as a flagpole that generated steady rental income. Recognizing the property’s charm and its reliable revenue, 17 Mile negotiated a favorable purchase and finalized the sale in April 2016.

“It was indeed a pleasure working with Mark and Ben. Of the many things that we liked were they took time to listen to us in an effort to see if this transaction would be good for us as well as them.

Being able to negotiate seller financing allowed the process to move forward in far less time than would be required with banks or other financial institutions.”

— Apostle Elaine C. Saunders
Founder, Molding Disciples Ministries

Meanwhile, in 2013, Apostle Elaine C. Saunders founded Molding Disciples Ministries, a non-denominational church with a mission to enlighten, encourage, equip, and empower through the word of God. For several years, the congregation met in a variety of rented spaces, including local venues like the Wyndham Garden Hotel. As the ministry grew, so did the need for a permanent home.

After purchasing the property, 17 Mile explored several potential uses for the space, including renting it to a nursery school, local arts program, or selling it. However, none of these options proved to be the right fit. When Apostle Saunders and her husband, Brother Tracy Saunders, visited the property, they immediately connected with it; the sanctuary, classrooms, and overall layout aligned perfectly with their vision for a long-term home.

Seller Financing to Make it Happen

To move forward with the purchase, the buyers needed seller financing—meaning 17 Mile would provide financing directly instead of relying on a traditional bank loan. While this type of arrangement requires added care, it can also open the door to opportunities that might not otherwise be possible.

“The days of packing up equipment and searching almost monthly for space was removed and more time was given to us to do more work in the community was another advantage of having a place to call home.”

-Brother Tracy G. Saunders
Church Administrator

The 17 Mile team took a close, careful look at the details, including the congregation’s stability and their long-term plans. Confident in the path forward, they created an agreement that worked for both sides, and the sale was completed in 2016.

The Payoff

Since then, Molding Disciples Ministries has consistently made its monthly payments while growing its congregation and strengthening its presence in the Rose Valley community. What was once a closed church has become a vibrant, active place of worship once again.

Recently, after more than a decade of dedicated service, Apostle Saunders announced her retirement and the transition to new leadership—marking an exciting new chapter for the congregation in a space they are proud to call home.

Key Takeaways: Seller Financing in Real Estate

• Seller financing can make deals possible when traditional bank loans fall short
• Properties with existing income, such as cell tower leases, can offer added stability
• Careful evaluation matters when creating flexible agreements
• Creative solutions can benefit both investors and communities

Our work with Molding Disciples Ministries is a reminder that with the right vision and partnership, real estate can do more than generate returns—it can open doors, strengthen communities, and bring new life to places with meaningful history.

17 Mile Commercial Real Estate
Trusted Buyer. Proven Closer. Preferred Partner.