Final answer:
The transaction where a seller helps finance a portion of the property purchase price because the buyer cannot get a full mortgage is known as seller or owner financing. It includes a promissory note outlining repayment terms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transaction described where a buyer agrees to purchase a tract of land for $40,000, can only obtain a mortgage for $32,000, pays $4,000 in cash, and provides a note for the remaining $4,000, is commonly known as seller financing or owner financing. This is a method where the seller of the property provides a loan to the buyer to cover part of the purchase price. The buyer repays this loan according to terms agreed upon by both the buyer and the seller.
Owner financing benefits the buyer who is unable to secure enough financing from a bank or mortgage lender, and the seller who wishes to sell the property without waiting for the buyer to find additional financing. This arrangement is secured by a promissory note which states the interest rate, repayment schedule, and consequences of default. It's a common solution when traditional financing is difficult to obtain.