How does a promissory note work for a title to a house?

Question

I called a lawyer wanting to set up a consultation to set up a land contract to buy a house. He said his preference for me, and the owner I'm buying from, would work better if a promissory note was signed and a title search was done. He said in the end I would have the title and own equity, but the owner would own the house and it'd be like a lien til I paid it off.

Does this make sense? Do you think the owner is likely to go this route rather than the land contract?

Answer 1

I would consult another lawyer, see what he says, compare it to what the first one said.

As far as I am aware if you have the title (deed) the house is yours. The part that is confusing is "in the end"?