A private mortgage functions similarly to a traditional mortgage, where the borrower agrees to repay the loan amount plus interest over a set period. The main difference is that the lender is a private individual or entity, not a bank. The borrower and lender agree on the loan terms, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any collateral (usually the property). If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can take legal action, including foreclosure, to recover the owed money.