WHAT IS RENT-TO-OWN?
The rent-to-own program of home buying provides an easy stepping stone to owning a home of your own. You don’t need perfect credit or a big down payment. Stop throwing your money away on rent and start paving your way to home ownership. You could be a homeowner in as little as two years.
How Does It Work?
You qualify for our rent-to-own homes the same as you would for any rental. Then each month 10% of your rent is available as down payment assistance. As the months go by your assistance amount grows. Soon you may be ready to convert from renter to owner. At today’s low interest rates, your mortgage payment may be even lower than your rent!
We will help your get a mortgage – we’ll put you in touch with industry pros that can get the job done and answer all your questions. If you credit is an issue, we will work with you. And of course, you’re under no obligation to buy the house – if you change your mind, you can always leave at the end of the rental term.
As a rent-to-own tenant you’re given the rights of home ownership. You can do things renters can’t. For example if you want to change a paint color, go for it! Make the home your own! Similarly we ask that you maintain the home, as any homeowner would. You perform the basic maintenance and repairs needed to keep the house in good shape. If you run into a major expense, we can help you by deferring the expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money is needed to move in?
About the same as a normal rental. You need the first month’s rent, security deposit, and an option to purchase fee ($99+). It varies a little, but figure on about 2-1/2 times the monthly rent. A higher option fee may be required if your credit isn’t the best.
What if my credit isn’t so good?
We’re not looking for perfect credit but we do make sure you’ve got adequate income to cover your bills. If income checks out but credit is an issue, we may approve you with a higher option to purchase fee. We also refer folks to credit repair pros who can help clean-up your credit.
What if I decide to move out?
You’re free to move – you’re not forced into any commitment. Your security deposit will be returned under the normal terms of the rental agreement.
How long until I own the house?
It depends on what action you take on your end. You can speed things up by being active in any work needed to improve your credit and stabilizing your income. Within 2-3 years you generally will have enough down payment assistance from our program to qualify for a standard first time homebuyer loan.
What if an expensive repair is needed?
The truth is most home repairs aren’t expensive, but if you needed say, a new $2000 furnace that you can’t afford, we can make the repair for you and add it to the cost of the house.
Can I make changes to the house – like painting?
We allow you to paint (and more) just like you own it. We do require you to obtain written consent from us before making any changes. If you should choose to move out instead of purchasing the house, we may require you to undo the change (e.g. repaint a room to our standard colors).
I have a pet – does that disqualify me?
No – pets are okay. We require dogs and cats to be house broken, and we don’t allow aggressive species of dogs (e.g. pit bulls) because our insurance doesn’t allow them. Having a pet increases your security deposit by $200.
What is the sale price of the home?
The sale price is set at market value when you buy. We can give you an estimate of the current value if you’d like.
For homes that need substantial initial repairs, the sale price is set initially and listed on the property's page of our website.
Is my payment fixed or can it increase?
Your initial payment is renting the house and it increases a little each year. After you buy the home, your loan payment is fixed if you have a fixed rate loan.
How does this compare to a traditional home purchase?
It’s different in two big ways. First our program is much easier to qualify for than a traditional bank loan. Second you’re not locked into the house if you change your mind or need to move. The program is a stepping stone between renting and a traditional home purchase.
I don’t understand how home buying works – what do I do?
We keep the program simple. Our goal is to help you move from tenant to buyer. We’ll put you in touch with the pros that can make it happen for you. Your job is to keep up with your bills and maintain a steady income.
What about property taxes & insurance?
We take care of property taxes and property insurance for as long as you’re on the program. We do however recommend you get renters insurance as the home insurance won’t cover your belongings in the house.
Can I have a home inspector look at the house for me?
Absolutely. We work hard to ensure our homes are in good shape, but we wouldn’t discourage anyone from getting a home inspection if they want that. We also fix any problems that crop up in the first 14 days you’re in the house.
Can I look at the paperwork before I’m asked to sign anything?
Absolutely – just click here to see the Rental Agreement & Option Agreement.
How Does It Work?
You qualify for our rent-to-own homes the same as you would for any rental. Then each month 10% of your rent is available as down payment assistance. As the months go by your assistance amount grows. Soon you may be ready to convert from renter to owner. At today’s low interest rates, your mortgage payment may be even lower than your rent!
We will help your get a mortgage – we’ll put you in touch with industry pros that can get the job done and answer all your questions. If you credit is an issue, we will work with you. And of course, you’re under no obligation to buy the house – if you change your mind, you can always leave at the end of the rental term.
As a rent-to-own tenant you’re given the rights of home ownership. You can do things renters can’t. For example if you want to change a paint color, go for it! Make the home your own! Similarly we ask that you maintain the home, as any homeowner would. You perform the basic maintenance and repairs needed to keep the house in good shape. If you run into a major expense, we can help you by deferring the expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money is needed to move in?
About the same as a normal rental. You need the first month’s rent, security deposit, and an option to purchase fee ($99+). It varies a little, but figure on about 2-1/2 times the monthly rent. A higher option fee may be required if your credit isn’t the best.
What if my credit isn’t so good?
We’re not looking for perfect credit but we do make sure you’ve got adequate income to cover your bills. If income checks out but credit is an issue, we may approve you with a higher option to purchase fee. We also refer folks to credit repair pros who can help clean-up your credit.
What if I decide to move out?
You’re free to move – you’re not forced into any commitment. Your security deposit will be returned under the normal terms of the rental agreement.
How long until I own the house?
It depends on what action you take on your end. You can speed things up by being active in any work needed to improve your credit and stabilizing your income. Within 2-3 years you generally will have enough down payment assistance from our program to qualify for a standard first time homebuyer loan.
What if an expensive repair is needed?
The truth is most home repairs aren’t expensive, but if you needed say, a new $2000 furnace that you can’t afford, we can make the repair for you and add it to the cost of the house.
Can I make changes to the house – like painting?
We allow you to paint (and more) just like you own it. We do require you to obtain written consent from us before making any changes. If you should choose to move out instead of purchasing the house, we may require you to undo the change (e.g. repaint a room to our standard colors).
I have a pet – does that disqualify me?
No – pets are okay. We require dogs and cats to be house broken, and we don’t allow aggressive species of dogs (e.g. pit bulls) because our insurance doesn’t allow them. Having a pet increases your security deposit by $200.
What is the sale price of the home?
The sale price is set at market value when you buy. We can give you an estimate of the current value if you’d like.
For homes that need substantial initial repairs, the sale price is set initially and listed on the property's page of our website.
Is my payment fixed or can it increase?
Your initial payment is renting the house and it increases a little each year. After you buy the home, your loan payment is fixed if you have a fixed rate loan.
How does this compare to a traditional home purchase?
It’s different in two big ways. First our program is much easier to qualify for than a traditional bank loan. Second you’re not locked into the house if you change your mind or need to move. The program is a stepping stone between renting and a traditional home purchase.
I don’t understand how home buying works – what do I do?
We keep the program simple. Our goal is to help you move from tenant to buyer. We’ll put you in touch with the pros that can make it happen for you. Your job is to keep up with your bills and maintain a steady income.
What about property taxes & insurance?
We take care of property taxes and property insurance for as long as you’re on the program. We do however recommend you get renters insurance as the home insurance won’t cover your belongings in the house.
Can I have a home inspector look at the house for me?
Absolutely. We work hard to ensure our homes are in good shape, but we wouldn’t discourage anyone from getting a home inspection if they want that. We also fix any problems that crop up in the first 14 days you’re in the house.
Can I look at the paperwork before I’m asked to sign anything?
Absolutely – just click here to see the Rental Agreement & Option Agreement.
We are an equal opportunity housing provider, and we rent our homes without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital or familial status, sex, or physical disability.
For properties listed as for sale, seller may own property or may be selling their equitable interest in the property.
For properties listed as for sale, seller may own property or may be selling their equitable interest in the property.