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Frequently Asked Questions
General questions about our company, service, and properties we offer on this website:
• What does Rent to Own actually mean?
• What is the Rent to Own process?
• Do appliances or furniture come with a rent-to-own home?
• What if I have bad credit? Can I still get a rent-to-own home?
• Is there a down payment on a rent to own home?
• What are the benefits of a rent to own home?
• What type of people do a rent to own?
• What are the requirements of a rent to own arrangement?
What does Rent to Own actually mean?
In most cases, a rent to own agreement combines the benefits of Leasing and Owning a home. You’ll have a Lease as well as an Option to Purchase the home. It’s often called a lease with an option – or a lease/option agreement for short.
The lease portion is a standard rental agreement that includes monthly rent, security deposit, and other typical terms.
The option in the contract gives you the right to purchase the property for a set time period – usually around 1-3 years. This gives you the ability to save money towards a down payment, repair credit, increase your income, or otherwise improve your ability to qualify for a mortgage.
Most of the time people use a traditional mortgage loan to purchase the property prior to the expiration of the option period, but there are other options if your financial situation has unique needs.
We help lots of folks like you to purchase the home of their dreams.
Either way, you need a roof over your head, so why put all your money into someone else’s pocket?
Fill out the form below to get started on your way to home ownership!
What is the Rent to Own process?
The rent to own process is actually pretty simple.
First, we need you to complete the Rent to Own Buyer Profile (just takes 1-2 minutes after inputting your name and email address). This just tells us more about your income, credit, money available, monthly budget, location, etc. so we are able to distinguish which of our programs works best for you.
Then, we’ll get you into one of the properties you’re interested in OR set you up on our Home Finder program. Once you’ve seen one of our fantastic properties, we’ll give you an application to fill out. Don’t worry – we help people with all kinds of credit and financial situations, and if you can afford the property, we can probably help you to own it.
After you’re approved to rent the property, just sign the lease and option agreement, pay your security deposit and Option Fee, plus first months’ rent – then move on in! We typically close with a local title company or attorney, so you know you’re working with industry professionals.
Your lease/option agreement (also known as the rent to own contract) will spell out the length of time that you have to complete the purchase of the property – typically 3 years, but in certain circumstances we may extend your option if you need more time.
The purchase of your home usually takes place through a traditional mortgage loan, but there are other ways to complete the purchase, depending on your finances.
We work with some of the top local lenders and credit enhancement companies who understand people like you and your situation!
That’s the process!
Once you’ve completed your mortgage, you’re done – now you own your home!
First step – sign up to find great properties around Minneapolis - St. Paul just by filling out the form.
You’ll get immediate access to great rent-to-own homes, plus a whole lot more.
Sign up and get started now!
Do appliances or furniture come with a rent-to-own home?
Most of the time, furniture isn’t included with a lease/option purchase.
Generally, the basic appliances are there – like a refrigerator, stove, oven, and sometimes extras, like a dishwasher, a washer and a dryer. Parts of a property that are installed or attached – like the heating system and air conditioning – are definitely included.
Sometimes, we’ll offer a property that includes some furnishings. Most buyers want to bring their own stuff with them from their previous home, and that’s why furniture is sold separately.
There are many companies out there that provide a rent-to-own service for furniture or extra appliances, and you’ll get lots of choices on styles and types.
But be careful!
Even though rent-to-own real estate can be a great deal, some (not-so-honest) furniture companies will charge you huge amounts for a rent-to-own agreement. You might end up paying 2-3x more for these products than if you bought them outright.
Plus, those appliances will probably go down in value – unlike real estate, which usually goes up in value.
Of course, you want your money to be going to an asset (like your home) that will rise in value, not expensive interest payments on new furniture.
So don’t wait! Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to get started now.
What if I have bad credit? Can I still get a rent-to-own home?
Yes, you can! Many people with bad credit can still get a rent-to-own home. We practically expect it.
Every situation is different, but we specialize in helping people who have been through tough circumstances (or just made mistakes in the past) to repair their credit and get started on the path to a great financial future.
Even if your credit is bad, you can still own a property! We’ve helped many folks who have been through a foreclosure, bankruptcy or short sale due to a past situation that is still causing them to be in a financial “black hole” and unable to get a mortgage.
One of the major benefits of a rent-to-own scenario is that it gives you time to repair your credit before you purchase your home. You’ll enjoy many of the benefits of home ownership while you’re rebuilding your credit and saving money towards a down payment.
So, fill out the form at the bottom of this page now and get your piece of the American dream!
What are the benefits of a rent to own home?
There are a lot of benefits of a rent to own agreement!
In the Minneapolis - St. Paul area, lots of smart people are using rent to own agreements as a way to get the home of their dreams without having to qualify for a bank loan right away.
In the past few years, banks have been very tight on their lending criteria. Most people who use a rent to own agreement want a few years to get ready to qualify.
Here are a few more reasons to use a rent-to-own agreement:
• Try before you buy! You get to live in your rented home before you actually purchase it, allowing you to make sure it’s actually your dream home. If you don’t like the house, you don’t have to complete the purchase. (You may forfeit your Option Fee in this case).
• Own without great credit or a big down payment. You can start feeling like a homeowner right away while saving up and improving your credit.
• Privacy. You’re not listed as the purchaser on any public records until the closing takes place, giving you years of privacy.
• Move in fast. Since you don’t have to wait for a mortgage, you can often move in right away – and get started living a new life in the home of your dreams!
• No need to move twice! You are renting the home you plan on buying, so you don’t have to worry about the pain of moving again!
• Your Option Fee can count towards your down payment at time of financing! We work with specialized mortgage teams who understand how Rent to Own’s work and most of the time your Option Fee is credited towards your down payment.
• Stop wasting all your money on rent! As long as you execute your option to purchase the home on time, part of your monthly payments will be credited to helping you pay your closings costs at time of financing! This means more of YOUR money coming back to YOU!
So don’t wait! Get started now by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
Is there a down payment on a rent to own home?
Not right away!
You don’t have to have a down payment until you technically purchase the home with a mortgage (typically 3 years or less). However there is an amount due upon move-in and execution of the option to purchase agreement called an Option Fee. You are paying for the right to buy the home at a set price in the future IF you want to (but you’re not obligated to). This Option Fee is non-refundable if you choose not to purchase the home
.
Just like any other lease agreement in Minneapolis - St. Paul, there may be a security deposit and a small application fee in addition to the fee upon move-in. Of course, you’ll have to pay rent each month.
We can help you to structure the perfect scenario to meet your needs. We’ll show you the rent-to-own calculators and formulas that we use when we prepare your agreement, and help you figure out what’s best for you.
So don’t wait! Get started now by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
What type of people do a Rent to Own?
A lot more than you might think! Since the financial crisis, it has gotten much tougher to get a mortgage! Even with good credit or a good job, people are still getting denied for a home loan, forcing them to waste all their money on rent!
Many folks who are Self-Employed, newly employed, haven’t been on a job for 2 years yet, new to commission or bonus income, folks who’ve had a bump in the road due to unexpected medical issues, divorce, job loss, taking a chance on a new business that didn’t work out, or those who just didn’t have a good money coach on their side but now are ready for a change!
There are many things that can stop you from getting financing and since our team has over 15 years in the mortgage business and work with some of the top lenders in the country, we can help give you a road map to get to where you need to go during your Rent to Own time frame!
What are the requirements of a rent to own arrangement?
We know that every person, family and situation is different.
We do our best to help you uncover creative solutions to help you own the home of your dreams.
Once you’ve had a chance to check out the house, you’ll fill out a rental application that will include detailed information on everyone living in the home.
We’ll conduct a credit check and verify the income(s) for everyone over 18 who is living in your household to confirm that you’ll be able to make your monthly payment. There is also a background check and eviction check as part of the process.
People with bad credit, no credit, limited cash available, and other financial situations have all been able to lease then purchase their perfect piece of real estate.
We’ll speak with your references and previous landlords, because relationships matter to us more than just scores assigned by a computer.
You will be paying all utilities and responsible for all the lawn care and snow removal, just like you are on your own home.
We love helping great folks to reach their dreams, so don’t be afraid – fill out the form below to get started!
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
Rent To Own refers to properties that are leased and include an option to purchase. This site does not charge for rental listings and is not a pre-paid listing Service as defined by California Business and Professions Code 10167.
Terms of credit during rental period dependent on agreement with homeowner. Terms of credit may affect ability to qualify for home loan at end of lease period. There are no guarantees of future mortgage financing. We are not attorneys or accountants. Get your own independent 3rd party advice and do your own due diligence.
Jesse Mills, Founder & President of Home Solutions Group, LLC, is a licensed Realtor with eXp Realty.
*Minnesota state law requires at first substantive contact we provide you with an agency disclosure document. Please go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_-nkMKRL4-eckFnR1JIT1JzZ3c/view
The information contained herein has been obtained through sources deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed as to its accuracy. Any information of special interest should be obtained through independent verification.
If your home is currently listed with another broker this is not intended to solicit that listing.
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