Rent To Own/Lease Option - A Win/Win

A rent to own or lease/option is a very misunderstood strategy of real estate investment that can be a solution for some people who want to buy a house but are unable to for a variety of reasons. Let’s break it down quickly.

Who Is This Strategy Good For?

The typical client in a rent to own arrangement is someone who has a high household income but is unable to qualify for a mortgage currently for a variety of reasons. These reasons can include, but are not limited to, a recent divorce, bad credit, no credit, insufficient length of employment, lack of down payment, new immigrant, etc.

Tenant First Strategy

The goal is to have the tenant buyer qualify for a mortgage at the end of the term. We do some initial screening of interested parties through a form on our website that gives us some background information. The next step is to schedule a phone call where we go a little more in depth on the needs of the client. Some of the questions include the location that they would like to buy, any specific needs of the buyer (number of bedrooms, garage, etc.), and price point that they are interested in. After this initial consultation, we send out an application form for the buyer to fill out. Once this is complete, our credit specialist looks over the application and creates a customized report for the tenant/buyer that gives them a plan to help them qualify for a mortgage at the end of the term. With this information, we can begin a search for a house that fits the needs of the client.

How Are The Payments Structured?

Prior to signing any paperwork, we agree to a sale price for the end of the term. Typically, the sale price is lower than market appreciation, generally around 5% per year compounded annually. We structure all our payments around this final price. The tenant/buyer puts down an initial down payment, usually a minimum of around $10,000 on the purchase of the home. We then purchase the home, and the tenant/buyer rents the house from us for a set term. Over the length of the term, the tenant/buyer has 2 monthly payments. The first payment is a typical rent payment and the second payment is an option payment. Together with the initial down payment, the monthly option payments are credited 100% toward the purchase price of the house at the end of the term. Term length is generally 1 -3 years. Over this time, the tenant is given a chance to repair their credit, build good employment and a large down payment. At the end of the term, the tenant/buyer gives notice that they want to purchase the home for the price that was set out at the beginning of the contract, they qualify for a mortgage with an A lender and they use their option payments and initial down payment to purchase the home. If the client can not qualify at the end of the term for whatever reason, we are willing to work with the client to extend the term and renegotiate the terms.

Final Thoughts

A rent to own arrangement must be a win/win for all parties. Each arrangement is slightly different depending on the needs of the client. Remember, we are here to make this a successful transaction, not to take advantage of people in a vulnerable situation.

Pros for the Tenant/Buyer

· The ability to get into a home before they can qualify on their own

· Have regular contact with a credit specialist through out the term to keep them on the right track

· The option, but not the obligation, to purchase the home for a pre-set price that is often below market value

· Payments that are structured for their budget

· Professional market analysis and support only a phone call away

Pros For The Investor

· Working with qualified, top tier tenants that take care of the property like it is their own (because it soon will be!)

· Have a defined entry and exit plan on their investment with set terms

· Low maintenance properties in good neighbourhoods

If you are interested in applying for the rent to own program, we would love to hear from you. If you are interested in investing in a rent to own home, please book a consultation and we will speak to you about our options.