Home Ownership Trends Are Shifting… Keep Reading To Find Out How They Might Make Owning A Home In San Antonio Even Easier…
Rent-to-own housing is an option for those who are not ready or able to purchase a home outright. Rent-to-own contracts allow renters to live in a property while making payments toward eventual ownership. Here are some pros and cons of rent-to-own housing in San Antonio:
Pros:
- Opportunity to Build Equity: Rent-to-own contracts allow renters to build equity in a property over time. This can be a good option for those who may not qualify for traditional mortgages.
- Flexibility: Rent-to-own contracts are typically more flexible than traditional mortgages. They may offer lower down payments, shorter terms, and less stringent credit requirements.
- Time to Improve Credit: Rent-to-own contracts offer renters time to improve their credit scores before applying for a traditional mortgage.
- Lock in Purchase Price: Rent-to-own contracts allow renters to lock in a purchase price, which can be beneficial if property values are increasing.
Cons:
- Higher Rent Payments: Rent-to-own contracts may come with higher rent payments than traditional rentals.
- Potential for Contract Disputes: Rent-to-own contracts can be complex and may result in contract disputes between the renter and the landlord/seller.
- Risk of Forfeiture: If a renter is unable to make payments or violates the contract, they may forfeit any equity they have built up in the property.
- Limited Property Selection: Rent-to-own properties may have limited selection compared to traditional home purchases.
- No Tax Benefits: Rent-to-own renters do not receive the tax benefits associated with homeownership.
Overall, rent-to-own housing can be a good option for those who are not ready or able to purchase a home outright. It is important to carefully consider the pros and cons and to work with a reputable landlord/seller before signing a rent-to-own contract.
Credit-score-based mortgages… they were once the primary way of buying a house… but these traditional methods of purchasing a home are becoming less common than in decades past. The American Dream is shifting and the concept of home ownership (while still strong) is evolving…
As banks become tighter with their loan approval process, and as Americans are still digging out of the recession (and possibly any credit problems they may have fell into during the recession), many are turning to alternative means of purchasing a home…
… perhaps because they don’t have the credit, maybe because they don’t trust banks anymore, or even because they are learning that there are other ways to buy.
Renting apartments and houses has increased dramatically in recent years… and renting-to-own a house (or Lease Option as many people call it) has become a popular way for families to buy a local San Antonio Texas house directly from a seller (after a rental period that usually lasts 12-24 months), without the stringent qualification process offered by banks.
There are many pros and cons of rent to own housing in San Antonio Texas, which we will outline in this article.
Remember to read each detail of any contract that you sign, and consult with a financial advisor or rent-to-own expert if you have any questions, or if any part of the process is confusing to you.
Pros of Rent to Own Housing in San Antonio Texas — Why It Can Be A Better Option
Easier Qualification
The largest hurdle to home ownership is usually qualifying for a loan for the house.
Lenders have become more and more stringent with income and asset requirements to approve a loan since the recession, and with the current state of the economy, many Americans just cannot meet these unrealistic expectations. In a rent-to-own situation, the seller can determine the guidelines of approving the contract, and is often much more reasonable than traditional banks.
And this means that usually there’s a much lower upfront payment to get into the house… and you don’t have to go through the complex process of qualifying for a bank loan.
Time to Improve Your Credit
As you’re renting to own a home, you have an opportunity (usually 1-5 years) to rebuild your credit rating so you can get a home loan to buy that house at the end of the rent to own / lease option agreement.
While working on your credit, you’ll have the opportunity to live in your future home, and when the term has ended, you’ll have saved both a down payment and hopefully increased your credit rating to get a traditional mortgage from a bank.
Cons of Rent to Own Housing – Some Drawbacks
Rent Can be More Costly
In a rent-to-own situation, including here in San Antonio and all around Texas, the seller can charge more for monthly rental since it comes with the option to purchase the house. If a buyer is unable to purchase the home at the end of the term, they will have spent more to live in a home without the benefit of purchasing it.
So you need to be sure that you’re serious about potentially purchasing this house at the end of the rent to own agreement… otherwise you’d be better off just renting a house through the normal rental channels.
Lease Cancellation
Buyers must beware the risks involved with lease cancellation, eviction, and other factors when considering a rent-to-own home. If a buyer is late on payments or breaks the lease in any way, the option to purchase the home may be lost, and they will have forfeited all fees and additional rent they’ve paid for the ability to purchase at the end of the term.
So same goes here as in the first drawback… if you’re wanting to rent to own the house… be serious about it and use this as an opportunity to improve your credit and earn your way into a great house you’d love to own.
For many San Antonio Texas residents who can’t get a traditional bank loan to buy a house, the Pros and Cons of Rent to Own Housing In San Antonio are clear cut.
If you don’t have the credit or don’t have a huge down payment… but want to experience the feeling of “ownership” while you work on purchasing that house… looking for great rent to own houses in San Antonio may be the preferable choice.
If you’re not fully committed to improving your financial situation, your credit, etc… doing a rent to own may not be the right fit.
Rent to own is an attractive option for many Americans. By knowing what you’re getting into, you have a prime opportunity to buy your dream home without meeting the often unrealistic standards set by traditional mortgage lenders.
Have Questions On How Our Local Rent To Own Program Works?
If you have questions about the rent to own / lease option process works… we’re here for ya!
Just click the link below to see our available properties… or connect with us by calling us at 210-729-9030 or through our contact page on this website.