Lease to buy: A win-win option for buyers and sellers

Hopeful buyers with poor credit are finding the rent-to-own option creates an opportunity where they accumulate enough time  to repair their credit and get to point where they can buy the house. It’s a win-win situation – for both buyers and sellers. If you are a seller, you will find properties that once sat vacant now offer cash flow. If you are a buyer, you have the opportunity to strengthen your bad credit and own a house which would not have been possible for you otherwise.

The cost involved in lease-to-own agreements can be more expensive compared to standard rental agreements. In addition to paying rent, lease-to-own contract users usually need to pay an option fee, and a rent premium as well, which is not returned to the renter in the event that he or she does not exercise the option to buy the leased item.

Advantages for the buyer/tenant:

#  Under this type of lease-option contract, for the period stated, you are the only one who has the option to buy the particular property.

#  Typically a portion of your rent is included in the down payment while purchasing the house.

#  You have a contract to buy the home when the lease is up and usually you can buy the home at any time during the contract. If you are not ready whether to buy a house now or not, lease option may be advisable for you as you can test home ownership.

#  In a market like India, where home prices are appreciating constantly, you may get a good deal under the lease agreement ice which is lower than how much the price appreciates.

#  You have a chance to boost your credit and build equity.

Advantages for the seller/landlord:

#  You can avail immediate cash flow from the tenant and the opportunity to sell your property later on.

#  If the tenant/buyer doesn’t buy your property, you can keep the upfront fee (option money).

#  You can hope to get higher-quality tenants who will take better care of the home since they may want to buy it in the future.

#  Since you own the home, you retain tax-shelter benefits while you have tenants in the home.