Rent to Own Requirements
Minimum Down Payment Requirements
Minimally, in todays market you will need a 10% down payment ($40,000 on a $400,000 home) to qualify for a mortgage during the lease option term.
Putting more money down ultimately increases your financing options such as seller or owner financing. If you are able to put 20% of the home’s purchase price down ... in most cases you can own your home from Day 1 and enjoy all of the tax benefits of home ownership.
Credit Requirements and Maximum Option Term
Most buyers can qualify for traditional financing within 12 – 24 months when established under a legitimate rent to own program. However, no two buyers are alike which is why we go to great care to evaluate your current credit and financing situation before finding the perfect home for you.
By carefully evaluating your situation in advance you can be sure that you’ll have ample time to work on your credit or other financing issues keeping you from owning your own home.
If you are in a situation where you want or need an option term longer than 24 months then putting more money down will “buy” the term you need. As an example, it is not uncommon for owner financing contracts to be for periods of 3-5 years before being required to refinance.