How to Get a Great Deal on a Rent-to-Own Home

Ahhh, the American dream. Everyone wants their own home, but not everyone has the credit score or the down payment needed to buy a house. That’s where rent-to-own homes come in. They allow you to rent with an option to buy at some point in the future. But how do you get a good deal on one? Read on below for tips from an experienced rent-to-owner!

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Do Your Research

First things first — do your research! Look for properties that have been sitting for a while and chances are you can get a great deal on them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the property and inquire about any special deals or discounts that might be available. You should also check out other rent-to-own properties in the area and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Know Your Credit Score

Most landlords will require a credit check before they accept your application, so it’s important that you know your credit score going in. If your credit score is lower than you’d like, there are ways to help improve it before applying for rent-to-own homes — such as paying off debts, disputing errors on your report, and improving your debt utilization ratio (the amount of debt you have compared to your available credit). Knowing what kind of shape your credit is in will give you leverage when negotiating with potential landlords.

Negotiate Everything

Don’t forget that everything can be negotiated when it comes to rent-to-own homes! The initial rental price, monthly payments, deposit fees, and even closing costs can all be up for negotiation if you know how to work it right. The key is being confident and having as much information as possible about both yourself and the property – so do your homework ahead of time!

Rent-to-own homes are a great way to get into homeownership without having perfect credit or saving up for a big down payment. If done correctly, renting with an option to buy can save you money over time. Just remember — do your research, know your credit score, and negotiate everything! With these tips under your belt, you'll be sure to find a great deal on that perfect rent-to-own home! Good luck!