Rent-to-own homes are like that intriguing mix of pros and cons you encounter in life. Let's talk about the sunny side first. They open the door to homeownership for folks dealing with credit hiccups or hefty debts. Here's how it works: You sign a lease for a place with the option to buy it down the road, usually spanning several years. During this time, you pay rent, plus a little extra, which often gets squirreled away for your future purchase.

The cool thing? They lock in the purchase price at the start of your lease, so even if the property's value skyrockets, you still get it at the original, lower price. Plus, you get a chance to stash some cash for a down payment – something that can be a real struggle in the world of traditional mortgages. And, perhaps the best part, you get to try the place on for size, just like you would a new pair of shoes. Make sure it's your dream home before you commit to the big purchase.

But, (you knew there was a "but" coming, right?) there are some not-so-rosy aspects to consider. The extra monthly premium can mean a higher overall monthly bill compared to plain old renting. There's a gamble involved because if you don't end up buying the place, you might wave goodbye to that extra premium you've been forking over. Also, the property's value may not jump up like you hoped during your lease, and you could end up paying more than it's currently worth. The lease terms can get pretty complicated, and they're not exactly one-size-fits-all, so you'll need to put on your reading glasses and scrutinize the contract. Lastly, not all landlords play fair, and some might take advantage of your rent-to-own newbie status. To avoid these pitfalls, do your homework, maybe talk to a legal whiz, and make sure your rent-to-own deal is as clear as day.

What Is A Rent-To-Own Home?

A rent-to-own home also called a lease-to-own home, is bought by renting it from the owner. During the time of your lease, some of the rent you pay each month will go toward lowering the price of the house. After that time is up, which is usually between 1 and 5 years, you can choose to buy the home.

When the real estate market is slow and it's hard for people to sell their homes outright, these deals happen more often. They can be a good choice for renters who want to buy their own homes. But lease-to-own deals aren't as popular when it's easier for a seller to sell a home.

Why take the risks of such a rent-to-own agreement when you could get something else? At the end of the lease, the tenant might not be able to get a mortgage, or, in the worst case, they might trash the place and leave the owner with a mess.

Some landlords use a lease-purchase as part of a rent-to-own agreement to avoid more risky outcomes. This makes the renter legally bound to buy the house at the end of the lease. Landlords willing to take on such risks could keep the option to buy the home open instead of making it a requirement.

How does rent-to-own (RTO) work?

Rent-to-own deals start when a buyer and a house owner agree that the purchaser can rent the property for a certain amount of time. Depending on the type of agreement, the buyer must buy the property after that time or has the choice to do so. 

Buyers who sign a rent-to-own contract pay a premium on top of the rent. This premium helps pay for the down payment on the house. Most of the time, this payment cannot be taken back. This gives renters more reason to be sure they want to purchase the property at the end of the lease.

The Renting-to-own process

After the seller agrees to a rent-to-own contract, you'll do the following:

Sign a rent-to-own contract: 

There are two rent-to-own contracts, so you must know what you agree to. Watch out for lease-to-own contracts because you may be legally required to buy the house at the end of the lease, even if you can't afford it.

Agree on a price to buy: 

If you look at similar listings in the neighborhood or nearby neighborhoods, you can get a general idea of what prices are like in the area.

Determine the length of the rental period: 

Most rental agreements last between one and three years. Think about your financial situation and how long it will take you to be able to get a mortgage. If your credit score isn't where it needs to be to get a good interest rate, you might consider renting for a longer time to improve it.

Define maintenance roles: 

Each rent-to-own contract is different, so it's important to get in writing what you, as the renter, will be responsible for. For example, do you only have to take care of the things inside the house, like appliances and other repairs, or do you also have to take care of the lawn and the AC unit?

Rent payments: 

The rent is normally more with a rent-to-own contract than in a typical renting situation. You might be able to alter the amount you pay, but knowing how much your payment will be spent on buying the property is essential.

Find a mortgage lender: 

As the property's rental period ends, you'll need to look for a mortgage just like you would for another home purchase.

Read Also: Best Search Engine Optimization Methods For A Small Business

Keep track of: 

Keep copies of checks, bank statements, or other proof of what you have paid to show what you have paid. Your lender may ask for this paperwork.

A rent-to-own contract lets people who want to buy a home move in right away while they save up a down payment or work on their credit. Still, a few things to consider before signing this kind of contract. Before signing a contract, you should always ensure you comprehend what it says.

Pros of Rent-to-Own

Building a down payment over time: 

Instead of saving up cash for a down payment, you may be able to accumulate equity in the home by paying the higher rent over one or more years.

Trying not to compete: 

You won't have to compete with other buyers if you sign a rent-to-own contract.

You need not qualify instantly for a mortgage: 

A rent-to-own contract can be a great option if you need to enhance your credit score or repay the debt before you can save up for just a down payment. It helps you get the house you want and gives you more moments before you start looking for money.

Cons of Rent-to-Own

The option can't be taken back: 

You may have to pay a portion of the home's purchase price upfront if you want to have the choice to purchase it at the end of your lease. Probably, you won't have this money back if you decide not to buy it.

Keeping up with repairs: 

You might have to pay for repairs on a house you don't own yet. You could lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a serious situation.

Home value drops: 

If you sign a rent-to-own agreement and your lease is for a long time, you can't know what will happen to the housing market. If the purchase price was based on higher prices than they were now when the contract was made, you could spend more for your home than it's worth. You might want to add a clause that says the appraised value must be at least the agreed-upon sales price.

You could decide differently: 

Things always change. You might have to move because of your job, or you might not be able to get the mortgage you need to buy the house. You can leave as long as you have a lease option. But if your rent goes up, you could lose thousands of dollars you can't get back.

In summary, rent-to-own homes offer a unique opportunity for individuals with credit challenges or substantial debt to venture into homeownership. These arrangements provide time to improve financial standing, lock in purchase prices, and allow for savings toward a down payment. However, they come with the risk of higher monthly costs, potential loss of premiums, and uncertain market value trends. It's crucial to fully understand the lease terms and ensure transparency in the agreement. Ultimately, rent-to-own homes can be a valuable stepping stone to homeownership, but careful consideration and research are essential to navigate the potential pros and cons effectively.

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of the situation carefully before deciding if rent-to-own is correct for you. Do your homework and have the home inspected and valued. Before you sign any papers or pay any money, you should hire a real estate lawyer who can advise you.