Lease Purchase Agreements

Buying is a sound option if equity building and resale are important. But you should be able to afford the down payment, mortgage payments and upkeep. Leasing is a good option if you don't want to commit to one location or property. Or, you might want to cut down on ongoing property maintenance.

Rent-to-own homes come with a significant risk to buyers. If the owner of the property gets foreclosed on, you're going to be forced to leave. The contract with be forfeited, and you'll have to buy the home from the bank. You may be able to get approved for a home even with bad credit.

A lease purchase agreement in real estate is a rent-to-own contract between a tenant and a landlord for the former to purchase the property at a later point in time. The renter pays the seller an option fee at an agreed-upon purchase price, giving them exclusive rights to buy the property.

In a standard Lease-Purchase Contract, the two parties agree to a lease period during which rent is paid, and the terms of the sale at the end of the lease period, including sale price. Often, the contract is structured in two parts, one representing the lease term and the other a contract of sale.

Document everything in writing. Keep a written record of everything that is agreed on, and be careful to use the right terms in the agreement. Consult an attorney. Use separate agreements. Keep the term short. Take a security deposit. Pay like an owner. Factor in repair costs. Don't give large rent credits.

A lease-option-to-buy arrangement can be a solution for some potential homebuyers, but it's not right for everyone. If you're not certain that you're going to be able to purchase the rental home at the end of the lease period, you might be better served with a standard rental agreement.

You sign one of two types of agreements. You and the landlord set a purchase price. You pay an option fee. You decide how long the rental term will be. Maintenance roles will be defined. Your monthly payment covers rent and down payment savings. When the rental term nears its end, you apply for a mortgage.

The key difference between a lease agreement and a hire purchase finance agreement is that at the end of a lease, you return the asset and at the end of an HP, you have the option to purchase and keep the asset if you so choose.

Lease options are typically a better option for Sellers than most people think they are for a number of reasons.In addition, lease option Buyers are often willing to pay market value, or even slightly higher, due to their unique circumstances, so the Seller is more likely to get top dollar for the home.