Lease to own - Zillow Real Estate Advice

Tax assessed value and market value are two different subjects.??? If you wish to get a better perspective of true market value, either pay for an appraisal or see if you can twist the arms of a couple of agents to provide CMAs.

I personally wouldn't touch lease to own with a 10 foot pole as it tends to be a losing proposition for the potential buyer.

While the theoretical concept of rent with the option to buy may seem attractive, some of the realities are considerably less so.

Owners who will consider rent to own are very rare, so it will cut down your options for properties considerably. ? You've found one, perhaps that is your dream home. ? I consider it much smarter to spend a year or two working on improving your credit and (if necessary) saving up a good down payment.?? Yeah, it is tough to move but it even tougher to lose a lot of money attempting to buy.

Some features of rent to own:

1.? Down payment required - often substantial (say 10% or even 20%) and is non-refundable if the potential buyer doesn't purchase.

2.? Monthly rental is above fair market rent, with the only amount going to purchase is the amount above the fair market rent.? This is also not refundable.

3.? If not qualified for financing at the agreed upon? time and price, then you lose everything.?

4.? The price is agreed upon at the beginning of the contract, and housing prices may still be decreasing or not, depending on the area.

5.? You still depend on the owner to pay their mortgage.?? If they fail, you lose.

If you do get involved in this, please involve an attorney in the contract.

Source: http://www.zillow.com/advice-thread/Lease-to-own/473107/

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