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HomeRun Homes is a centralized marketplace which helps people Find or Sell a Rent to Own Home, both Nationwide and Globally to the thriving Rent to Own Market. http://www.lease2buy.com
Showing posts with label current market value. Show all posts
Showing posts with label current market value. Show all posts

January 12, 2011

Taking the Plunge - 3 Tips on Buying Your Rental Property

Hi Folks,

   Happy mid-week to everyone, and we ask that you arrive safely to wherever your destination is, should you need to commute in the Northeast today.

   You know, if you're renting a property, and the homeowner gave you an option to buy the property...well, how do you know when you are truly ready to buy the home? That is the question we are addressing today, along with 3 tips to help you along.

   "As a tenant with an option to own there are some fundamental principles you should consider before buying a property.", says Brian Rademacher of Re/Max Advantage Plus. First, make sure the property, "is a good fit for your lifestyle and family. Do you ultimately envision this property as your home?"

   Secondly, says Rademacher, "contact a real estate professional to review the option to purchase contract and perform a current market analysis. With declining real estate values in many markets the purchase price on the option contract may be higher then the current market value of the property.", and he suggests that if this is the case, that you should, "show the owner the current market analysis and discuss lowering the purchase price to meet the current market value.

   As a final tip, Rademacher suggests that you, "talk to a mortgage professional to determine if you are qualified to obtain a loan to purchase the property. Find out what your mortgage payment would be and if your mortgage commitment would fit into your monthly budget." As Greg Cook, a Mortgage Professional, says, "Owning a home costs more than renting. Most of the time an "all-in" mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) will be more than the rent they might currently be paying. But that's only part of it. The tenant is now responsible for maintenance, repairs and all those other little expenses that come with homeownership." Cook also recommends to any tenant looking to , "make that jump" to find out from a, "first time home buyer specialist how much the mortgage payment would be on the home they are buying, add an additional $100-$200 each month and then take that difference between rent and homeownership expenses and put it in savings."

   "Having seen several option agreements over the years, ask yourself a 2 pronged question", says Thomas Redmond of Redmond Realty. "1st, What is important about staying in this property and the community at this time and 2nd, Are the terms in my option agreement favorable or extremely favorable when considering my local market as well as my ability to purchase elsewhere during the option period." Redmond says that if the answer is, "yes I want to stay here for a couple of years or longer but your option favors to the landlord, who likely prepared the option agreement, then renegotiate or let option expire."

   "As long as renting is not substantially cheaper than owning it would be worthwhile to become the owner and start reaping the tax benefits and building equity.", says Lenny Layland, Broker/Owner of Investorlando Realty. Layland says that the owner, "should be doing everything possible to help this happen (assuming they want the tenant to exercise the option). Credit counseling support, paying closing costs and rent credits are possible ways."

   In summary, Rademacher says that it's a good time to buy, "if the property is a good fit for your lifestyle, has a sound option to purchase contract, is priced at current market value, and meets your budget and mortgage qualifications." By analyzing these 3 items, Cook says that, "Not only will they now have an idea of what sacrifices or lifestyle changes will need to be made but they will have built up their savings which, from a lender perspective, is only a good thing.

   Redmond makes a very positive statement, in saying that you need to, "Remember you bring a lot to this transaction so do not discount your position with tenant mentality.  You can take charge help the seller to help you for the best possible outcome."

   We hope these tips have been helpful. Do you have anything to add to this list?

Have a Great Week, and Happy Rent-to-Owning !
Regards,
Rob Eisenstein
HomeRun Homes Blog http://blogging.lease2buy.com
HomeRun Homes Website http://www.lease2buy.com

Tags: #optiontobuy #mortgage #rental