How the Program Works:
What exactly do you do?
We help those good people that want to help themselves. If someone is motivated to find a way to purchase the American dream we want to help him or her accomplish that dream. We match people with houses. Our program is not magic. You do have to have some money to put down but it is minimal. And once you are in the program as long as you pay on time and talk to the mortgage brokers you generally end up owning the home.
How do we help?
We allow folks to get that second or third chance even if others have given up on them. We allow you to purchase a home with no qualifying and guaranteed financing for little money down. We generally are able to look the other way on bankruptcies, foreclosures, bad school loans and other credit issues as long as you have learned your lesson and have the option fee. We want you to be able to have the American dream and own a house.
How much is little money down?
In most cases it is between $3,900 and $5,900. We call this an “option fee”. If you don’t have that in savings it is low enough where many times you can borrow it from your 401K, parents, family or friends. The option fee is subtracted out of the predetermined sales price.
What do you mean by easy qualifying?
It is the real deal. If you have the money and a good attitude, make 3 times the rent, and have good rental history we will do everything reasonable to see that you get the home. It sounds too good to be true but it is really pretty simple. We give you an option to purchase the home for 3 years with a provision for 2 more years as long as you have paid as agreed. This gives you a total of 5 years to clean up your credit and get a mortgage. Sometimes we finance the home for you but that is no longer guaranteed. We deal with many mortgage brokers and our success rate has been good. We are in the business to help you get the home of your dreams and not to deny you this opportunity.
What do you mean by guaranteed financing?
As of 2014 we no longer offer the guaranteed financing. Instead we extended the term we lock in the home from 3 to 5 years. Most of our option agreements with our resident/buyers give them the opportunity to purchase the home for a predetermined price for 5 years. You have an “option” to purchase it for that amount of time. At any time during that 5 years you can get your own loan with a lender of your choice. We can also recommend many to you. We deal with many mortgage brokers and our success rate has been good. We are in the business to help you get the home of your dreams and not to deny you this opportunity.
How is your Rent-to-own program different from all the others?
There are two quick answers to this one. We strive to follow the “Golden Rule” and we also work hard to help you get the financing. If someone is in the situation where they are participating in a “Rent-to-own” program the chances are he or she does not have good credit. To take that prospect’s option fee and then not have a good plan for them is not something we could do and sleep at night. However, many operators do and that is why you need to deal with us and not our competitors. We expect you to check us out as closely as we check you out. Also, our options are long term, general at least 3 years and most of them for 5 years. You don’t have to be in a hurry to get it all done.
Does any of my rent go toward my home purchase?
Yes – Generally we allow $200 per month for the first 12 months (capped at $2,400) to be applied toward the home purchase. We cap it after 12 months because this is when we generally start trying to help you communicate with mortgage companies and get serious about getting a loan.
Who performs the maintenance after I move in?
Most of our homes are under warranty for the first 3-4 months. Since these homes are newer we assume that if there is a problem you will know about it in the first few weeks. We therefore extend that period to several months to give you plenty of time to make us aware. We go to great lengths to make sure our homes are in good market ready condition when you take possession so seldom is an issue. After the warranty period expires it is your responsibility to do the maintenance.
What areas to you specialize in?
Obviously middle Tennessee and specifically Antioch, LaVergne, Smyrna, and Murfreesboro. We choose these areas based on pricing models, good schools, lower crime rates, and job availability. We like to do Rent to own homes in Lake Forrest and other nice areas of LaVergne. We also do lease options in Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Antioch. Occasionally, we do a Rent 2 own program in Mt. Juliet, Hermitage, Madison, and other Nashville areas. We never operate in the higher priced areas such as Franklin, Bellevue, West End, Green Hills, etc. We provide only quality affordable housing.
OK I like one of your homes what next?
You go in and look at it. If you like it you put down earnest money to be applied toward the option fee. Generally this amount is $500 to $1,000. You then pay the rest of the option fee and first month’s payment when you actually move in and sign the papers. Until money is put down on a house we cannot hold it.
How can I lock in a “Home Available Soon” and not lose money if it is not what I expected?
We offer a “Right of first Refusal” agreement to folks that are serious about a future home. In a nutshell you put down $500 and I provide you with paperwork saying that you are first in line to get the home. It also goes on to say if you should change your mind before you actually see the home you get all your money back. Generally the fee for this is $500 and as I said it is totally refundable until you get in and see the house and make up your mind.
Download the form for “Right of First Refusal