Buying a Lease-To-Own Home

What you need to know before you decide to enter a lease-to-own agreement.
If you’re a cash-challenged home buyer, a lease-to-own agreement may be a way to buy a home and accumulate a down payment. A lease-option also gives you a chance to check out the neighborhood and occupy the home before you decide whether you want to buy it.



What is a lease-to-own or lease-option agreement? 
A lease-option agreement is both a lease that allows you to occupy the home and an option that allows you to purchase the home in the future at an agreed-upon price.

A typical lease-option agreement requires you to pay a somewhat higher monthly rent for the home and obligates the owner to credit a portion of that rent toward your down payment. For example, if the owner’s expected market rent were $1,500 per month, he or she might increase that to $1,800 per month and apply $300 per month to your down payment. After one year, you would have a down payment credit of $3,600.

A formal contract is a must 
A lease-option agreement should be formalized in a written contract that specifies the monthly rent, the amount of rent that will be credited to the down payment, the sales price and the expiration date of the option. Any contingencies (e.g., your right to obtain a home inspection) or other important terms of the agreement should be stated in the contract as well.

A lease-option allows the owner to sell the home to you without paying a commission to a real estate broker. But keep in mind that the transaction is thus bereft of a broker’s advice, expertise and assistance. Payment of other closing costs such as title insurance and transfer fees is subject to negotiation and should be addressed in either the lease-option contract or a later addendum to that contract.

Lease-option isn’t an obligation to buy
 
A lease-option doesn’t obligate you to purchase the home; rather, it is simply an opportunity to do so with the advantages of a known purchase price and a rent credit toward the down payment. If you elect not to exercise the option to purchase the home, your credited rent usually is forfeited to the owner. This money is a form of compensation to the owner for the option, which compromises his or her freedom to sell the property to someone else during that time. Reasons why you might decide not to exercise an option include lower property values in the area, an inability to obtain a mortgage, a job transfer or disenchantment with the neighborhood or the home, among others.

Who pays taxes, insurance, repairs? 
The owner is responsible for property taxes, insurance, and repairs and maintenance of the property during the lease-option term since you have no ownership interest in the property. Likewise, the owner, not you, would suffer a loss if the property were damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster that occurred during your lease-option term. Nonetheless, you may want to purchase separate renter’s insurance to cover your own personal belongings. Of course, once you purchase the property at the end of the lease-option term, you’ll be responsible for the taxes, insurance, and repairs related to the home.

Because lease-to-own agreements can be complex legal arrangements, we recommend you contact an attorney to make sure your interests are protected.
 

Resource: realestate.com

home selling process
So many tips are being given on home selling. If only you knew where to begin with! Some homeowners get confused because they don’t have a big picture of what exactly will happen during the home selling process. While it may differ from various areas, some general steps sellers should expect are the same.
The first thing to do is some preliminary planning. Though you may not feel like it, this is the step that kick-start the whole home selling process. Your house needs to be fully prepared to accept a new owner. If you plan to sell your house and buy another one, always know for a fact that you’re qualified to buy a new one before selling your old home.
When you feel like you and your house is ready, it’s time to find yourself a realtor. Interview agents in your local neighborhood or ones that are proven with a good experience. Ask on how they would market your property, and what kinds of additional commissions do they offer. This is someone that’s going to be with you throughout the process, so make sure the chemistry works.
When you’ve made your decision about an agent, prepare the listing agreement. There are several types available, each ones giving you a different level of involvement between you and the broker. Choose one that’s similar to the amount of work you’re willing to contribute in the home selling process – and how much money you’re going to spend.
The money of your listing agreement should come from the revenue of your home price, so make sure you set the price ideally. A too high or too low price will not help sell your home, as this may creates a bad image to potential buyers. Check some cost analysis to get a rough value of your property, and work from there. Don’t forget the costs you have to spend throughout the home selling process.
If you set the price right, it’s highly possible that potential buyers would start calling for home showings. Prepare for this as well as you prepare your house for it. If you’re using an agent, leave the house whenever a client comes over. If you’re selling on your own, check the points you’re going to show the potential buyers and think about what you’re going to say.
Finally, if the home showings went well, the buyers will make an offer. Offers should be made in standard forms that would satisfy a lawyer. Make sure you know what the buyer wants to include in the sale and what should be excluded. You can choose to accept or reject the offer, or modify it and see if the buyer is willing to negotiate with your incentives.
Once you’ve reached an agreement, that pretty much brings you to the end of the your home selling process. Good luck!

Home Selling Tip
Home selling tips are everywhere – some suggesting things you might never thought of, some are general ones you’re likely to find everywhere. But just because they’re common doesn’t mean we should stop making them. Here are some home selling tips of our own:
·    When putting out your advertisement, never use the words "asking" or "negotiable" with your selling price. This will only make it seem like you’re not sure of the value of your home. Why bother setting the price in the first place if further negotiation is likely to change it anyways?
·    When preparing your house, try to look at it from the buyer’s point of view. Would you want to buy a house like your own?
·    Unless you’re sure you’re up to the challenge, hire a good agent and attorney to do the home selling for you. It may cost more, but it can save you a lot of pain.
·    Make sure you have a full Multiple Listing Service coverage – this is a powerful tip to remember. Multiple Listing Service is the strongest selling tool for your home. Some people would not even advise you to check for any offers before you see you home on MLS!
·    Home showings through an open house is a good idea, especially if you live in a small town.
·    Getting your clutter out of the way will not only improve the home showings, but also makes it easier for you to pack your things
·    Finish off whatever new constructions you’re applying with your house. No buyers would want to finish what the seller left off!
·    When negotiating with the buyer, throw your bad mood away. It’s hard to discuss price when you’re still upset about the buyer’s plans to cut down the tree you love. Maintain an interactive discussion and build up trust. Even if the offer doesn’t work out, keep up a good impression.
·    Don’t let buyers’ offers sway you – consult with your attorney about the price offered. Usually there’s  a period of three days for you to accept or reject an offer. Also be prepared for home inspections, as usually this happens during this stage of the home selling process.
Like I said in the beginning of the article: home selling tips are endless, when you start looking for them. Choose only the tips that would best suit your needs and capacity. And if you still haven’t found one, chances are you’ll find it soon.

Home Selling Tips

Planning to sell your house? Or planning to move to a new house and selling the old one? There are some home selling tips to make your home selling attracts a buyer. You should pay attention to some aspects if you would sell your home. The price almost becomes a general of all. And then, the qualities of your house can be guarantee. The qualities include beauty, functionality, coziness, etc.

Above all, assumes that you are a buyer, what will you look or what will you look if you want to buy a house? There are some home selling tips:
·    Just familiar with the market price of houses, and put the reasonable price.
·    The location of your house can be a point to increase or decrease your market price, if your house located in an elite residential, you are allowed to increase your market price.
·    Plan some strategy to advertise and promote your home selling. You can consult with an expert or with a realty agent. Just put your advertising in local newspaper or you also can put your home selling promotion in a websites. Nowadays, there are many sites that operate in home selling advertising.
·    Put a board sign written “Home For Sale by Owner” in your front yard
·    Showing your home to a buyer directly or using visual media.
·    Your presentation to a buyer can add a good value of your home selling.
·    No home is perfect. You just disclosing and clarifying all the negative facts in your house.
·    Make a good first impression, by doing some preparations in your exterior, interior, and appliances.
·    Creating a buying mood, with turn of air conditioner or heater, make some spaces, create coziness, open the windows, light the fireplace, etc.
·    Qualify a buyer is necessary to do to make sure that the process of selling work properly.
·    Pay attention to your house tax. You can consult with your house tax advisor.
·    Just now about all legal transaction process terms such as contracts, and letter correlated.
·    Learn how to do a good negotiation.
·    If you decide to use an agent or realtor, you must know the different of two them. You also should now the commission and all the process inside.
·    Choose a reputable realtor.
·    Put the board signs written “Home For Sale by Realtor” if you use realtor.
·    Make the most of your realtor’s advices. Your realtor will guide you to your home selling and you will receive the maximum results offered.
tip on selling your own home
Selling your own home is never easy, and the difficulties ran more than just missing an agent. There are those memories and sense of belongings to get over, for one. You want to make sure the house you’ve lived in moves to the best buyer possible – and you want to make sure they’re willing to pay what it’s worth.  Do you really think you can do this? A lot of people managed to sell their own home quickly. Here are some tips that might help:

·    Make sure you have every legal issues covered before you even think about handing your house over. Does your state law require you to give property disclosures to potential buyers? It’s always a good idea to invest in a good attorney to help you.
·    An attorney also come in handy for helping you make the contract form. Selling your own home requires a contract that would both protect you and the buyer – think about the buyer deposit and the local estate laws.
·    A useful but normally disregarded tip in selling your own home is make sure you pick out the best picture to put in the advertisements. Like humans, not all houses are “photogenic”, so pick out the best angle that still represents what your house has to offer.
·    Something the agents have and you don’t is experience, especially in observing buyers. The large amount of potential buyers coming to your house should not convince you that everyone can finance for a house. If you’re selling a house on your own, more buyers will come in hope of a more flexible negotiation – check them all. Ask if they’re able to buy your house immediately, or do they need to sell their own house first.
·    Cleaning and preparing your house for home showings is only a part of your effort. Some potential buyers love to do drive-bys, and rely on that first impression. Make sure your lawn and the front part of your house is well maintained. If your curb appeal is low, clients are reluctant to see what’s inside.
These tips on selling your own home came from people who managed to sell their house successfully.  There’s a lot to consider before you take every next step, so take your time. And remember, it’s useless to do the selling on your own if the revenue taken from not hiring an agent is spent heavily on fixing your own mistakes!

Is it a Good Idea to Sell Your Home Yourself? 

Are you thinking about selling your home? Have you been thinking of selling it by yourself  instead of hiring a real estate agent? There are several advantages of selling your home yourself, but there are disadvantages as well. To make it easier for you to make a decision find the most important pros and cons below.
The most important PRO for selling your home yourself is MONEY.  Selling your home without the help of an agent means more Money in your pocket!
By selling it yourself you save the commissions and fees. - We are not talking about pennys, we are talking about THOUSANDS of dollars which you would have to pay an agent.
Another advantage is that you are able to decide the times for open houses and showings. It is also completely up to you where and when you want to advertise.
Unlike a real estate agent who is selling many houses, you can focus on YOUR house, because you are only selling your own house. It is obvious that you will have more interest in the sale than an agent..
But as mentioned above there are also disadvantages selling your house yourself. Real estate agents are paid a lot of  money for a reason. Selling a home takes a lot of energy and time. Dealing with potential buyers, open houses, closing sales and of course dealing with legal issues. Real estate agents are familiar with all the above and their experience can impact the sale. 

Be realistic when making a decision! Will you drop everything  to make a showing? Do you think you are indeed a good negotatior and ask for an offer? Are you 100% sure you are able to close a deal?  Selling a home is a big project! It is not everyone who can take on such a big project and can stay calm and professional when dealing with buyers. 
Selling your home is not impossible, but it is a challenge. If this challenge excites you and if you are willing to learn  then it is not impossible managing selling your home without the help of an agent. With some know-how and a lot of energy you can sell your house without the help of a real estate agent and save thousands.
So how to start? Sit down and start evaluating your house. Finding the right price is the first and most important step when selling your home yourself.

Marketing Your House to Homebuyers 

When you want to sell your house, it’s essential that you pay special attention on marketing your house to homebuyers. After all, marketing is the way to get people noticing that you’re trying to sell a house!

 But for agents, it’s an entirely different deal. On each call generated by a marketing of your house, there is an opportunity for the selling agent to take them as clients. The more calls your house generates, the bigger possibility of the buyer’s agent to get clients.
Although the reason is different, marketing your house to homebuyers will always be a big deal for all aspects of the sellers’ side. You might want to confirm that the agent handling your house advertisement runs ads in magazines and local newspapers for that matter. Prepare the advertisements with well consideration. Pick out a good picture of your house. List the features homebuyers would look for. Also check that your advertisements go to the local Multiple Listing Service, as this is considered the most powerful marketing tool you can find.
If you feel like the agents are not doing a good enough job, put some efforts in marketing your house yourself. Create fliers and postcards announcing your home selling and spread it in the neighborhood. Your neighbors may not want to buy your house, but there’s a chance they know of a homebuyer. And because they already know the environment, they’ll make perfect salesmen for your house! “Word of mouth”, as always, is the most effective step you can take at the cheapest price.
Following the announcements, you might want to set up an open house that doubles as home showings. The bad thing about this is that most visitors of an open house are rarely homebuyers – some of them just followed the “Open House” sign and went in for no reason. But it’s still a good extent for your “word of mouth” campaign. It might even create interests from local real estate agents to list your house. But try not to organize an open house as an alternative when your house has been in the market for some time. Most of your neighbors would already know that you’re marketing your house to homebuyers and the open house would attract even less visitors.
Whether it’s with an agent or by yourself, you would always want to be involved in marketing your house to homebuyers. In home selling you will be competing with thousands of other houses, and who’s better to flaunt the features to homebuyers than the one who’s been living in it?

Mobile Home Selling

A mobile home selling takes just as much work as any home selling. But you’ll be happy to know that the price of mobile home has increased in the last year. A mobile home with two bedrooms can be worth as much as $2.7 million! It’s an especially staggering number because even in that price, the homebuyers don’t own the land of the home. Because of this, buyers still need to pay rent to the land owner, and faces little possibility in getting a mortgage. But fear not, mobile home owners – people chose to pay the price should have a picture of what they’re paying.
Mobile home selling is actually not that different from any other home selling. There are some legal requirements you have to finish, though. The seller must be sure that all property taxes have been paid. You must also transfer the title to the new owner, applying a document stating that all personal property taxes have been paid. Most importantly, don’t forget to report to authorizing offices that you have transferred the title, otherwise the office will still charge the tax to you. Some areas would also require anyone engaged in the business of selling mobile homes to obtain a mobile home retailer's license.
Marketing a mobile home is the one that’s relatively similar to others. You can get the help of a realtor to make it even easier. Talk to your agent and put out advertisements – it’s always an essential process in mobile home selling. Expect people to call and come over to observe your house. During home showings, you might want to explain the ownership status of your mobile home (do you own the land? Whom should you pay the rent to?). The age of a mobile house is more important than other houses, so expect a lot of questions about this.
When you’ve accepted an offer by a buyer, take time in considering the price offered. Selling a home usually means  buying another shortly after – whether you’re willing to invest in another mobile home or move to other types of homes, think about the overall cost and how it will be covered.
Mobile home selling requires a little bit of extra work in legal needs. But with the high price, this should not stop the sellers. There will always be people with different needs, one of which is for a mobile home, and the mobile home market will never run out of potential buyers. Remember that you can always hire a mobile home selling agent to help you get through the process!