Frequently Asked Questions
General questions about our company, service, and properties we offer on this website:
- I am pre-qualified for a mortgage. Do I have to do a Lease Option or Owner Financing?
- How do I view one of your houses?
- Why do you require proof of funds or a prequalification letter before showing?
- What do I need for proof of funds?
- How much money up front do I need to get one of your houses?
- What does Owner Finance actually mean?
- Does Owner Financing require a down payment?
- What does Rent to Own actually mean?
- What is the Rent to Own process?
- Do appliances or furniture come with a rent-to-own home?
- What if I have bad credit, a bankruptcy, or am self employed? Can I still get a rent-to-own home?
- Is there a down payment on a rent to own home?
- Does the Option Fee count towards the Purchase Price?
- I don’t know anyone with $1,000, much less $5,000 or more. Why do you charge so much!?
- What are the benefits of a rent to own home?
- What are the requirements of a rent to own arrangement?
I am pre-qualified for a mortgage. Do I have to do a Lease Option or Owner Financing?
If you’re pre-qualified and want to purchase one of our houses then we would love to get you into one of our houses! Are you working with an agent? Have you signed a Buyer’s Representation agreement?
Once you inquire about one of our houses and decide you want to see it, we simply ask for proof of funds or a prequalification letter before scheduling a showing.
How do I view one of your houses?
Once you inquire about one of our houses and decide you want to see it, we simply ask for proof of funds or a prequalification letter before scheduling a showing.
Why do you require proof of funds or a prequalification letter before showing?
Just as traditionally listed houses on the MLS typically require a prequalification letter before accepting a showing or offer, so do we. This is done, because otherwise we would spend all our time showing houses to people that can’t afford the house or simply aren’t that serious about buying. If providing proof of affordability is such a big burden to someone, how likely do you think that person is to make the decision to actually put money up to buy a house?
What do I need for proof of funds?
Typically this is in the form of a bank statement with the account number blacked out. This can be sent to info@OwnershipFastLane.com.
How much money up front do I need to get one of your houses?
The smallest option fee or down payment we will typically accept is $5,000, but we can’t always do this. The minimum amount varies from house to house.
What does Owner Finance actually mean?
Owner Finance is much like a traditional sale, only we are financing it, rather than a bank. We will typically amortize the loan (spread the payments) for 30 years, like most traditional bank mortgages. Sometimes we can even amortize for 40 years, which results in a lower monthly payment.
Does Owner Financing require a down payment?
Yes. We typically require a minimum of $5,000 down.
What does Rent to Own actually mean?
In most cases, a rent to own agreement is a contract on a property that works like a lease and leads to a purchase. It’s technically two separate agreements; A standard lease and an option to buy – or a lease/option agreement for short.
The lease portion is a standard rental agreement that includes monthly rent, security deposit, and other typical terms.
The option agreement gives you the right to purchase the property after a set time period – usually around 2 years. This gives you the ability to save money towards a down payment, repair credit, increase your income, or otherwise improve your ability to qualify for a mortgage.
Most of the time people use a traditional mortgage loan to purchase the property prior to the expiration of the option period, but we will typically offer owner financing if you’re still unable to qualify for a traditional mortgage loan.
We help lots of folks like you to purchase the home of their dreams.
Fill out the form below to get started on your way to home ownership!
What is the Rent to Own process?
The rent to own process is actually pretty simple.
Once you’ve seen one of our fantastic properties, we’ll give you an application to fill out. Don’t worry – we help people with all kinds of credit and financial situations, and if you can afford the property, we can probably help you to own it.
After you’re approved to rent the property, just sign the lease, pay your security deposit and rent – then move on in!
Your lease/option agreement (also known as the rent to own contract) will spell out the length of time that you have to complete the purchase of the property – typically 2 years, but in certain circumstances we may extend your option if you need more time.
The purchase of your home usually takes place through a traditional mortgage loan, but there are other ways to complete the purchase, depending on your finances.
That’s the process!
Once you’ve completed your mortgage, you’re done – now you own your home!
First step – sign up to find great properties around St. Louis just by filling out the form.
You’ll get immediate access to great rent-to-own homes, plus a whole lot more.
Sign up and get started now!
Do appliances or furniture come with a rent-to-own home?
Most of the time, furniture isn’t included with a lease/option purchase.
Generally, the basic appliances are there – like a refrigerator, stove, oven, and sometimes extras, like a dishwasher, a washer and a dryer. Parts of a property that are installed or attached – like the heating system and air conditioning – are definitely included, except under special circumstances when we’re selling a fixer-upper.
Sometimes, we’ll offer a property that includes some furnishings. Most buyers want to bring their own stuff with them from their previous home, and that’s why furniture is sold separately.
There are many companies out there that provide a rent-to-own service for furniture or extra appliances, and you’ll get lots of choices on styles and types.
But be careful!
Even though rent-to-own real estate can be a great deal, some (not-so-honest) furniture companies will charge you huge amounts for a rent-to-own agreement. You might end up paying 2-3x more for these products than if you bought them outright.
Plus, those appliances will probably go down in value – unlike real estate, which usually goes up in value.
Of course, you want your money to be going to an asset (like your home) that will rise in value, not expensive interest payments on new furniture.
So don’t wait! Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to get started now.
What if I have bad credit, a bankruptcy, or am self employed? Can I still get a rent-to-own home?
Yes you can! Many people with bad credit, no credit, bankruptcy, divorce, and other situations can still get a rent-to-own home.
Every situation is different, but we specialize in helping people who have been through tough circumstances (or just made mistakes in the past) to repair their credit and get started on the path to a great financial future and home ownership.
Even if your credit is bad, you can still own a property!
One of the major benefits of a rent-to-own scenario is that it gives you time to repair your credit before you purchase your home. You’ll enjoy many of the benefits of home ownership while you’re rebuilding your credit and saving money towards a down payment.
So fill out the form at the bottom of this page now and get your piece of the American dream!
What are the benefits of a rent to own home?
There are a lot of benefits of a rent to own agreement!
In the St. Louis area, lots of smart people are using rent to own agreements as a way to get the home of their dreams without having to qualify for a bank loan right away.
In the past few years, banks have been very tight on their lending criteria. Most people who use a rent to own agreement want a few years to get ready to qualify.
Here are a few more reasons to use a rent-to-own agreement:
- Try before you buy! You get to live in your rented home before you actually purchase it, allowing you to make sure it’s actually your dream home. If you don’t like the house, you don’t have to complete the purchase.
- Own without great credit or a big down payment. You can start feeling like a homeowner right away while saving up and improving your credit.
- Privacy. You’re not listed as the purchaser on any public records until the closing takes place, giving you years of privacy.
- Move in fast. Since you don’t have to wait for a mortgage, you can often move in right away – and get started living a new life in the home of your dreams!
So don’t wait! Get started now by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
Is there a down payment on a rent to own home?
You don’t need a down payment until you’re ready to move forward with an actual purchase (known as exercising your option to buy). However there is usually an amount due, called an option fee, upon move-in and execution of the option to purchase agreement.
We can help you to structure the perfect scenario to meet your needs.
So don’t wait! Get started now by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
Does the Option Fee count towards the Purchase Price?
Typically the first $5,000 of Option Fees will not count towards your Purchase Price. This is simply the fee to get into one of these amazing opportunities we provide to the community. It covers the legalities, paperwork, marketing, and believe it or not, I actually need to make money too.
We typically credit anything over $5,000 off the Purchase Price.
I don’t know anyone with $1,000, much less $5,000 or more. Why do you charge so much!?
This is a house! The biggest purchase most people ever make. It takes money to buy houses. If you can’t put enough money down, then you’re probably not ready to buy a house. We want to set people up for success and want clients that are able to commit (and afford) to purchase our houses.
What are the requirements of a rent to own arrangement?
We know that every person, family and situation is different.
We do our best to help you uncover creative solutions to help you own the home of your dreams.
Once you’ve had a chance to check out the house, you’ll fill out a rental application that will include detailed information on everyone living in the home.
We’ll conduct a credit check and verify the income(s) for everyone over 18 who is living in your household to confirm that you’ll be able to make your monthly payment.
People with bad credit, no credit, limited cash available, and other financial situations have all been able to lease then purchase their perfect piece of real estate.
We’ll speak with your references and previous landlords, because relationships matter to us more than just scores assigned by a computer.
We love helping great folks to reach their dreams, so don’t be afraid – fill out the form below to get started!