Frequently Asked Questions

General questions about our company, service, and properties we offer on this website:

• How does Rent to Own apply to me selling you a house?
• What does Rent to Own actually mean?
• What is the Rent to Own process? Are there minimum qualifications?
• Do appliances or furniture come with a rent-to-own home?
• What if I have bad credit? Can I still get a rent-to-own home?
• Is there a down payment on a rent to own home?
• What are the benefits of a rent to own home? Can this help if we just need some credit “seasoning”?
• What are the requirements of a rent to own arrangement?

How does Rent to Own apply to me selling you a house?

In a time of high mortgage interest rates, buying a house means there is little room for profit when reselling or renting out the property. With Creative Financing for buyers and sellers, we can find Win/Win solutions that help new buyers and families find their Forever Homes, while at the same time paying a seller more. We can help you get your move on to your new house because, on an ongoing basis, we help people get into new houses, manage rentals, and have spent the time and expense on the right processes to achieve success.

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 often called a lease with an option – or a lease/option agreement for short. Sometimes it is referred to as a lease to own as well. Make sure and watch our video overview on our previous page if you haven’t already!

The lease portion is a standard rental agreement that includes monthly rent, security deposit, and other typical terms.

The option in the contract gives you the right to purchase the property after a set time period – usually around 2 to 3 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 there are other options if your financial situation has unique needs.

We help lots of folks like you to purchase the home of their dreams. If you can’t qualify, we will let you know so you don’t get into a deal you can’t close. A poor credit score will NOT disqualify you from our program, so don’t hesitate to consult with us.

Fill out the form below to get started on your way to home ownership!

What is the Rent to Own process? Are there minimum qualifications?

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 down payment 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 to 3 years, but in certain circumstances, we may extend your option if you need more time. The rent payments don’t count as part of your purchase price … consider it this way — you’re already making rent payments. We do have programs where you can add to your down payment over the lease period.

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.

Other than that, a commitment to diligently work with us to convert you from a home renter to a home buyer by the end of the lease term is the most important qualification.
A poor credit score will NOT disqualify you from our program, so don’t hesitate to consult with us.

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 Surprise 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 rent to town or 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.

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? Can I still get a rent-to-own home?

Yes, you can! Many people with bad credit can still get a rent-to-own home.

At Fresh Start Homes AZ, we understand that everyone’s situation is unique. We are experts in assisting individuals who have faced challenging circumstances or made past financial mistakes to rebuild their credit and pave the way to a bright financial future.

Don’t let bad credit deter you from homeownership! With our help, you can still become a property owner in Surprise. Whether you have a low credit score, a history of bankruptcy, or other credit issues, we have the solutions to make your dream of owning a property a reality.

The length of the rental period is based on evaluation from our suggested third-party credit consulting agency and mortgage consultant. But usually, we can bring you to a point where you can qualify to purchase in anywhere from 12-24 months

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. Sometimes, folks just need “seasoning”. This is especially true for newly licensed or graduated professionals, and people who are having to move for work assignments right after a prior move. 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 Arizona 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 current economy, banks are becoming very tight on their lending criteria. Most people who use a rent to own agreement want a few years to get ready to qualify.

This program is also perfect for someone who can qualify for a loan today, but just wants an extra year or two to save for a down payment, get better loan terms, or needs “seasoning” in the eyes of the lender.

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?

We require an up-front down payment that will be applied against the purchase price when you do eventually close on the property. Generally, your down payment will be between 5-10% of the purchase price, depending on the home and your personal situation.

You don’t have to have a full bank-style 20% down payment until your purchase is complete (typically 2 to 3 years). However, there is usually an amount due upon move-in and execution of the option to purchase agreement.

Just like any other lease agreement in Arizona, there may be a security deposit and a small application fee in addition to the fee upon move-in. Of course, you’ll have to pay rent each month.

We can help you to structure the perfect scenario to meet your needs. We’ll show you the rent-to-own calculators and formulas that we use when we prepare your agreement, and help you figure out what’s best for you.

So don’t wait! Get started now by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.

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.

This program is not for anyone who wants an overnight miracle or is unwilling to put in the time and effort to fix what’s broken.

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.

At Fresh Start Homes AZ, we understand that securing your dream real estate involves more than just numbers on a credit report. That’s why we go beyond the traditional credit check and income verification process. We believe in building relationships, and that means getting to know you as a person, not just a credit score.

Whether you have bad credit, no credit, or limited cash available, we have options that can help you lease and eventually purchase the perfect property. We’ve assisted individuals in various financial situations, enabling them to achieve their real estate goals.

Our approach is different. We take the time to speak with your references and previous landlords to understand your character and reliability. We value relationships over impersonal computer-generated scores.

Don’t let your financial circumstances hold you back from reaching your dreams. Take the first step by filling out the form below. We love helping great folks like you find their ideal real estate opportunities!