Hi Jed,

We would have to forecast what Scott's documentable income will be over the next 1-2 years from now as well as his savings for down payment. Given a set purchase price, we will know how much income and assets he will have to show when he is eventually able to purchase the property out of the lease/option.

In other words, I can show Scott today what documentable income, assets and credit scores he will need to qualify for a purchase today. If he has the ability to get to these numbers in the next 1-2 years than the lease option makes sense. If they are unobtainable, the lease option is not really worth it.

Hope that helps.

Austin,

How can he be sure he will qualify in the future?

Hi Scott,

I think the biggest thing you need to consider is if you will be able to qualify 1-2 years down the road for a loan to ultimatly purchse the property. There is really no point in entering into a lease/option or lease/purchase if you are not going to eventually be able to purchase the property. Also, keep in mind just about all lease/options are going to have a 3%-5% non-refundable deposit (sometimes called an "option fee") that will go towards your downpayment at closing but that you will forefit if you end up not purchasing the property.

However, I think Lease/Options are going to become increasingly popular as lending guideliens remain very strict and sellers are becoming more flexable and creative. Again, the key is maknig sure you will be in a postion to qualify for a loan and be able to close on the purchase within the specificed time of the lease/option contract.

Scott,

It really isn't about a company it will be the seller that is the key to this. Only under very specific circumstances is a lease/option desirable to a seller. Most of the time sellers need all the proceeds to pay off a loan so they can get another one on a new property. A seller that doesn't need the proceeds or can defer receipt of the proceeds is the only seller that will enter into a lease/option.

In my experience it is easier to get owners of rental property to consider a lease/option than it is sellers on the open market.

If you are willing to pay a premium you could go to the sellers that are overpriced and sitting on the market. But really most Realtors can handle this and most brokerages will have no problem allowing thier agents to do it.

Dear Scott,

Most realtors can assist you with this.... If you find a property you like, you can approach the owner with a lease/option offer. If a property has been on the market awhile, this just might appeal.

Good luck,
Sally

Scott,

We have two listings that the owners would consider a lease/own deal. Call me on my cell or email me and I can give you the details.

Regards,

Lance King/Managing Broker
415.722.5549
lance@fixedrateproperties.com

Hello Scott,
Thank you for your question.
I have a great mortgage person I work with who can help advise you of your options. He would look at your income history, tax returns, etc., to give you an idea of what you can qualify for and what financing options there are for you.
Please feel free to call or write me anytime and I will send you his information.
Best,
Mary Macpherson
Paragon Real Estate Group
1400 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94109
Cell: 415-846-4685
Office: 415-701-2621
E-Mail: mmacpherson@paragon-re.com