Also known as a "lease option" agreement, Rent-to-Own is an alternative form of purchasing a home that allows the buyer to lease the home for a predetermined amount of time before being given the option to buy. During the leasing period (typically one to three years), the buyer can move into the home as if he/she were a normal renter but with the freedom to make improvements to the home as seen fit. The buyer also accumulates equity (rent credit) in the home while leasing that can be used towards the purchase of the home at the end of the leasing period.

This is a question that you yourself only can answer. There are many variables that should contribute to your decision including your credit score, financial situation, remaining debt (if any), income and location. Renting-to-Own has traditionally been good for buyers with less than desirable credit or having a tough time securing a mortgage loan at the time. Getting informed on your personal situation and the Rent-to-Own process is the first step to making the big decision.

Right off the bat, you should be absolutely sure that you understand all the statutes and requirements on your end before signing the lease option agreement. Some of the things you should know are:

• the length of your leasing period
• your monthly lease rate or "rent" to the seller
• your option fee rate, if any (this can sometimes be applied towards your purchase)
• the final price of the home due at the end of the leasing period

We are here to help you not only better understand the Rent-to-Own process but to also guide you on how to properly budget every month during your leasing period to work towards the eventual purchase!

HomeStarSearch is your gateway to finding Rent-to-Own properties available all across the United States. We do the leg work in finding available lease option homes ready for purchase and constantly add them to our already expansive database.

You can filter your search however you want to find exactly what you are looking for. Search by city, state, ZIP code, and more! Registering on our website will give you full access to property details including property specifications and the seller's contact information.

If you are ever feeling lost, we have a full staff of Rent-to-Own specialists ready to answer any questions you may have about renting-to-own. We want you to have the best RTO experience possible, so let us provide help where it is needed. Our staff will be happy to guide you through any RTO situation and process.

We make it a personal goal to ensure that you receive the benefits of Rent-to-Own by not only providing you the listings but, more importantly, making sure you are well-educated and financially prepared to see the purchase through.