Rent To Own Florida Mortage Lenders

FLORIDA RENT TO OWN HOMES FOR SALE

Our Rent Own Florida FHA Mortgage Lenders allow you to select your ideal Florida rent-to-own home. This innovative rent-to-own program is designed for individuals with bad credit in Florida, enabling them to get pre-approved and choose a rent-to-own property that suits their needs. This option to purchase agreement gives you time to improve your credit and financial situation to qualify for an FHA mortgage. A Florida FHA mortgage lender will purchase the home of your choice and establish a structured financing agreement that allows you to finalize the purchase when you’re ready. Check the Florida FHA rent-to-own loan limits specific to your county. Click “APPLY NOW” in the top right corner to get started!

HOW DO RENT-TO-OWN MORTGAGE LENDERS WORK?

An FHA-approved organization purchases the home of your choice. You move in through a lease-to-own agreement with seller financing. This arrangement gives you time to prepare for full ownership!

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR RENT TO OWN IN FLORIDA?  

Most Rent-to-own programs share a few common requirements, including: 

  • Downpayment/Savings: The FHA rent-to-own program requires 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score and a 500+ credit score requires 10% down. The more savings you have, the better your case is, to qualify.
  • Stable, predictable income: Proof of stable, predictable income to show you can repay.

  • Payment History: Many programs accept credit scores as low as 500+ but rely more on your payment history and not the credit score.

  • Timely rental history: Showing timely rent can prove the ability to repay.

Meeting these basics could help you lock in a Rent-to-own home in Florida.

RENT TO OWN PROPERTY TYPES:

RENT TO OWN ANY FLORIDA HOME 

Rent-to-own any Florida FHA-approved home for sale.

RENT TO OWN SOLVES:

  • ❌ Too Much Debt – Keeps your monthly payments manageable.
  • ❌ Recent Bankruptcy – You may qualify sooner than expected.
  • ❌ Self-Employed? – Income quality with 3-5 months average bank statement deposits. 
  • ❌ ITIN Borrowers – Buy a home with as little as 5-10% down
  •  U.S. Citizens
  • Green Card Holders & Those with a Social Security Number
  • DACA & ITIN Borrowers
  • Buyers Who Won’t Live in the Home (Non-Occupant Homebuyers)
  • $Flexible Income Options – Down Payment as low as 3.5%!
  • $Flexible Credit Options – Min 500+ Credit Score!
  • $We look at your last 12 months of income, including:
  • W-2 Paychecks
  • Self-Employed & 1099 Income or 3  months bank statements.
  • Rental Income
  • Investments & Assets

RENT TO OWN WITH NO TAX RETURNS 

Florida Rent To Own Owner Financing Program

Florida Rent-To-Own Owner Financing Program

DOWNPAYMENT – CREDIT – DTI

  • Pick out your own rent-to-own home that meets FHA guidelines.
  • Primary Residence for Homebuyer(s) – Purchase only
  • 580+ credit up to 96.5% LTV = {3.5% Downpayment}
  • 500+ credit up to 90% LTV = {10% Downpayment}
  • Self-Employed No Tax Returns OK!
  • Max Debt To Income (DTI) 60%
  • Seller paid closing costs up to 6% OK!

WHERE DO I FIND RENT-TO-OWN FLORIDA HOMES FOR SALE?

You can search any home for sale by owner or MLS in Florida that could qualify for an FHA Mortgage. This means the home must be fully habitable, move-in ready, and insurable. Rent to Own Florida Home Search Options Include:

 RENT TO OWN ADVANTAGES

  1. Lock in your purchase price today! In addition, each month, a portion of the monthly payment reduces the amount owed under the agreement to take traditional ownership of the home. You have the opportunity to build equity as your balance owed goes down, as all payments are made as agreed. (Of course, there is no guarantee that homes will go up in value; it’s possible the house could go down in value.)
  2. Build Confidence! By faithfully making the monthly payments and by paying the other expenses of owning a Florida home, you demonstrate your ability to own a home and improve your likelihood of obtaining traditional financing.
  3. Assume the loan—Under some circumstances, it may be possible for a customer to “assume” the FHA mortgage obtained by the Florida rent-to-own mortgage lender. This would avoid the need for the customer to obtain a new Florida mortgage and save them thousands of dollars in closing costs.
  4. Sell For Profit– It’s possible you could sell the home for a profit if the value goes up enough, or if you decide not to purchase the home, there may be other options available, depending on the circumstances:

RENT TO OWN PRE-APPROVAL CHECKLIST

1. CASH Min 580 credit score qualifies for 3.5% down .. Or, 10% down payment is required if your credit score is between 500 – 579.  The seller can pay up to 6% of the closing cost This must be requested in your purchase contract. 
2. CREDIT Minimum 500+ credit score – based on payment history, not credit score driven. 
3. CAPACITY Debt-to-income: Max 45/55 means no more than 45% of income towards housing and 55% for housing + all other minimum payments on your credit report. 
4. COLLATERAL Single-family homes, multi-family 2-4 units, townhomes, villas, FHA-approved condos, manufactured, modular homes. All homes must be move-ready with minor deferred maintenance.▪ Appraisal must indicate the property condition as C1-C4. Max loan must be within the Florida FHA mortgage loan limits.

 RENT TO OWN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Bad Credit Florida Rent To Own Mortgage Lenders

Bad Credit Florida Rent To Own Mortgage Lenders

WHO’S ELIGIBLE FOR RENT TO OWN
U.S. Citizens  And (NON) and Permanent Residents

WHAT TYPE OF HOME CAN I RENT TO OWN?

You can buy any Florida home listed for sale BY OWN OR MLS that is move-in ready with not much different maintenance. Rehab properties or NOT acceptable. Property types include: 

RENT TO OWN FLORIDA FHA LOAN LIMITS

Since your end loan with most likely be an FHA mortgage so we have to ensure the purchase price is under the Florida FHA loan limits.
Some of the loan limits are listed below. To see all Florida FHA Rent To Own loan limits, click here. 

  • MIAMI-FORT LAUDERDALE- HOLLYWOOD- PALM BEACH – POMPANO BEACH, FL $654,350
  • ORLANDO-KISSIMMEE-SANFORD, PUNTA GORDA, ORMOND BEACH, GAINESVILLE $524,225
  • PANAMA CITY–PALM BAY-MELBOURNE-LAKE CITY-TITUSVILLE-PUNTA GORDA-TALLAHASSEE, FL $524,225
  • TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER-PENSACOLA-FERRY PASS-BRENT, TALLAHASSEE, FL $524,225
  • ARCADIA,PUNTA GORDA, DELTONA-DAYTONA BEACH-ORMOND BEACH, FL $524,225
  • JACKSONVILLE, DUVAL-NASSAU-BAY  CLAY COUNTY, FL $580,750
  • CRESTVIEW-FORT WALTON BEACH-DESTIN, FL $603,750
  • NAPLES-MARCO ISLAND, FL $764,750
  • KEY WEST, FL $967,150

3 OPTIONS AFTER YOU MOVE IN:

(1) Work with the Florida FHA mortgage lender to find someone to assume their obligations under the
FHA Rent To Own Agreement;

(2) Sell the home for profit or loss, and the customer receives all sales proceeds remaining after the Homebuyer Agreement is paid in full and sales costs are paid, or

(3) Abandon the property and cancel the agreement, placing the disposition of the home in the hands of the FHA mortgage lender. In this option, no costs paid by the customer are refundable.

KEYPOINT) To protect your rights, a memorandum of the agreement is filed with the Florida county records office, assuring the rights under the written agreements are protected as long as the regular monthly payments are made on
time.

RENT TO OWN STRUCTURE:

The basic structure of the Rent To Own FHA Mortgage Program is as follows for approved consumers (“Homebuyers”):
• A governmental Agency (“Agency”) — often an affiliate of a Native American Tribe — purchases a home (“Home”) using the Homebuyers’ purchase and sale agreement with a third-party seller.
• Originator lends funds to the Agency for the purchase of the Florida Home.
• The Agency enters into a ground lease financing agreement with Rent to Own Homebuyers to purchase the home and obtain a leasehold interest in the land (the “Rent To Own Agreement”). 
• In addition to making the payments required by the Rent To Own Agreement, Homebuyers must
occupy and maintain the Florida rent-to-own Home.
• The Rent To Own Aggreement has an option to purchase the Home (the “Purchase Option”) and otherwise is amortized and fully paid over 40 years, similar to a fully amortizing mortgage.

RENT TO OWN VS RENTING

1. The Rent To Own Agreement is a financing arrangement whereby the Agency will own fee simple title to the Home until the rent-to-home future home buyer exercises the Purchase Option or payment in full.
2. Homebuyers own the Home through a ground lease interest created by the Homeownership Agreement. A fee simple title is transferred to Homebuyers upon exercise of the Purchase Option or payment in full.
3. The Homebuyers will be required to sign a release of personal information so Originator can send that information to the Agency.
4. The Agency may obtain property insurance under a master policy, or the Homebuyers may select the insurance provider. Homebuyers are responsible for insurance costs, which will be part of the monthly payment.
5. The Homebuyers do not receive a Loan Estimate of charges from the Originator. If approved for the Program, Homebuyers will get a summary of the monthly payment obligations and closing charges for the agreement.
6. Homebuyers are restricted from leasing, subletting, or financing the Home, even for temporary uses.
7. Purchase or refinance requires payment of all applicable fees under the Rent-To-Own Agreement.
8. The Florida Homebuyers must have documented housing payment history.
9. Mandatory homeownership education courses may be required.
10. Delayed closing or occupancy may result in the voiding of any Agency commitment.

RENT TO OWN PRE-APPROVAL CHECKLIST

  1. Full mortgage application. Top right click APPLY NOW.
  2. Credit report – hard pull
  3. Borrower’s Authorization *Signed/dated before credit report*
  4. Letter of Explanation for all credit inquiries within 90 days of the credit report
  5. Fee Sheet and Settlement Service Provider List *N/A if using Smart Fees*
  6. Borrower Identification (including Social Security Card, ITIN documentation, Driver’s License, VISA, etc.)
  7. Housing History documentation (12-month VOR/VOM, payment ledger/canceled checks, or credit
    supplement/credit report)
  8. Asset documentation (2 months’ bank statements)
  9. Gift Letter (signed/dated) and evidence of funds receipt
  10. Purchase Contract/Escrow Instructions (including Assignment Addendum and Consumer Disclosure)
  11. BANK STATEMENT ONLY FOR INCOME: months of recent bank statements
  12. ASSETS AS INCOME- Asset Depletion: 2 months’ recent bank statements. Asset Liquidity: 2 months’ recent bank statements
  13. FULL DOC- Wage Earner: YTD paystubs (60 days), W2, and WVOE Other: Per FHA requirements
    Self-Employed: Prior year tax returns, OR 12-month Third-Party Prepared P&L and 3 months bank statements, OR
    K1s and 1120s
  14. DIVIDENDS AND INTEREST FOR INCOME-2 years’ tax returns with all schedules OR 2 years’ account statements with earned income documented
  15. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR/1099 EMPLOYEE – Prior year tax returns, OR 3 months bank statements, OR pay stubs (if applicable)
  16. INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (ITIN)- Prior year tax returns required if SSN listed on pay stubs, W-2, etc.
  17. RENTAL INCOME- Other REO: Lease agreement(s), documented receipt of rental income, and 3 months’ reserves
  18. DEPARTURE RESIDENCE – borrower owns current primary residence: Documentation to support request for DreamBuilder financing, Letter of Explanation from borrower (signed) regarding existing primary residence
    Fully executed lease agreement and proof of rental income receipt, OR copy of purchase contract showing current
    residence pending sale

ASSIGNMENT ADDENDUM TO PURCHASE & SALE AGREEMENT

When writing up the contract, you will also need the seller to sign the Assignment of Purchase and Sale Agreement. By signing below, Homebuyer assigns all of its rights and interests in the Homebuyer Earned Equity Agency.  Seller consents to such assignment by the Homebuyer with its signature on the line provided below. This Assignment shall be effective on the date accepted by the Rent ToOwn Lender as noted below. In addition to the assignment, the Homebuyer and Seller agree to the following additional terms: 1) To accommodate timing for document signing and recording, closing may occur within 3 business days of the agreed-upon closing date specified in the Agreement.
2) Any unused Seller-paid closing costs or concessions not used by shall be disbursed by escrow as directed by
an authorized representative of the designated Homebuyer and must comply with HUD requirements for the financing
as determined by the lender. 3) Homebuyer earnest monies on deposit shall be transferred into the name of the rent-to-own mortgage lender and applied to the loan and toward financing costs. 4) The home buyer must utilize financing through the rent-to-own program to purchase The Property, or this assignment is void. This contract is subject to the Homebuyer qualifying for and executing the long-term purchase agreement on this property. If there is a change in the Homebuyer’s circumstances and the Homebuyer no longer qualifies for the long-term purchase agreement or the Homebuyer refuses to execute the final long-term purchase agreement, the purchase contract and assignment addendum are void, and the maximum liability for  non-performance is forfeiture of
The earnest money.

RENT TO OWN APPROVAL CONDITIONS- Example

PTD (Before Rent To Own Closing Doc Conditions)
1. Rent To Own (T) – Utility – Provide Utilities and Condominium/PUD Project Questionnaire Contact Information form MUST be completed regardless if it’s in an HOA by the MLO or RE Agent
2. Rent To Own (T) – Identification – Provide SS card.
3. Rent To Own (T) – Home Warranty – Provide a home warranty covering all major systems (Roof, HVAC, Plumbing, electrical, appliances, siding, major fixtures, and flooring) for all properties when condition is C4 or C5 and/or for homes built before 1978.
4. Rent To Own (T) – EEP – Earned Equity Program complies with FHA guidelines related to property eligibility and the concentration of investment properties with FHA financing within a neighborhood radius. If the Mortgage will be
secured by an Investment Property (HUD considers EEP properties as investment transactions), including Mortgages
For governmental Entities, the Borrower may not have a financial interest, regardless of the ownership or financing type, in more than seven (7) dwelling units within a two-block radius. If the Borrower owns six or more units within a two-block radius, a map must be provided disclosing the locations of the units as evidence of compliance with FHA’s
seven (7) unit limitation.
5. Rent To Own (T) – Income – Please provide letter of explanation to explain how the  use of business funds will not hinder operations.
6. Rent To Own (T) – Gift Funds – When the applicant is receiving gift funds, they may not be used as reserves. Provide a fully executed gift letter, the donor’s bank statement evidencing sufficient funds to gift, a copy of the check or wire to the applicant’s account or directly to the title.
7. Rent To Own (T) – Credit – Pending SS verification.
8. Rent To Own (T) – Assets – Verified funds are $1XXXXX<XXX. The estimated funds needed to close are $XXK. Provide additional $EXAMPLEK in available funds.
9.Rent To Own(T) – Credit – Housing History – Please provide fully completed VOR form.
10. Rent To Own (E) – Purchase Agreement – Provide fully executed purchase contract and assignment addendum showing the Government Entity as the borrower.
11. Rent To Own (E) – PUD/Condo HOA – Please provide all PUD/CONDO HOA documentation,n including CC&Rs, By-laws, and additional documentation required to determine non-owner occupant interpretations and restrictions that may relate to the Rent To Own Program.
12. Rent To Own (E) – Property Inspection – Provide property inspection for all properties when the condition is C4 or C5 and/or for homes built before 1978. May be required on a case-by-case basis when conditions are C3. When property has a
septic tank, it must be pumped and inspected no more than 60 days before closing.
13. Rent To Own (E) – Title Docs/Tax Cert – Provide PrelimTitle Report, and Closing Protection Letter reflecting Government Entity as proposed insured. Prelim must include all schedules, and updated Tax Cert showing most recent 12 months proposed property taxes and/or the current MIL rate.
14. Rent To Own (E) – Termite/Pest Inspection – For all states that require a Termite/Wood Destroying Insect inspection; If identified by appraiser or inspector; and/or if reflected on the purchase contract and/or seller disclosure. Any/all infestations must be remedied before closing, and completion of work performed must be supported by documentation, including: invoices, description of work performed, and photos.
15. Rent To Own (E) – Credit Soft Pull – Need Credit Soft pull within 10 days of closing on each borrower
16. Appraisal – XML –  Appraisal XML file, most recent version, to the . Required to pull SSRs
17. Appraisal – Provide a satisfactory appraisal on form ______ w/copy of Appraiser’s current license & E&O Insurance, Paid Invoice, AIR Cert and Proof of Delivery. Must meet applicable program or agency guidelines.
18. DB (E) – Hazard Insurance – Provide evidence of hazard insurance with a deductible no greater than: a). 5% for
wind/hail; b). $5,000 for all other perils. Policy must contain coverage for personal liability, with minimum coverage equivalent to HO3 from an appropriately rated carrier and reflect: A) Homebuyer as primary or named insured; B)
Agency must be listed on the policy as additional insured; C) Mortgagee must be listed accordingly;D) RCE must be provided by the insurance company. For Florida properties, an agent letter can be provided in lieu of RCE attesting the dwelling coverage amount on the policy meets or exceeds the replacement cost estimate.
19. DB (E) – FHA Case Number Assignment – Provide successful FHA Case Assignment and clear CAIVRS in the
name of the Government Entity. Provide a tax EIN for the case assignment to be ordered.

 1st RENT TO OWN RENT PAYMENT

  • The first contract/lease payment is due the month immediately following the closing of the purchase transaction. If a new month begins within seven (7) days of the month of closing, the first contract/lease payment will be collected at closing.

RENT TO OWN MEMORANDUM

THIS MEMORANDUM  OF AGREEMENT (“Memorandum”), effective as of  DATE GOES HERE, is made by and between the rent-to-own Florida mortgage lender,  a   Development  Corporation,  a Section  17 corporation wholly owned by the Rent To Own (“Agency”), whose address is ADDRESS GOES HERE.

The following is a correct statement of information concerning the agreement described below:

  1. Agency and Rent To Own Florida Homebuyer have entered into a certain Rent To Own Agreement dated as of
  2. The Agreement creates an ownership interest like a ground lease.
  3. For the Memorandum, the name of the fee simple title holder in the Agreement is Earned Equity Agency.
  4. For this Memorandum, the name of the leasehold ownership rights holder in the Agreement is
  5. The address of the agency and Homebuyer outlined in the Agreement are the same as those for such parties set forth above.
  6. The Property is described in  Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, as
  7. well as all of the building or improvements now or hereafter located thereon (the “Property”). The commencement date of the Agreement is April 28, XXXX.
  8. The expiration date of the Agreement is April 30, XXXX.
  9. The homebuyer has the right to purchase the Florida Property as outlined in the Agreement
  10. The Agreement and this recorded memorandum, upon conveyance, will terminate if title to the Property is transferred by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, or if the Mortgage Loan is assigned to the Secretary of HUD or any successor federal government agency.
  11. Unless otherwise provided herein, all capitalized terms shall have the same meaning as outlined in the Agreement.
  12. This Memorandum contains only selected provisions of the Agreement.   Reference is hereby made to the Agreement for all the terms and conditions, which shall control.  This Memorandum does not, in any way, amend or supersede the terms of the Agreement. This Memorandum may be executed in counterparts.
  13. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  Agency and Homebuyer have hereby executed this Memorandum of Agreement as of the date first written above.
  14. AGENCY/GROUND LESSOR:
  15. Rent to Own Florida Earned Equity Agency,  a wholly owned section  17 subsidiary of Rent to Own Florida, wholly owned by Rent to Own Florida  Development Corporation, a federally chartered section  17 corporation, wholly owned.

RENT TO OWN DISCLOSURES 

Florida Mortgage Lenders Rent To Own program desires to serve all consumers’ home financing needs, including those in typically underserved markets or those who may not qualify for traditional mortgage finance. With this mission in mind, the Florida Mortgage Lenders Rent To Own program may refer certain consumers to the “Rent To Own FHA Program” (the “Program”). The Florida Mortgage Lenders Rent To Own program works with an unaffiliated party to provide the Program as a bridge to homeownership for consumers unlikely to qualify for traditional conforming financing. It is important to understand, however, that the Program is not a mortgage loan offered by the Florida Mortgage Lenders Rent To Own program. The Program is a shared ownership financing program to bridge the gap between renting and homeownership for those who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage. The basic structure of the Program is as follows for approved consumers (“Homebuyers”):
• A governmental Agency (“Agency”) — often an affiliate of a Tribe — purchases a Florida home (“Home”) using the Homebuyers’ purchase and sale agreement with a third-party seller.
• Florida Mortgage Lenders Rent To Own program lends funds to the Agency for the purchase of the Home.
• The Agency enters into a ground lease financing agreement with Homebuyers to purchase the home and obtain a leasehold interest in the land (the “Rent To Own Agreement”). The Rent To Own Agreement for the Program can be obtained by contacting your loan Florida Mortgage Lenders Rent To Own program.
• In addition to making the payments required by the Rent To Own Aggreement , Homebuyers must occupy and maintain the Home.
• The Rent To Own Agreement has the option to purchase the Home (the “Purchase Option”) and otherwise is amortized and fully paid over 40 years, similar to a fully amortizing mortgage. Highlighted Differences with Traditional Mortgage Finance
As stated above, the Rent To Own Agreement is not a traditional mortgage loan. Some, but not all, differences between this Program and a traditional mortgage loan are detailed below. Again, please review the Rent To Own Agreement for additional information before deciding to proceed:
1. The Rent To Own Aggreement is a financing arrangement whereby the Agency will own fee simple title to the Home until the exercise of the Purchase Option or payment in full.
2. Homebuyers own the Home through a ground lease interest created by the Rent-To-Own Agreement. A fee simple title is transferred to Homebuyers upon exercise of the Purchase Option or payment in full.

RENT TO OWN QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Rent To Own Florida Questions And Answers

Q. If I qualify to buy a home now, should I just buy? Yes, if infact you apply for rent to own and you qualify to buy a home we will issue you a pre approval letter. 
Q. Is the income for a self-employed Homebuyer without a business license permitted? Yes, this situation can be acceptable on a case-by-case basis.
Q. What’s the biggest consideration on a rent-to-own? Rent-to-own is great if you want to lock in the price and get into the home today. When you rent to own, you’re not on title until you refinance or pay off the loan, so if you don’t make the payments, the lender could evict you. Once you are on the title, the lender would have to foreclose. A foreclosure process is usually a longer process than an eviction. So, if you rent to own, you want to get on title after 12 months of timely payments. 
Q. Will the loan be acceptable if the Social Security Number is different between the Homebuyer’s W-2 and pay stubs?  Acceptable for ITIN Homebuyers and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Can I make higher monthly payments to reduce the underlying option price and expedite the
property transfer? Yes, this is acceptable. The Homebuyer must remit the standard monthly payment per the terms of the agreement via ACH AND mail a separate check for the additional principal payment with clear instructions in the check memo to apply the excess funds as a principal reduction.
Q. Can bank statements be used to calculate income for a self-employed Homebuyer? The rent-to-own program allows Homebuyers to qualify solely with three (3) months of bank statements when the income source can only be documented with bank statements. For all other self-employed Homebuyers, the program requires either prior year tax returns (filed with the IRS), OR a YTD P&L and three (3) months of bank statements to document the business cash-flow, OR K1s and 1120s. 
Q. What is the minimum length of self-employment to qualify for self-employed income to be acceptable? One (1) year may be acceptable on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Will the income for a self-employed Homebuyer be considered if the tax returns show little to no profit? In some cases, yes, as tax returns are not the only source to validate the Homebuyer’s self-employed income. As a reminder, the rent-to-own program requires either prior year tax returns (filed with the IRS), OR a YTD P&L and three (3) months of bank statements to document the business cash-flow, OR K1s and 1120s.
Q: If the Homebuyer has more than a single job, for how long must the Homebuyer have the additional job(s) to allow the income for qualifying? Less than two (2) years of concurrent employment may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Q. How long are rent-to-own contracts?  In most cases, the rental term for a rent-to-own lease is one to three years. The buyer must present funds to pay the seller an upfront payment or option fee, also known as option money or option of consideration. The seller usually collects as much money as they can. With our program, the down payment is as little as 3.5% and the option goes out to 40 years. 
Q.  Can the homebuyer refinance while in the rent-to-own contract? Yes, the Homebuyer must first meet all FHA guidelines and assume the FHA mortgage from the government entity. The Homebuyer can refinance the property after the assumption of the mortgage is completed.
Q. What’s the minimum down payment for a rent-to-own home?  The minimum downpayment is 3.5% with a 580+ Credit score and 10% downpayment with a credit score between 500-579. Down payment does not include closing costs and the first month’s rent. The program allows the seller to pay up to 6% of your closing costs. 
Q. Are rent-to-own homes a good way to buy a home? It could be a good option for future homebuyers who want to lock in a price today while working on their credit and savings before applying for a mortgage. But you can expect upfront fees, and you will be responsible for maintaining the home and paying for renters’ insurance, homeowners’ insurance, and property taxes during the rental period.
Q. Does the state of Florida or any counties in Florida have a rent-to-own program? Not that I know of. 
Q: Do I need to show tax returns to qualify for a rent-to-own home? No, you only need 3 months’ bank statements for proof of income and proof of 2 years’ employment history in the same line of work. The rent to own program also requires you to prove your ability and willingness to repay to get pre-approved to buy any home you want in Florida that qualifies.

Q: How do I start the rent-to-own process to see if I qualify? You fill out a full mortgage application and submit all your documents. I will contact you to review your application and submit it for approval. Pre-approval takes about 7 days after receiving all the documents. 

Q: Can I buy a fixer-upper with the FHA rent-to-own program? NO, the most must fully habitable, insurable move in move-in-ready condition. ▪ Appraisal must indicate the property condition as C1-C4; C5 considered with exception review.

Q: Should I pay for a home inspection with a rent-to-own home? Yes, A home inspector can find safety issues and maintenance problems that could create serious trouble and expenses down the road.  Home Inspections help everyone understand the condition of a property and the risks that should be considered before proceeding with the rent-to-own transaction

Q: Can I rent-to-own with bad credit in Florida?  Yes, it’s possible to qualify for rent-to-own options in Florida even with bad credit. While all mortgage lenders and programs have minimum credit score requirements, many rent-to-own programs are looking at the most recent 12 months’ payment history for stability.  These Florida rent-to-own lenders provide a pathway to homeownership by allowing buyers to rent the home,  build equity, and improve their credit scores while renting.

Q: Does Florida have any additional requirements for the FHA rent-to-own program? • All properties in Florida require a 4-point inspection; any noted unsatisfactory items must be fully repaired before closing. Additionally, a wind mitigation report is required. The 4-point inspection is a focused the the homes HERP = Heating, Electrical, Roof, Plumbing.

Q: Are there additional closing costs with a rent-to-own? Yes, The Homebuyer(s) is responsible for the following DreamBuilder program fees at closing: ▪ $1,250 program underwriting fee ▪ One (1) month complete contract/lease payment to be collected at closing ▪ 1/12th of the annual Program Management Fee ▪ $100 refundable security deposit fee ▪ $250 HOA service fee (if applicable)

Q: Does rent-to-own hurt your credit? Rent-to-own agreements are not reported to credit bureaus, so your credit score is unaffected. Unless you’re notified, the rent-to-own mortgage lender reports to the credit bureau.
Q: Rent-to-own agreements are not reported to credit bureaus, so your credit score is unaffected. Unless … if your expressed hope is to use the rent-to-own agreement period to build your credit score through on-time payments, you can ask the homeowner to report your payments to the credit bureau.

Q: As a tenant homebuyer, can I make higher monthly payments to reduce the underlying option price and expedite the Florida home sale? Yes, this is acceptable. The Homebuyer must remit the standard monthly payment per the terms of the agreement via ACH AND mail a separate check for the additional principal payment to the government entity with clear Instructions in the check memo to apply the excess funds as a principal reduction

Q: How to find a rent-to-own home in Florida? Any home listed for sale could qualify for the rent-to-own program. Some popular ways include:  Connect with a real estate agent. Search the web keywords “Florida Homes For Sale“.

Q: Can I qualify for rent-to-own with a 500+ credit score?
Yes, approvals are based on payment history and are not credit score-driven. If you can prove ability and illness to repay, and you have the funds needed to close, then you will qualify.

Q: Is the Homebuyer listed on the mortgage security instrument or note?
• No, the rent-to-own Florida Homebuyer is not named on either legal document.

Q: What type of house can I buy when searching for Florida rent-to-own homes for sale?
You can buy a property that would qualify for FHA. This includes single-family homes, townhomes, Villas, and manufactured homes. The home must be livable, habitable, insurable, and move-in ready.

Q: What are the tradeline requirements for the rent-to-own DreamBuilder program?
• An eligible credit report must reflect at least one (1) tradeline and provide at least 12 months of credit history. Alternative tradeline history may be acceptable; refer to the guidelines for details

If the rent-to-own Homebuyer has tax liens, collections, charge-off accounts, and/or judgments, how is the debt treated?
• Generally, tax liens and collection accounts must be included in the qualifying DTI.
• Debt payments for charge-off accounts and judgments are not required to be included in the qualifying DTI.

What tradelines are required for the rent-to-own DreamBuilder program?
• An eligible credit report must reflect at least one (1) tradeline and provide at least 12 months of credit history. Alternative tradeline history may be acceptable; refer to the guidelines for details.

Q: Can the Homebuyer sell the property that is acquired through the rent-to-own program?
• The Homebuyer may coordinate the property sale provided all payments have been timely, the account is in good standing, and the underlying option price is satisfied in full with the property sale. Otherwise, the Homebuyer must meet all FHA guidelines and assume the FHA mortgage from the government entity, and then the Homebuyer can sell the property after the assumption is complete.

Q: Do installment debts with less than 10 payments have to be included in the (DTI) Debt-to-Income Ratio?
• Yes, all debt reflected on the credit report must be included in the DTI.

Q: What happens if you don’t pay rent-to-own?If you don’t ultimately qualify for a mortgage or somehow nullify the contract (by missing rent payments, for example), you’ll lose the money you spent on the option and potentially the rent credit as well. The home could lose value over the lease period.
How do I decide if rent-to-own is a good option? Renters should carefully consider factors like their job stability, option fee, rent premiums, and the potential risk of losing these if they don’t or can’t purchase a Florida home.
Q: Can you rent-to-own with no credit? Our Florida rent-to-own program is designed for consumers with all credit ranges, including bad or no credit. Our no-credit-needed approval decision mainly considers your payment history and not your credit score.
Q: Where can I find a Florida rent-to-own home? You can choose any rent-to-own home for sale in Florida or any home listed for sale in Florida that is livable, habitable move-in ready. 

RENT TO OWN FLORIDA POPULAR SEARCHES

The best part about a rent-to-own program is that you can pick a home listed for sale to rent until you’re fully qualified to purchase or assume the mortgage.

RENT TO OWN COVERAGE AREAS

Kissimmee  Sanford WInterhaven Panama City
Palm Bay North Port Deltona Tampa
Lakeland Cape Coral Miami Orlando
Pembroke Pines Clearwater Palm Harbor Tampa
Dania Hollywood Miramar Miami
All Florida Manasota Key Timber Pines Stuart
Jacksonville Crooked Lake Park Flagler Beach Southchase
Miami Navarre Beach Belleview Auburndale
Tampa Taft Hutchinson Island South Zephyrhills
Orlando Punta Rassa Samsula-Spruce Creek Opa-locka
St. Petersburg Baldwin Lochmoor Waterway Estates Warrington
Hialeah Roseland St. Augustine South Lady Lake
Port St. Lucie Franklin Park South Sarasota Niceville
Tallahassee Yalaha June Park Longwood
Cape Coral Bokeelia Brookridge Azalea Park
Fort Lauderdale Mayo Connerton Three Lakes
Pembroke Pines Lake Hamilton Plantation
Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace
Hollywood Rainbow Park Ridge Wood Heights Groveland
Miramar Cypress Quarters Big Pine Key St. Augustine
Gainesville Ocklawaha Pea Ridge West Park
Coral Springs Hawthorne Bay Hill Lockhart
Lehigh Acres Lake Butler Butler Beach Sunset
Clearwater Pierson Mount Plymouth Oldsmar
Brandon Keystone Heights Wauchula Hobe Sound
Palm Bay Old Miakka Nassau Village-Ratliff Callaway
Spring Hill East Bronson Fussels Corner Homosassa Springs
Pompano Beach Belleair Beach Suncoast Estates Thonotosassa
West Palm Beach Buckhead Ridge Dundee Destin
Miami Gardens Babson Park Samoset Villas
Lakeland Glencoe Lower Grand Lagoon East Milton
Davie Midway Rainbow Springs and Stock Island West Lealman
Boca Raton Callahan Clarcona Olympia Heights
Riverview DeLand Southwest Charlotte Harbor Gonzalez
Sunrise Mexico Beach Pine Manor Lakewood Park
Plantation city Molino Ridge Manor Viera West
Deltona Harlem Heights Daytona Beach Shores Mount Dora
Alafaya Greenville Gifford Fruitville
Town ‘n’ Country Solana Fort Pierce South Miami Springs
Miami Beach Hastings Parker Atlantic Beach
Palm Coast Paisley Whitfield CDP Palmer Ranch
Largo Verandah Mary Esther Palmetto
Fort Myers St. Leo Taylor Creek
Jensen Beach 
Melbourne Five Points Madeira Beach Iona
The Villages Heritage Bay Holmes Beach Gladeview
Pine Hills North Redington Beach Laguna Beach Yulee
Deerfield Beach Astor Indian Rocks Beach and Buckingham Conway
Boynton Beach Redington Beach Indian River Shores South Daytona
Kendall Indian Shores Grant-Valkaria North Palm Beach
Kissimmee Juno Ridge Moon Lake Sarasota Springs
Lauderhill Fanning Springs Orangetree Jupiter Farms
Weston Pomona Park Belleair Elfers
Homestead San Antonio Jasper Key Biscayne
Delray Beach Gretna Lake Sarasota Cypress Lake
North Port Kenwood Estates Mulberry Trinity
Daytona Beach DeSoto Acres and Weeki Wachee Gardens Crawfordville Panama City Beach
Poinciana Palm Beach Shores Ave Maria Fernandina Beach
Tamarac Chokoloskee Sawgrass Wilton Manors
Jupiter Webster Nokomis Middleburg
Wellington Pine Lakes Woodville Goldenrod
Port Charlotte North DeLand San Castle Gulfport
Port Orange Black Diamond Lake Panasoffkee Viera East
The Hammocks Archer Tierra Verde Naranja
North Miami Bronson Wahneta Holly Hill
Doral Gun Club Estates Balm Orange City
Palm Harbor Anna Maria High Point Minneola
Coconut Creek Crescent Beach Highland Beach Lake City
Wesley Chapel Black Hammock Goulding Laurel
Sanford Harold North River Shores Shady Hills
Ocala Bristol Ridgecrest Port Salerno
Fountainebleau Lawtey Harbour Heights Cheval
Margate Medley Umatilla Fuller Heights
Sarasota Silver Springs Shores East Alturas South Miami and Lantana
Bonita Springs Masaryktown West Bradenton Westview
Bradenton Center Hill Watergate Florida City
Palm Beach Gardens Garden Grove Bagdad Cocoa Beach
Tamiami St. George Island Zephyrhills North Mango
Kendale Lakes White Springs Lake Clarke Shores Lakeland Highlands
Westchester Chumuckla Juno Beach Pine Castle
Pinellas Park Welaka Chipley Highland City
St. Cloud Andrews Rainbow Lakes Estates Medulla
Pensacola Waldo Loxahatchee Groves Pasadena Hills
Apopka Coleman Lely Hudson
Country Club Seville Tiger Point Lighthouse Point
Coral Gables Bradenton Beach Montura Goulds
University CDP Raleigh St. James City Pebble Creek
Ocoee Gulf Stream Holden Heights Westwood Lakes
Titusville North Key Largo Port St. Joe Celebration
Horizon West Westlake Cedar Grove Doctor Phillips
Four Corners Crystal Springs Windermere Satellite Beach
Fort Pierce Scottsmoor Kensington Park On Top of the World
Oakland Park Branford Venice Gardens Asbury Lake
Winter Garden Jupiter Island Feather Sound Union Park
North Lauderdale Fort Braden Ocala Estates Memphis
Altamonte Springs Matlacha Vineyards New Port Richey East
Cutler Bay Cedar Key Winter Beach Gateway
Ormond Beach Shalimar Silver Springs Avon Park
Winter Haven Melbourne Village Flagler Estates West Vero Corridor
North Miami Beach Cottondale South Beach Sebring
North Fort Myers Grand Ridge Woodlawn Beach Sugarmill Woods
Greenacres Wiscon Blountstown Cape Canaveral
Oviedo Allentown Ponce Inlet Palatka
Valrico Jennings West DeLand Progress Village
The Acreage St. Lucie Village Melbourne Beach Miami Shores
Hallandale Beach Duck Key North Brooksville Fairview Shores
Royal Palm Beach Palmona Park Frostproof Bee Ridge
Plant City Panacea Hilliard Milton
Meadow Woods Briny Breezes Bushnell Rotonda
Land O’ Lakes Lake Kathryn Geneva Bithlo
Lake Worth Beach Waverly Crystal River Cypress Gardens
Kendall West Homestead Base Midway City and Hill’n Dale Westgate
Egypt Lake-Leto Marco Shores-Hammock Bay Chattahoochee Wimauma
Navarre Rio Malabar Alachua
Aventura Bradley Junction and Fort White Harbor Bluffs St. Augustine Shores
Richmond West Greensboro Dover Key Largo
Winter Springs Wabasso Biscayne Park West Perrine
Clermont Ponce de Leon Grenelefe Bardmoor
University Indian Lake Estates Point Baker Richmond Heights
Dunedin Cinco Bayou Oakland St. Pete Beach
Lauderdale Lakes Glen St. Mary Alva Pine Ridge CDP
Panama City Roeville De Leon Springs Beverly Hills
Cooper City Paxton Bal Harbour Fruitland Park
South Miami Heights Ona Edgewood Citrus Springs
Princeton Penney Farms Seminole Manor Springfield
Carrollwood Acacia Villas Tangerine Micco
Buenaventura Lakes Vernon Bowling Green Hernando
Riviera Beach Hosford Pretty Bayou Southeast Arcadia
Merritt Island Hillsboro Pines Port Richey Miramar Beach
Golden Glades Whitfield Tangelo Park Palm Beach
DeLand Page Park Indialantic Orange Park
Estero Stacey Street Zellwood Marathon
Fruit Cove Greenwood Bunnell Fern Park
Parkland Lake Mystic Meadow Oaks Lake Park
East Lake Pinecraft Island Walk Gulf Gate
West Little River Avalon Hypoluxo Indian Harbour Beach
Lake Magdalene Schall Circle Quail Ridge Brooksville
Dania Beach Golden Beach Madison North Merritt Island
Ferry Pass Laurel Hill Lake Helen Green Cove Springs
Lakeside Yankeetown Olga Seffner
Miami Lakes Bell and Lee Greenbriar Arcadia
Winter Park Alford Eagle Lake Broadview Park
Fleming Island Beverly Beach Bay Pines West Miami
Golden Gate Steinhatchee Sharpes North Bay Village
East Lake-Orient Park Paradise Heights Inverness Highlands North Southwest Ranches
Vero Beach South Fort Green Springs Williston Clewiston
Casselberry Key Colony Beach Harlem McGregor
Oakleaf Plantation Hampton Bonifay Odessa
Immokalee Jay Cleveland Citrus Hills
Rockledge Sea Ranch Lakes Carrabelle Wedgefield
Citrus Park Ferndale Vamo North Weeki Wachee
New Smyrna Beach Reddick Cabana Colony Williamsburg
Temple Terrace Spring Lake Big Coppitt Key Lake Lorraine
Leisure City Garcon Point Wallace Orlovista
Bayonet Point Micanopy Verona Walk Inverness
Lakewood Ranch Lemon Grove Cross City Sanibel
Sun City Center Sopchoppy Apalachicola Wildwood
Ruskin Altha Dade City North Longboat Key
Sebastian Orchid Eastpoint Dade City
Coral Terrace Lisbon Florida Gulf Coast University Quincy
Tarpon Springs Canal Point Hernando Beach South Apopka
Keystone Jupiter Inlet Colony Pine Air Lecanto
Haines City East Williston Hurlburt Field Neptune Beach
Palm Springs Chaires Berkshire Lakes Sky Lake
Bloomingdale Winding Cypress Vilano Beach Fort Pierce North
Palm City Cloud Lake Eglin AFB Inwood
Silver Springs Shores Wausau Freeport West Samoset
South Bradenton Lake Hart Haverhill Willow Oak
Ives Estates Windsor and Pioneer Lake Mack-Forest Hills Mims
Crestview Brownsdale Williston Highlands Belle Isle and River Park
Wright Gardner Polk City Indiantown
Northdale Fisher Island Eatonville South Patrick Shores
Palm River-Clair Mel Wacissa Watertown Inverness Highlands South
Key West La Crosse Dunnellon Fort Myers Beach
Palmetto Bay St. Marks Virginia Gardens Beacon Square
Wekiwa Springs McIntosh and Matlacha Isles-Matlacha Shores Chiefland St. Augustine Beach
Port St. John Westville Belleair Bluffs Ormond-by-the-Sea
Edgewater Manalapan Lake Placid Vero Lake Estates
Oak Ridge Limestone Moore Haven Live Oak
Venice Brooker North Sarasota Treasure Island
Jacksonville Beach Floridatown Astatula Heathrow
Fish Hawk Hillcrest Heights Campbell Perry
Hialeah Gardens Miccosukee Monticello Loughman
Apollo Beach Esto Pelican Marsh Fort Myers Shores
West Melbourne Capitola Pine Island Center Macclenny
Westchase Spring Ridge Mangonia Park Gulf Breeze
Leesburg Worthington Springs and Munson Silver Lake Pembroke Park
The Crossings Trilby Holley Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Lutz Noma Havana DeFuniak Springs
Jasmine Estates Ocean Breeze Graceville South Bay
West Pensacola Golf Cudjoe Key Southgate
Fort Walton Beach Waukeenah Zolfo Springs Marianna
Pace Pineland Sewall’s Point Lely Resort
Sunny Isles Beach Jacob City Burnt Store Marina Indian River Estates
Brent Caryville Sneads Kathleen
Naples Pittman Redington Shores Naples Manor
Lealman Yeehaw Junction Bear Creek
Islamorada, Village of Islands
Ensley Homeland Manatee Road Pahokee
Bellview Everglades Malone Pelican Bay
Florida Ridge Ebro Lake Belvedere Estates Osprey
DeBary Raiford Tyndall AFB Crystal Lake
Eustis Goodland Roosevelt Gardens Jan Phyl Village
Holiday Campbellton El Portal Combee Settlement
Liberty Triangle Glen Ridge and Highland Park Tropical Park Fort Meade
Lynn Haven Nobleton Trenton Naples Park
Sweetwater Fort Green Oak Hill Tequesta
Palm Valley Berrydale Washington Park South Gate Ridge
Bayshore Gardens Fidelis Gotha Newberry
Cocoa Captiva Fort Denaud Mascotte
Punta Gorda Aucilla Grove City Lake Alfred
Hunters Creek Charleston Park Century Ocean City
Belle Glade Morriston Tavernier Cocoa West
Bartow Day Hillsboro Beach High Springs
Englewood Aripeka Chuluota South Highpoint
Midway CDP Okahumpka Lake Mary, Jane, and Montverde Bay Harbor Islands
Bradfordville Sorrento Desoto Lakes Ellenton
Pinecrest Mount Carmel Atlantis Palm Springs North
Marion Oaks Otter Creek Charlotte Park Fellsmere
World Golf Village West Canaveral Groves Wabasso Beach Valparaiso
Seminole Pine Level South Palm Beach Surfside
Country Walk Lloyd Lake Kerr Rio Pinar
San Carlos Park Mulat Interlachen Siesta Key
Upper Grand Lagoon Sumatra Howey-in-the-Hills Okeechobee
Gibsonton Layton Homosassa Whiskey Creek
Marco Island Bascom Heritage Pines Davenport
Safety Harbor Belleair Shore Pine Ridge Starke
Maitland Springhill Inglis Zephyrhills West
Lake Butler CDP Horseshoe Beach Wewahitchka Tice
Glenvar Heights Altoona Crescent City and Limestone Creek
Three Oaks and River Ridge
Brownsville Dickerson City Lacoochee Warm Mineral Springs
Tavares Istachatta Oriole Beach Zephyrhills South
Vero Beach Lake Harbor Key Vista The Meadows
Myrtle Grove Pine Island Plantation Mobile Home Park Port LaBelle
Pinewood Cobbtown Boulevard Gardens LaBelle
Lake Mary Tildenville and Bay Lake Patrick AFB and Ocean Ridge Floral City
Ojus Indian Creek and Dixonville East Palatka Pensacola Station
Nocatee Lamont Palm Shores Kenneth City
South Venice Lazy Lake Royal Palm Estates South Brooksville
New Port Richey Plantation Island Christmas White City
Lake Wales Marineland Timber Pines South Pasadena
Palmetto Estates Lake Buena Vista Flagler Beach Cortez
Stuart Weeki Wachee Belleview Stuart
Coral Springs Miami Jacksonville Palm Bay
Cape Coral Orlando Pembroke Pines  St Petersburg
Port St Lucie Tallahassee Fort Lauderdale Miramar
Palm Bay Coral Springs Leigh Acers Palm Beach
Lakeland Clearwater Brandon Pompano Beach
Forest City
     

Thomas Martin

Sr. Mortgage Loan Advisor
NMLS: 156080

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