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Noreendavis
Noreendavis
Home Buyer
Somerset

How do I find houses for sale with land contract or rent to own options?Because of credit issues I am

unable to finance a house by conventional methods. I am in the process of cleaning up my credit, but it will realistically be a couple years (depending on the lending institutions) before I can get a conventional motgage. I currently own a home that's been rented out for 2 years in anothe state (stable income), so I'd like to sell that one and buy around the same time. In the meantime, I have decided to look for a rent to own or land contract. I am looking for a small home (2 bed fine) in the Somerset area. I also make pretty good money and would like to see it going to an investment and not a landlord. I have a small down payment (5k) and would like the selling price to be below $240,000. If anyone can give me advice on where to find a house or townhome with this option or any other advice about land contracts, I would appreciate it.

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Noreendavis
Noreendavis
Home Buyer
Somerset
Tue Jul 1 2008, 04:35

Thanks for your responses. I didn't realize the term land contract (renting to own) wasn't that familiar in this area. It sounds like I may have a bit of a challenge finding a realtor in this area who can help me with it. I was already planning on hiring an attorney, if I found a home that fit the description. So I'm comfortable with that regard.

I didn't realize the info you provided on FHA mortgages. I'll also check that out and see where that takes me. But again, thank you both for your info.
Noreen

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Diane Glander,…
Diane Glander,…
Real Estate Pro
Spring Lake
Mon Jun 30 2008, 06:17

Noreen,
Have you looked into FHA mortgages? You only need 3% down and they do not look at credit scores when issuing mortgage loans. I have heard that you do need to be current with your credit cards, though.

Regarding the rental property you own, you might want to consider doing a 1031 when you are ready to sell that or you could be faced with paying capital gains tax when you sell. However, to do a 1031, you have to follow the guidelines and purchase "like" properties. Meaning that if it has been a strictly investment property, you will not be able to purchase a primary residence and do a 1031 exchange.

To find rent to own properties in your area, contact a good realtor in your area. I'm not familiar with Somerset's MLS, but in my area, we can search properties with that criteria and notify clients when new ones come on the market.

I have not seen any sellers specifically looking to do a land contract, and that's probably because they are unaware they exist. Again, a good agent who is willing to do the work for you is your best bet. Find one who is familiar with land contracts to help you. They are very "pro-seller" and you can lose everything if you default on even one payment, so be careful! Be sure to have an attorney look over any contract to be sure you are protected.

Good luck

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Jeremy S. Hill
Jeremy S. Hill
Real Estate Pro
New Jersey
Sat Jun 28 2008, 09:13
FIRST ANSWER

Hello Noreen,

You basically should hire a realtor. In addition to local MLS info a good realtor will have a datebase of investors/land owners who can assist you in achieving your goal. Trying to do this on your own is possible but will present some challenges. Find a good buyers agent who service your area.

Best Regards,

Jeremy S. Hill, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty http://www.southnewjerseyhomes.com
1814 Route 70 East
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Office: 856.685.1651
Fax: 856.321.1414
Direct: 609.876.5817
"Your Interest 1st Always!"

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