The Pros and Cons of Rent-Back Home Sales

With a struggling economy comes a prevalence of advertising for rent-back services; indeed, many people have probably noticed an increase in advertisements along the lines of “We Buy Ugly Houses.” Homeowners may choose the rent-back option for a variety of reasons, but any person who explores this route should consider the pros and cons of rent-back sales, as well as the options inherent in doing so.

WHY RENT-BACK SALES ARE AN OPTION

There are numerous reasons for this uptick in rent-backs: foreclosure avoidance, loss of employment, divorce, and a desire to reduce expenditures all factor into higher rent-back behavior. Though rent-back behavior often means taking a loss on one’s home, some choose this option as a way to buy time in avoidance of a foreclosure.

Those who take the rent-back route are often able to stay in the home during the sale, but rent must be paid in these cases. Though rent will likely be comparable to area rates, short-term rent will likely cost extra. However, one must balance an increase in rent against the extra costs associated with finding other short-term living arrangements.

SELLER ADVANTAGES

Though rent-back sales are likely to net lower prices for the seller, there are benefits for those taking this route. The seller may wish to allow their children to complete a school year prior to moving, which obviously lessens the stress level of a move as compared to mid-year moves.

In addition, those constructing new homes may need extra flexibility in existing housing arrangements to account for any delays in construction. Sellers who are in the market for a new house may want the peace of mind that comes with selling the existing home prior to buying the second. Both of these instances demonstrate the flexibility inherent in rent-back options.

SELLER DISADVANTAGES

Selling a home to an investor also has the potential drawback of the house being sold before the seller is ready to move out. Lease periods can be difficult to extend for this reason, and can especially be an issue when the loan is dependent upon possession of the property being taken by the new owner. Any of these issues should be investigated prior to striking an agreement with a buyer.

When one sells their home “as is,” a potential trouble arises concerning when the “as is” period actually is. Also, the buyer and seller need to agree on who will make any necessary repairs to the home as the need arises. As aforementioned, exploring these potential issues prior to sale will make the buyer-seller transition much easier, and will help to avoid future legal problems.

In the end, there is no easy answer to the question of whether one should follow traditional methods of sale or go the quick sale, rent-back route. However, if one considers all options, explores potential pluses and minuses, and does their research, then a suitable method of selling a home can be found.

In the end, there is no easy answer to the question of whether one should follow traditional methods of sale or go the quick sale, rent-back route. However, if one considers all options, explores potential pluses and minuses, and does their research, then a suitable method of selling a home can be found.



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