Frequently Asked Questions
The Standen Real Estate Investments Lease Option Program provides a path toward homeownership for individuals and families who have reliable income but cannot currently qualify for a traditional mortgage. Review the answers below to learn how the program works.
How the Program Works
What is Rent-to-Own and how does it work?
Our Rent-to-Own Home Solution is a four-step path toward homeownership. Standen Real Estate Investments purchases an approved home while you work toward becoming qualified for your own mortgage. You lease the property from us and receive the exclusive option to purchase it at the agreed purchase price.
The four steps are:
- Prequalify: Complete an application and provide information about your income, deposit funds, and financial situation.
- Choose your home: Once approved for a purchase price, you may work with a licensed Realtor to locate an eligible home.
- Move in and prepare: You move into the home and make the agreed monthly payments while working toward mortgage qualification.
- Purchase your home: Once qualified, you obtain your own mortgage and purchase the property at the price established in your agreement.
Who is the program designed for?
The program is designed for people who have stable income and can afford homeownership, but need additional time before qualifying for a traditional mortgage.
This may include individuals dealing with:
- Credit challenges
- Self-employment income
- A recent job or career change
- Limited credit history
- A past bankruptcy, foreclosure, or other financial event
- Insufficient time to meet current mortgage requirements
How long does the program last?
Our Lease Option Programs typically last between 24 and 36 months. The appropriate term depends on your financial situation and the estimated amount of time you will need to qualify for your own mortgage.
Qualification Requirements
What do I need to qualify?
General qualification requirements include:
- Stable and verifiable household income
- Typical household income of approximately $100,000 or more
- An option deposit, typically around 3% of the purchase price
- The ability to afford the monthly payment
- A willingness to work toward mortgage qualification
- A commitment to maintaining the property and making payments on time
Every applicant is evaluated individually, so exact requirements may vary.
How long does the approval process take?
Once we receive the necessary application information and supporting documents, the initial review will generally take approximately three to five business days.
Can I qualify with bad credit?
Credit challenges do not automatically disqualify you. We review your overall financial situation, including your income, payment ability, available deposit, current debts, and the steps needed to help you become mortgage ready.
Can I qualify if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed applicants may have difficulty meeting traditional lending guidelines even when they have sufficient income. We evaluate the complete financial picture rather than relying only on conventional mortgage requirements.
Choosing Your Home
Can I choose my own home?
Yes. Once you are approved for a maximum purchase price, you may choose an eligible property listed on the open market. The property must meet our purchasing guidelines and remain within your approved price range.
Can I use my own Realtor?
Yes. You may work with any licensed Realtor to locate a home. We can also help connect you with a Realtor who understands the Lease Option process.
Who purchases the home initially?
Standen Real Estate Investments purchases the selected property. You then lease the property from us under an agreement that gives you the exclusive option to purchase the home.
Do I pay the initial Realtor commissions and closing costs?
When Standen Real Estate Investments initially purchases the property, you are not responsible for our normal acquisition costs. These may include the costs associated with purchasing the property and completing the initial transaction.
When you later purchase the home using your own mortgage, you may have normal buyer costs associated with your loan and final purchase. The exact amount will depend on your lender, loan program, and closing arrangements.
Purchase Price and Appreciation
When is my purchase price determined?
Your future purchase price is established before you move into the property. The price and all important terms are stated in your Lease Option agreement.
Will my purchase price change during the program?
No. Your purchase price is locked in from day one and remains the same throughout the agreed Lease Option term.
What happens when the property appreciates?
When the real estate appreciates, you receive the benefit because your future purchase price was established at the beginning of the program. You keep 100% of the appreciation above your agreed purchase price when you successfully purchase the home.
What happens if the home’s value decreases?
Real estate values can increase or decrease. Your agreement gives you the option to purchase the property, but you should carefully review all terms before entering the program. We seek to purchase appropriate homes in markets that support long-term ownership, but appreciation is not guaranteed.
Option Deposit
How much is the option deposit?
The option deposit is typically approximately 3% of the home’s purchase price. The exact amount may vary based on the property and your individual approval.
Home purchase price: $500,000
Typical 3% option deposit: $15,000
What happens to my option deposit?
Your option deposit secures your exclusive right to purchase the property and is applied according to the terms of your agreement when you successfully complete the purchase.
The option deposit is not the same as a security deposit. The agreement will explain when it is applied and whether it may be forfeited if you do not complete the purchase or fail to meet your contractual responsibilities.
Monthly Payments
What does my monthly payment include?
Your monthly payment is calculated to cover the costs associated with the property, including:
- Monthly rent
- Property taxes
- Property insurance
Your payment amount and responsibilities will be fully explained in your agreement before you move into the home.
What does a typical Lease Option example look like?
Every home and applicant is different, but the following example can help demonstrate the general structure:
- Home purchase price: $500,000
- Option deposit: Approximately $15,000
- Estimated monthly payment: Approximately $4,500
- Lease Option term: 24 to 36 months
- Purchase price: Locked in from day one
These figures are examples only. Actual payments and terms will depend on the property, taxes, insurance, financing costs, market conditions, and your individual approval.
Will my monthly payment change?
Your initial payment amount and payment terms are established before you move into the property. Your agreement will explain whether any adjustments may occur because of changes in property taxes, insurance, or other property-related expenses.
Mortgage Preparation
Do you help me prepare for a mortgage?
Yes. During the program, we provide education and guidance to help you understand the steps required to become mortgage ready. This may include reviewing your credit goals, savings plan, income documentation, debt obligations, and expected mortgage timeline.
Do you provide credit repair?
Standen Real Estate Investments is not a licensed credit repair company. We provide education, coaching, and general guidance to help you understand the areas that may affect mortgage approval.
Can I choose my own mortgage lender?
Yes. When you are ready to purchase the property, you may choose your own qualified mortgage lender and loan program.
Living in the Home
Who is responsible for maintaining the property?
Because you are preparing to become the future homeowner, you are generally responsible for normal day-to-day care and maintenance. Your agreement will clearly explain which responsibilities belong to you and which responsibilities remain with Standen Real Estate Investments.
Can I make improvements to the home?
You may be allowed to personalize or improve the property, but major improvements, construction, remodeling, or permanent changes must receive written approval beforehand.
Approved improvements may add value to your future home, but reimbursement is not guaranteed unless specifically stated in writing.
Do I need to carry insurance?
The property will have the required property insurance. You may also be required to maintain renter’s insurance or another form of personal coverage as described in your agreement.
Purchasing the Home
What happens at the end of the program?
Once you qualify for a traditional mortgage, you use your financing to purchase the home from Standen Real Estate Investments at the price established in your Lease Option agreement. After the purchase closes, legal ownership transfers into your name.
Can I purchase the home early?
In many cases, yes. If you become qualified for financing before the end of your Lease Option term, you may be able to purchase the property early, subject to the terms of your agreement.
What if I need more time?
Additional time may be considered on a case-by-case basis. An extension is not automatic and may require updated terms, additional documentation, fees, or a new agreement.
What happens if I decide not to buy the home?
A Lease Option gives you the right to purchase the property, but it also includes important deadlines and responsibilities. If you choose not to purchase, cannot obtain financing, or do not follow the agreement, you may lose your option rights and option deposit.
You should review the complete agreement carefully before signing.
What Makes Our Program Different?
Why choose Standen Real Estate Investments?
- You choose the home: Select an eligible property within your approved purchase price.
- Your purchase price is locked in: The agreed purchase price is established from day one.
- You benefit from appreciation: When the property appreciates, you keep 100% of the appreciation above your agreed purchase price when you complete the purchase.
- You may use your own Realtor: Work with a licensed Realtor of your choosing.
- You may select your own lender: Choose the mortgage provider that best fits your needs when it is time to purchase.
- You receive ongoing guidance: We help you understand the steps needed to prepare for homeownership.
- Flexible timeline: Programs typically range from 24 to 36 months.
What is expected from me during the program?
Your participation is essential. You will be expected to:
- Make every payment on time
- Maintain the property responsibly
- Follow the terms of your Lease Option agreement
- Work consistently toward mortgage qualification
- Maintain appropriate insurance coverage
- Communicate promptly if your financial situation changes
The program provides an opportunity and a structured path, but your success depends on your commitment and participation.
Still Have Questions?
Contact Standen Real Estate Investments to learn more about our Lease Option Program and find out whether it may be the right path for you and your family.
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