Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started with the rent to own process in San Jose is straightforward and designed to help you move toward lasting homeownership even if traditional financing seems out of reach.

Step 1: Begin by creating your FREE account on our website. Submit your information including your housing goals, preferences, and financial background. No credit check is typically required to start, so this path remains accessible to many prospective homeowners, regardless of credit history.

Step 2: Redwood Creative Solutions carefully reviews your unique situation and matches you with rent to own homes or lease options that align with your current finances and homeownership goals. You’ll receive personalized options tailored to your needs in neighborhoods such as Delmar, Downtown, or Willow Glen.

Step 3: Tour available rent to own homes that fit your family’s lifestyle and experience firsthand the quality of our remodeled properties, built to foster community and stability.

As you progress, you will work toward purchasing your home—often 3 to 7 years later—when traditional credit checks and mortgage qualification may apply for refinancing or mortgage approval. Until then, rent to own offers a flexible path to build toward ownership without the immediate obstacles of credit checks and large down payments.

Most rent to own homes include essential appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, ovens, and sometimes extras like dishwashers, washers, and dryers. Fixtures that are part of the home, like heating and air conditioning systems, are also included to ensure comfortable living.

Furniture, however, generally is not included because most buyers prefer to bring their own personal belongings to make the space their own. Occasionally, some properties may come with furnishings, but this is uncommon.

There are many companies offering rent-to-own agreements specifically for furniture or additional appliances, giving you flexible options if needed. However, be cautious with these agreements, as they can sometimes lead to paying 2 to 3 times more over time compared to purchasing outright. Unlike real estate, which typically appreciates, furniture tends to depreciate in value, so it’s usually wiser to focus your investment on your home, a valuable asset that builds equity.

If you’d like to learn more or start your journey to owning a rent-to-own home with reliable appliances included, fill out the form below to get started.

Absolutely! Many people with bad or limited credit successfully find rent-to-own homes as a path to homeownership in San Jose. Rent to own agreements provide a unique opportunity for individuals facing credit challenges to start living in a home they can eventually own, while they work on rebuilding their financial standing.

Unlike traditional mortgage lenders who often have strict credit requirements, our rent to own process typically doesn’t involve credit checks upfront. This makes rent to own homes accessible to a wider range of families and individuals who might otherwise struggle to qualify for conventional loans.

During the rental period, you can save for a down payment and potentially work with trusted credit improvement resources we recommend to strengthen your credit score. When it’s time to secure financing to finalize your home purchase—usually within 3 to 7 years—lenders will assess your creditworthiness, but your time in the rent-to-own home helps prepare you for that step.

Rent to own is a proven way for many San Jose residents to overcome credit hurdles and achieve the American dream of homeownership. Fill out the form below to get started on your path to owning a rent to own home.

Rent to own homes offer a valuable option for aspiring homeowners in San Jose who may not be ready for traditional mortgage financing. Here are some of the key benefits:

Save for a Down Payment: A portion of your rent payments is often credited toward your future down payment, helping you accumulate the funds needed over time.

Build and Improve Credit: Living in a rent-to-own home gives you time to repair or build your credit score, increasing your chances of qualifying for a mortgage with better terms later.

Lock in Your Purchase Price: Many agreements allow you to lock in the home’s purchase price at the start, protecting you if property values rise in popular San Jose neighborhoods like Japantown or Raceway.

Move-In Ready with Stability: You get to live in your future home from day one, avoiding the hassle and expense of moving multiple times during the home-buying process.

Try Before You Buy: Rent to own offers the flexibility to truly experience the house and neighborhood before committing—giving you peace of mind to ensure it fits your lifestyle and needs.

Build Equity While Renting: Unlike typical rentals, rent-to-own payments can help build equity, making your money work toward ownership rather than just monthly expenses.

Avoid Competitive Bidding: These agreements often provide exclusive rights to purchase, helping you avoid bidding wars common in competitive San Jose real estate markets.

Overall, rent to own is a practical, flexible pathway for many San Jose residents to transition smoothly into homeownership, especially when conventional loans are not immediately attainable. Don’t delay any longer, fill out the form below to get started on these benefits for yourself!

Typically, you don’t need a traditional down payment upfront in a rent to own agreement, making homeownership more accessible in San Jose. However, most rent to own contracts require an initial option fee or move-in fee—usually a percentage of the purchase price—that grants you the exclusive right to buy the home within an agreed timeframe. This fee is often credited toward your final purchase price when you complete the sale.

Like any lease, you’ll also likely pay a security deposit and application fee upon signing. Monthly rent payments generally include a base rent plus a premium amount, some of which may accumulate as rent credits to apply toward your down payment later.

The structure of these fees and credits varies depending on the contract and property, but they provide a practical way to save over time without the need for a large immediate cash outlay. This makes rent to own a flexible option for many San Jose residents working toward homeownership despite limited upfront funds.

Rent to own arrangements are designed to be flexible to accommodate a wide range of financial situations, especially for buyers in San Jose who may face challenges qualifying for traditional mortgages. While each agreement varies, common requirements include:

Rental Application: You will complete an application detailing everyone living in the home, including income and employment information.

Credit and Income Verification: Although our process often involves little to no initial credit check, income verification is typically required to confirm your ability to afford monthly payments. Later, when refinancing or obtaining a mortgage, credit qualification will come into play.

References and Rental History: We review your references and past landlord history, valuing personal relationships and past tenant reliability over just numerical credit scores.

Financial Commitment: Initial fees may include a security deposit, option fee, and monthly rent, which sometimes includes a rent premium credited toward the purchase price.

Legal Agreement: You will sign a clear, written lease-option or lease-purchase agreement outlining all terms, including purchase price, rental period, rent credits, maintenance responsibilities, and option expiration dates.

People with diverse credit backgrounds—bad credit, no credit, or limited cash savings—can qualify for rent to own with the right preparation and guidance. Our goal is to help you uncover creative and realistic paths to owning a home in San Jose despite traditional lending barriers.