Renting a house for sale.

[Anonymous]

DH and I are looking to rent out our condo and then rent a place to live in. Saw a beautiful house we love in Historic Hyattsville. Not for rent, but has been on the market for over six months. This is our dream house, and we would buy it in a second if we could. We are thinking of contacting the realtor and saying we would like to rent it if the owner is willing. Maybe even do a rent to own agreement. Not really sure how this works.

Do you think an arrangement like this would work? Or that the owner would say yes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DH and I are looking to rent out our condo and then rent a place to live in. Saw a beautiful house we love in Historic Hyattsville. Not for rent, but has been on the market for over six months. This is our dream house, and we would buy it in a second if we could. We are thinking of contacting the realtor and saying we would like to rent it if the owner is willing. Maybe even do a rent to own agreement. Not really sure how this works.

Do you think an arrangement like this would work? Or that the owner would say yes?

It depends a lot on the owner's situation. If the house is on the market because the owner is moving (or better yet, has already moved) away, then you'd have a good chance. If the owner is living there and looking to sell only if he can get a really good price, then there's almost no way you can rent the place. But there's no harm in asking. And if you'd be interested in rent-to-own, then mention that -- it can be attractive to sellers. The other question is why you can't just buy it. If you'd like to buy, but would have problems getting financing, then you might ask about seller financing. Again, the worst that can happen is that the seller says no.

[Anonymous]

Rent to own might work, renting it will not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The other question is why you can't just buy it. If you'd like to buy, but would have problems getting financing, then you might ask about seller financing. Again, the worst that can happen is that the seller says no.

We already own, and cannot afford to sell as we are underwater. Bank wouldnt give us another loan, pretty sure...and I am not sure we would want one.

Why wouldnt just renting work, to the immediate pp?

I think we will write the realtor...what is the worst that can happen?