Maximizing Your Return on Impact as an Investor

Our Rent to Home program offers investors a unique opportunity to earn strong returns through a model focused on the new ROI, Return on Impact. In this video, you’ll learn how renting to own not only helps you achieve financial success but also helps people achieve homeownership.

 

All right. Our lawyers have asked us to leave up a legal disclaimer. I’m going to leave this up here for 30 seconds for everybody to quickly read this. This makes everybody happy, and then we’ll get into this. Feel free, if you have any questions, to unmute or put anything in the chat. I’m definitely open to answer any questions that you have about how this program works. And once again, we’ve kind of tailored this particular presentation to the investment side so that way you truly understand if this is the right fit for you. All right. Thank you again, everybody, for attending.

Introduction

My name is Michael Jones. I am from JAAG Properties, and I’m the ambassador. And my role with this company is to explain to professionals and anybody who’s interested in not only who we are, how we help people, and the type of people that we partner up with. So, once again, this presentation is geared more for the investment side, but I’m going to kind of go through who we are and how we help.

About JAAG Properties

So, once again, the number one question that gets asked is who JAAG Properties is, and who we are is we provide tenant-buyers an opportunity to move in and enjoy immediate possession of their home before they can qualify for conventional financing. That’s the key part, is we’re not here to compete with banks or mortgage brokers. If anything, we partner up with them to package our tenant-buyer up so that way at the end of our program, they can go to traditional lending and get approved. A big reason why we can do what we do is we partner up with so many investors, people like you, our joint venture partners who are looking to provide a hassle-free investment opportunity for anybody looking to expand their real estate portfolio. And the third part of who we are is JAAG rewards those who want to see people succeed. I always think of that as the connectors, the referral partners that we partner up with on a regular basis that bring us all the amazing clients and investors.

JAAG’s Rent to Home Solution

So, let’s kind of get into who we are and how we do things so that way you can understand if it’s the right fit for you. So, how does JAAG’s Rent to Home Solution work? And really, it’s all about our home’s foundation, which is putting all of our partners together and creating a win-win-win situation. Our partners are our tenant-buyer partners. Those are the people who we help to get into homes. Our joint venture partners, what I always think of is the real kind of heroes behind the scenes. Those are the investors, you guys, that put up your hard-earned money and allow us to help so many people. And once again, our last partnership is our referral partners. I always refer to them as the connectors, and those are the professionals that will bring us clients or investors. And without these partnerships, we can’t do what we do best, and that’s help people achieve homeownership.

Defining Partnerships

So, if you’re going to define partnership and why we partner, it’s when two or more people join because as a team, they are stronger than they are as individuals, creating a win-win-win situation for everyone. And if you ask me, the best partnerships happen when each partner feels that they’ve got the best end of the deal. And we value our partners’ view and how much they win with our team. So, how do our partners win? Well, let’s break that down.

Tenant-Buyer Partners

Our tenant-buyer partners, they win because they get to avoid the unstable rent cycle. They achieve homeownership plus equity, and they leave our program in better financial shape than they came in.

Joint Venture Partners (Investors)

Our joint venture partners or our investors, you guys, you win because you can invest in actual real estate without ever having to worry about the home, the tenants inside, but most importantly, you can invest with a purpose and change the lives of the people that we help.

Referral Partners

And our last one is our referral partners, those connectors. And they win because not only can it be a part of their success, you know, mortgage agents or realtors, but also our connectors are everyday people, get rewarded for bringing clients to us. And if we can put these partnerships together, we can do what we do and help people achieve homeownership.

So, let’s get into it. Everything we do is for the tenant-buyers. And if I was going to define what a tenant-buyer is to us, it is a potential homeowner who is struggling to qualify for traditional financing. They’re close, but something’s holding them back from getting approved. And with our help and the help of our partners, we can get them into a position to get approved. And we’ll kind of go into why the reasons these people are not getting approved today.

Why Are People Turned Down for Traditional Financing?

So, I have the fortunate opportunity to do these presentations all over the place to, you know, real estate offices, mortgage agents, and banks. And I love asking the question, especially to traditional financing, who are people getting turned down for traditional financing and why? Because those are people that we help all the time.

Credit Issues

So, the number one reason why people get turned down for traditional financing is they have credit challenges. You know, I think just a lot of people just aren’t educated to know what a proper credit score is and the things to do in place to put in. So, we help all the time people that have credit challenges.

Employment Status

Life circumstances. We were talking about partnerships. And when, you know, partners are together, they’re a lot of times strong in the eyes of traditional financing. But when they separate, a lot of times, individually, they’re not. And these are people, if they qualify, that we can help, in it? The amount of self-employed people that get turned down for traditional financing, it’s not that because they don’t have great jobs or great income, but a lot of times they run into challenges of getting approved because either they don’t have enough work history. In the eyes of traditional lending, maybe they haven’t been, you know, properly paying the correct amount or claiming their correct amount of income. A lot of times our self-employed people will mention that their own employees have an easier time to get approved by traditional lending than they do. So, we help self-employed people all the time with our program.

Lack of Down Payment

The amount of people that just don’t have enough of a down payment is a big reason why people get turned down. And I think of my wife and I when we bought our first house here in London eight years or eighteen years ago, that house was $170,000 back when you could get homes at that price. And we used the down payment from our wedding to purchase that house. That house last year sold for $700,000. And if somebody was in the rent cycle today and was saving up the down payment to buy our first house, it could take them 20-plus years to come up with enough of a down payment to purchase that house. And imagine in that timeline how much out of reach that would be. So, program like us, we can have that person be a homeowner typically within three years on it.

Personal Situation

The amount of young professionals that we help, and these are men and women that are leaving the post-secondary with amazing education, fantastic jobs right out of the gate, but they’re getting turned down by traditional lending because maybe they have a down payment, maybe it’s credit challenges, maybe it’s from debt from their schooling, or maybe, once again, the traditional lender looks at it, they just don’t have enough work history, and that gets them turned down. And we can help young professionals.

And the last and the one that hits me the most is the newcomers to Canada. And they get turned down because the rules are different for them. They sacrifice so much to come to our country to create a new life for them and their family, but because they don’t have their permanent residency status or, you know, maybe they don’t have that established credit or job history, they get turned down, or don’t even qualify for traditional lending, and they kind of fall into the rent cycle.

Rent to Home Qualification Criteria

So, these are a few of the examples of people that are getting turned down that we help and why we do what we do. So, what is the criterion? One of the things that you heard me mention is if they qualify, and this is really the entry qualification point that we look for with anybody who applies for our program. They have to, once and foremost, be motivated to be a homeowner. Homeownership is not easy. It’s not inexpensive. We will never sugar sugarcoat it to be that. We need people to understand that it does have its challenges. But just like that first house that my wife and I bought, it typically be the best investment that you ever make, and it has definitely helped us in so many things. So, we need you to be motivated to be a homeowner. We need our tenant-buyer to come in with a minimum down payment of 3%. A lot of our clients will come in with more, but we need a minimum of 3% of the purchase price, and we need them to have a household income of $100K or more. We typically approve people on four times the amount of their household income, on it.

The Rent to Home Application Process

So, if they fall into the criteria, we go that next level and have them apply so that way we can actually see if we can help them out. If we can’t help them out, we don’t start with them. So, the four simple steps that our tenant-buyer does to go through our program, we find a lot of times they’ve already done step one, and that’s find their own home.

Step 1: Find a Home

We don’t hold inventory of homes and put our clients in the yellow house or the red house. What we do is we give our clients a budget so they can go out with the realtor of their choice to find the house that is important to them. They find that house in the neighborhoods that are, you know, close to things that are important to them. So, whether it’s their kid’s school, or their work, or their place of worship, whatever is important to them, they pick the style of the house, everything on that. So, they find the house.

Step 2: Move In

Once they find that house, we purchase it on their behalf, and they move in. They can start enjoying that house as their house, right up from the beginning.

Step 3: Save Money & Build Credit

Our program’s typically three years, and we use that three-year window with the help of our credit team to get them in a position so that way they qualify for traditional lending at the end. Once again, we’re not here to compete with banks or mortgage brokers. Our whole goal is to package our clients up to get them to the finish line where they can become the homeowner, which is why we started this process.

Step 4: Become a Homeowner

So that way at the end of their three-year rental program, they can go to a traditional lender of their choice, and now they qualify to purchase the home, and now they are the homeowner.

Monthly Payment Structure

So, the monthly payment, how does that work? Well, it’s really as simple as this, is that we put a fixed-rate mortgage on the property. We don’t want our tenant-buyer to have a monthly payment change. And they get to take advantage of the rate that we get or the rate that our investor gets. So, they pay what we pay for the mortgage, the property tax, the insurance, the same three things that they’d be paying for anyways if they were buying the house. But once again, they can take advantage of the rate that we get, or our investor get. And the last part of their monthly payment is their savings credit. If they came in with a minimum of 3% down payment, we figure out how much of a down payment they need to save up so they can get approved at the end by traditional lending. And whatever that amount is, we divide that equally over the three-year program so that way at the end, they have their full down payment. And we’re going to get into a deal sheet so that way you can actually see how this worked out for everybody.

Establishing the Future Buyback Price

And then the last important part that we need to figure out with any house that’s being purchased is we have to, at the very beginning, come with a predetermined amount on it. So, if the house was being bought at X, we need to have it figured out that in three years, it’s going to be sold at Y. And that’s going to be figured out at the very beginning, and we go off extremely conservative appreciation rate. We establish what success looks like before an offer even gets put on the home. And once again, we set a conservative buyback price of the home based on the market to ensure that our tenant-buyer partner will have equity in the home in three years. It’s extremely important that we set that number properly. We will help save for not only the down payment, but the closing cost at the finish line of this journey together. We get our clients into a position so at the end of the program they can succeed. That way, it makes it a win for them. It makes it a win for our investor that’s tied with it, but it also makes a win for us. And that’s what’s that important to create that win-win-win situation.

Why Choose JAAG’s Rent to Home Solution Over Traditional Lending?

So, why would anybody use JAAG’s Rent to Home Solution over traditional lending? Once again, we’re not here to compete against traditional lending. If somebody can get approved by traditional lending, they should. We help people that something’s holding them back. And instead of waiting until that gets corrected or fixed and the home price is going up and then paying rent somewhere else, they can use our program because they’re motivated to purchase a house. Once again, they want to escape or avoid the rent cycle and invest with themselves in the future.

Rent to Home Success Stories

So, let’s look at an example of one of the families that we’ve helped. So, this is John and Mary. And obviously, we changed the photo to protect them. But this is one of many families that we’ve helped in. Once again, we’re going to look at the deal sheet of this particular family so that way you know how we were able to help them and why we did. But once again, let’s learn a little bit about who they are and why they needed our help. So, John and Mary, they’re from London. That’s where our headquarters are, right here in beautiful London, Ontario. They had a great household income of $150,000. We were able to approve them four times the amount of their household income. So, we were able to approve them for $600,000. What was holding them back was John… it was a locksmith. So, he was a business owner, made great income, but wasn’t the best at his paperwork and claiming the correct amount of income. Mary just got off of mat leave. They had two small children and just got a full-time job at UWO, our local university.

Through the eyes of traditional lending, they just looked at them as just a little bit too risky and told them to wait. Their credit, it was great. They didn’t have any, you know, major credit issues. I think his was $6.55 and hers was $6.08. They both had a little bit of consumer debt that was holding them back a little bit as well. And they had, you know, an initial deposit of $35,000. So, they had that 3% deposit. So, we approved them for $600,000, and they exited our program in three years. During those three years, we helped improve their credit to get them into the ideal spot to get approved for the best rate possible. We used those three years to ensure that their consumer debt was paid off. We helped them deposit over 7% of what they needed. But most importantly, we got them to a point where they qualified for their own mortgage through a lender of their choice. So, this is one of many families that we’ve been able to help. And once again, I’ll kind of go over the deal sheet so that way you understand the numbers and how it all broke down.

The Role of Investor Partners

So, the reason why we’re here is I wanted to highlight the investor partners. And once again, I mentioned that they were kind of the heroes behind the scenes. And the reason why I always like to think of our investors as the heroes behind the scenes is because it’s a very passive way to invest. We do all the work, but you’re a hero because your investment makes such an impact to the tenant-buyers that we partner you with. Once again, these are hardworking people that, you know, something’s holding them back, and your partnership definitely helps. So, without the help and the belief to give people a hand up, we wouldn’t be able to help so many people into homeownership.

And if I was going to define an investor partner, what we look for is an investor with enough financial collateral to help another person become a homeowner. Once again, it’s the hand-up, not the handout mentality. So, who do we partner with? You know, industry professionals, impact investors. We always kind of joke, get your kids out of the basement program with parents. But really, we partner up with anybody with $100,000 to $150,000 who want to invest with a purpose. But most importantly, know that their money is helping themselves and others at the same time. And once again, I think that is the key with this, is that you can invest, you can, you know, do well, but that money can help so many people. We’re going to get into the reasons how it helps.

Types of Agreements

So, we have agreements with everybody. Right from the beginning, obviously, our joint venture agreement outlines the details of the investment as a joint venture partner. We’ll go over that with the deal sheet. We have capital agreements. So, these are investors that just want to invest capital, and it outlines your monthly interest payment, and capital investment, and a tenant lease agreement, and purchase option contract. And that’s between the owner and the tenant-buyer. And it covers specifics of the program. So that way at the very beginning, it is outlined to everybody, the joint venture partner, the capital investor, and the tenant-buyer, how they’re going to exit, and what does it look like for them.

Understanding Joint Venture Partnerships

So, joint venture partnership is really two parts, with it is you need the capital required for the down payment, and we’ll get into that, and to qualify for, you know, a mortgage. Capital requirement is typically $100K or more. The length of term is on average of three years. And once again, we always do fixed-rate mortgages because we need the payments to be the same for our tenant-buyers throughout the process so we can help them budget to their success. The joint venture partnership return on investment is there’s monthly cash flow and a completion payout. So, the total return on investment is typically 18% per year. The monthly cash flow is typically between $500 to $1,000. Completion payment, properly dependent, and I’ll go over this on the deal sheet on the next slide.

Investor Partnership Criteria

The investor partnership, the criteria is the capital requirement and then a monthly interest payment. So, the capital requirement for somebody who’s just bringing in capital is typically $100,000, but the minimum is $50,000. JAAG will line up one capital investor with one property. You can invest as a group but would be one group per property. The return on investment is 9% monthly interest payment, And the benefit of just being a capital investor is you collect this monthly payment no matter how the deal evolves.

Deal Sheet Overview

So, let’s get into the deal sheet because once again, this is the most important part of it, and this is what’s going to outline how we can kind of create that win-win for everybody. So, I’m just going to zoom in here so that way we can go through this. All right. So, the first thing that I want to highlight is the $600,000. Once again, this is John and Mary’s approval of what we approved them. They went out with their realtor, found that house that they wanted to buy for that $600,000. We had an investor that I came in with their 20% down payment, and this is an example of, you know, a joint venture partner on it. So, they came in with 20%, and they needed to qualify for a mortgage of $480,000, which they did. So, let’s scroll down, right? So, let’s break that down to how that looks.

Breakdown of Investment

So, the 20% that the joint venture partner brought down is $120,000. The land transfer fee, because you are going on title as a joint venture partner, so the closing costs and the land transfer is at the beginning, $8,475. There are the legal fees. We do a mandatory appraisal and home inspection on every single offer. It doesn’t matter if we’re in competition or not. And this is crucial to the success because we do not want to purchase the house on behalf of our tenant-buyer partner if it’s not a good deal. We need this to be a solid investment, not only for them, but also for us so that way we’re protecting your investment as well, too. So, this is such a crucial step that we don’t skip over. It doesn’t matter, once again, how competitive the market gets. We always do a home inspection and appraisal.

The wholesale part. So, this is a situation on this particular deal sheet with John and Mary where the client actually came in, and we paid out a $5,000 referral to that wholesaling company that brought John and Mary to us. So, just so you know, JAAG typically pays a 1% of the purchase price to any referral partner that brings their client to us. So, if you have a client or anybody that you know, then that 1% would get paid out to you. We also do deals as well, too, where we acquire the tenant-buyer organically, and there is no, you know, referral paid out. But in this particular situation with John and Mary, it was. It was $5,000. And then the option consideration is $35,000. This was John and Mary’s initial down payment. This is what they had from the very beginning on it. So, we take that from them at the very beginning.

And so, really, the only amount that that investor needs to bring in was $101,000, so less than the 20% that you typically have to be brought in once again because of the initial down payment that John and Mary brought in. So now, let’s look through it on a cash flow on how that worked. So, John and Mary’s monthly payment was $4,300 a month. Once again, that covered the mortgage payment, the property tax, the insurance. Also, a part of this was their savings credit, and we’ll get into that in a moment. And that left a monthly cash flow of $945 a month. Now, anybody who’s a joint venture partner with us, it’s a 50/50 partnership. So, we split that monthly cash flow. So, $472 roughly would be your monthly cash flow. And at the end of the three years, it was $34,015, once again, divided by two 50% that goes to JAAG properties and 50% that goes to the investor.

Rent to Home Program Outcome

So, let’s look at when they exited, how that looked out and how that paid out. So, once again, we did a three-year program with John and Mary. The house was bought at 6, and we set a purchase price of $694,575 on it. We set that conservative amount at the very beginning. And actually, just to let you know, when they did exit for traditional lending and that house was appraised, it was appraised for $710,000. So, it doesn’t matter how much above that predetermined amount that was set from the very beginning. We’ve agreed and gave them the option to purchase it. They purchased it at that predetermined amount, and any of that additional equity was their equity to keep.

Once again, on the transfer of the sale to them at that $694, we paid out the remaining balance of that mortgage, $460,000, we returned your initial investment or your capital of $101. This $35,000 was their initial down payment, so we credit that back to them. The $18,000 was a part of their $4,300 a month. Five hundred dollars of it over 36 months was being saved on their behalf for their future down payment. So that way now, they had their initial down payment of $35,000 and the three-year savings credit of $18,000, so now that they had over the 5% of down payment that these people needed and the closing costs on it, which left a total profit from the transfer of $78,142.

Once again, on joint venture situation, it is split 50/50. So, that turns your capital investment of $101,000 in three years to 157,000, which is a 55% growth, or roughly 18% per year. And if you were a capital investor and weren’t a joint venture and not on title, we would just pay you 9% return of your initial capital. That’s what you would be getting at the end of that. Feel free to reach out to us after so that way not only can we provide the slide deck of this and this deal sheet, but we can also discuss other deals so that way you know, once again, how does this work and what type of investment make more sense to you. Would it be better off to be a joint venture and do 50/50 and be on a title or more of that capital investor?

Why Become an Investor Partner?

Just going to open up chat so that way if anybody has any questions, I can answer that before we move on to the next part of it. And like I said, if anybody does, feel free to put that in the chat or to unmute and we can answer any questions. So, why become an investor partner? Investing your money will not only help you, you know, find financial freedom, but it can do the same for someone else at the same time. The benefits of partnering with JAAG Properties is we’ve been doing this for 10 years. We have the experience of doing this. A proven business model.

Why is Our Success Rate So High?

Our success rate is 95% completion, right? And if I was just going to take a moment to pause on why that success rate is high, it’s really three parts.

1. Selecting the Right People

The first part is making sure that we pick the right people at the very beginning. We want to make sure that the people that we help are people that we feel really confident that we can get to the finish line and have them qualify for traditional lending. If we don’t feel that we can help them, we don’t want to take anybody through our program to see them fail.

2. Due Diligence on Property Selection

Another big reason why the success rate is so high is the due diligence that we do with the house that they picked. They picked the house, but we get the final say. So, we use that home inspection and that appraisal to make sure, is this a great investment? Is this a good purchase, a good home for them, but also for us and our investor?

3. In-House Credit Counselling and Property Inspections

We have in-house credit counseling. And I would say that’s the secret sauce to the success is we just don’t put people in our program, cross our fingers, and hope they do everything right. We are working alongside them, helping them budget, monitoring their credit, and setting them up so that way they can succeed at the end. So, as they’re going through our program, we are with them every step of the way to make sure that they are on track.

JAAG completes three in-home property inspections annually, and our credit team is working with them on a regular basis. Once again, to any of our joint venture partners who are on title, you’re not required to go to the home or to fix the toilets or the roof or anything like that. We are checking in to make sure how the home is progressing.

And an interesting thing that we notice when we do our property inspections, because the tenant-buyers don’t ever look at this as a rental because it’s not a rental in their eyes, they pick the house, and they’re the future homeowner. They’re using those three years to make improvements to the home because they know that predetermined purchase price is set. And the more they make it worth, the more equity they keep in the end. So, we love the fact that when we do those property inspections, we’re seeing all the improvements that they make, and we’re sharing that with, you know, our joint venture partners. So that way, you can see the house that you’re on title, how much it’s actually going up in value.

Passive Investing

It’s a passive investment as JAAG handles everything with the tenant, the buyer client, and the property so you don’t have to. Once again, anybody who’s ever, you know, been a landlord, kind of size with the stress that it comes with dealing with tenants and toilets, but we handle everything so that way you can, you know, live your busy lives and know that not only is your money helping somebody else, but it’s not something that you have to be losing sleep over. And we have the business ethics and community recognition. We won this London Small Business of the Year Award and the Top 20 Under 40. So, we need more investors so that way we can help more people find homeownership. There’s a huge generation of people that feel that homeownership is not even going to be an option for them, and we are extremely proud to offer a program like this so that way it can actually become a reality for people.

Next Steps

So, the next steps that everybody should do is to reach out to us. It’s in**@************es.com. You can go to our website. We have great resources there, jaagproperties.com, and a direct phone number that you call and actually speak with somebody, and can not only explain how this process works, but can go over in detail, the different investment options. So that way, once again, we can figure out, is it the right fit for you, and what type of an investor you’d like to be?

Q&A Session

I always like to kind of end these with some questions and answers. So, anybody that does have any questions, please feel free to either put them in the chat or to unmute to ask.

How Is the Investor Protected?

But some of the questions that are asked to us on a regular basis is, how is the investor protected? And it’s as simple as this. Our joint venture partner has one of the greatest benefits as they’re the actual owner on the house you’re on title. If the client defaults or walks away, the joint venture partner still owns the house, and we are able to discuss with exit strategies or what we want to do with that house. The joint venture partner is not just a person with a loan or a piece of paper but actually is on title on the property.

How Does JAAG Provide Guidance and Accountability to the Tenant-Buyer?

How do you provide guidance and accountability to the tenant-buyer throughout the term? Once again, we have a 95% success rate. And that success rate is high because there are prescheduled credit meetings at least three times a year to make sure that they are on track. We conduct credit checks. We ensure that the tenant-buyer, the client, is on track to purchase at the end of the program. We just don’t cross our fingers and hope that they do everything right. We are working alongside them to make sure that they do qualify for traditional lending at the end.

What Happens if the Client Is Unable to Make Payments or Breaches the Contract?

And the last question that kind of comes up all the time is, what happens if the client is unable to make the monthly payment or is in breach of contract? And as JAAG is working with the client for homeownership, JAAG is willing to implement payment options during the program if needed. Also, JAAG does not just end the program or void the contract for nonpayment. Instead, JAAG issues an annual first and second warning letter for any non-payments. If the client is late a third time or in any given year, they are issued a final letter but can be given an option to reinstate their purchase agreement. However, if the client is unable to make payment and want to exit the program, JAAG is able to work with that tenant-buyer, that client, to return some, if not all their deposit throughout the sale of the house.

Concluding Remarks

And once again, we want our tenant-buyers to leave our program in better financial shape than they came in. Obviously, 95% of them exit as the homeowner, but even the ones that don’t, we want them to make sure, if possible, they leave in the best condition possible. So, I’m going to leave this open if anybody has any questions that they’d like to ask. If not, the next step is please reach out to us. I’m going to put that slide back up here, whether it’s through email, the website, or directly to phone, so that way we can answer any questions that you have. Thank you so much for everybody who came in. Once again, looking forward to answering any additional questions that you may have, and we kept on time. Everybody, enjoy the rest of their day. Thank you so much. Take care.

Commonly Asked Questions About Our Rent to Own Program

Thinking about a rent to own home but not sure how it all works? You’re not alone! A lot of people have questions about the process, from how payments work to what it takes to eventually own the home. Rent to own can be a great option for those who aren’t quite ready for a traditional mortgage but still want to work toward home ownership. In this blog, we’ll break down some of the most commonly asked questions about our Rent To Own Program, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Rent to Own Program Qualification Questions:

 

Do I Qualify for JAAG’s Rent to Own Program?

At JAAG Properties, we understand that not everyone fits the traditional home buyer mold, but we believe everyone deserves the chance to own a home. If you have a stable job, a 3% deposit, and need assistance overcoming the hurdles of purchasing a home, you may qualify for our Rent to Own Program.

Do I Qualify for Rent to Own If I Have a Past Bankruptcy?

Yes. We have a full credit team that will work with you throughout the Rent to Own Program to increase your credit score to the level the banks and lenders require. We have set up our credit team in order to work with the people that are currently in bankruptcy or consumer proposal or have gone through this in the past. Our credit team will perform a credit analysis, which will outline what needs to be done and the actions you can take throughout the program to achieve success. If you are willing to work with our credit team to improve your credit profile, your credit score today will not be a deciding factor for our approval.

Do I Qualify If I Am Self Employed or Own My Own Business?

The answer is yes. We work with several individuals that are small business owners or self-employed and help them claim their hard-earned income properly so that they can qualify for their own mortgage.

What are Some Reasons I Might Be Declined for the Rent to Own Program?

There are two main criteria that we look at for approval in JAAG’s Rent to Own Program, deposit and income. If you have 3% of the purchase price saved and stable income, you will be approved for JAAG’s Rent to Own Program. You need to ensure that you’re able to make the payments towards ownership of your home as well as your current expenses. If you are willing to do that, then you are able to qualify.

Rent to Own Process Questions:

 

Who Chooses the Home in a Rent to Own Agreement?

You get to choose your own home, the area, and amenities that you want to be close to. Our Rent to Own Program is set up the same way as if you were going through the home buying process yourself. JAAG Properties does not inventory any homes that you have to pick from. We are approving you for a purchase price. Then you will work with a realtor to find the home that best fits your criteria. Once you select the home, we start the offer process, complete a home inspection with you and buy the home. The only difference is we are on title. Once the Rent to Own Program is successful, the title goes in your name, and you are officially a homeowner.

What are Some Reasons a Property Might Not Be Eligible for the Rent to Own Program?

There are only a few reasons JAAG Properties might not approve the specific home. These include:

  • The property is too rural, and a higher deposit is required
  • The property is in a state of disrepair and needs too much work
  • Your income level does not support the purchase price of the home

Is a Home Inspection Required for Rent to Own?

Yes. We require a home inspection on all the properties that we purchase. You are responsible for the payment of the home inspection and that’s usually between $400 – $500 and done by a professional home inspector. The goal of this inspection is to ensure the home is in good condition and free of any hidden problems in all major areas, like roof, electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling.

How Much of a Deposit is Required to Rent to Own?

The minimum deposit to qualify for the program is 3% of the approved purchase price. For example, if the approved purchase price is $500,000, the minimum deposit that you’ll need to qualify for the Rent to Own Program is $15,000.

How is the Future Purchase Price of a Rent to Own Home Determined?

A few factors come into play when determining the future purchase price:

  • Today’s Fair Market Value of the Property. When a client identifies a desirable property, JAAG Properties will purchase the property based on today’s market value or a price the seller is willing to accept.
  • Length of the Rent to Own Term. Based on the area of the province and property type, a conservative annual appreciation rate is determined based on historical market data. For instance, if the market suggested an annualized appreciation rate of 7% – 10%, we will use 4% – 5%.
  • Approved Mortgage Amount. The approved mortgage amount from our credit team verification that at the end purchase price will be within the expected mortgage budget provided by the mortgage expert.

What are the Benefits of a Pre-Determined Future Purchase Price?

Some benefits of a pre-determined future purchase price, with a fixed future purchase price, the problem of market volatility is removed, and so is the uncertainty on affordability in the future. A fixed purchase price means a fixed down payment amount, eliminating the problem of trying to catch up with rising home prices. As the market appreciates above and beyond predetermined purchase price, our clients will be building equity throughout the Rent to Own Program.

Am I Allowed to Renovate the House?

Yes. You can update and renovate the home as you see fit during the program. We want you to make that house your home, because it will be at the end of the Rent to Own Program.

Who is Responsible Maintenance Payments During the Rent to Own Term?

You will be responsible for all the upkeep, maintenance, and ongoing issues of the property. Our program is not just renting to own, but instead a home ownership and training program. You will directly benefit from any improvements that you make from the home, such as renovations as it will increase the value of your home. And, of course, all homes need regular maintenance and ongoing issues happen. It’s important to budget accordingly and keep this in mind throughout the program. When you choose your home, it will be inspected by a certified home inspector, and you will know exactly what is required for that specific home and decide if you’d like to proceed.

Are the Property Taxes and Insurance Included in My Monthly Payments?

Yes. The monthly payments you make to JAAG Properties will go towards the mortgage, property tax, and insurance, as well as the monthly credit you will require for your full down payment. Throughout the entire Rent to Own Program, the monthly payment is automatically set up for the first of each month.

What Happens If I Don’t Qualify for a Mortgage at the End of My Rent to Own Term?

If you are unable to qualify at the end of the Rent to Own Program and have made all monthly payments on time, we will extend the rent to own term until you can qualify. We set up all of our rent to own programs to work with individuals and families to own their home.

Start Renting to Own with JAAG Properties

Choosing a rent to own home is a big decision, and it’s natural to have questions along the way. At JAAG Properties, we’re committed to making home ownership more accessible by providing clear guidance and support throughout the process. Whether you want to understand the financial details, eligibility requirements, or how the transition to ownership works, our team is here to help. No question is too big or small—we want you to feel confident in your decision. Get in touch with us today to learn more!

Contact Us

Things That Won’t Hurt Your Credit Score

A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness and impacts your ability to secure loans, mortgages, and credit cards. Many Canadians worry about factors that don’t actually affect their score. Knowing what does and doesn’t impact your credit is essential, especially if you’re planning to buy a home.

Why Credit Scores Matter

Your credit score determines loan eligibility, interest rates, and financial opportunities. Lenders use it to assess your reliability as a borrower. A higher score often means better borrowing options, while a lower score can lead to higher interest rates or loan denials. However, some commonly misunderstood factors have no effect at all.

Common Things That Won’t Hurt Your Credit Score

Checking Your Own Credit Report

Reviewing your credit report is a “soft inquiry” and does not lower your score. In fact, checking it regularly helps identify errors or potential fraud.

Using a Debit Card

Debit card transactions are not reported to credit bureaus because they do not involve borrowing money. Whether you use your debit card frequently or rarely, it won’t impact your credit score.

Income Changes

Your salary, job status, or career shifts do not directly affect your credit score. While income influences your ability to pay bills, your score is based on how you manage credit, not how much you earn.

Marital Status

Getting married or divorced does not impact your credit score. Even if you share financial accounts, your credit report remains separate. However, joint accounts and co-signed loans can influence both partners’ credit history.

Denied Credit Applications

While being denied credit can be discouraging, it does not hurt your credit score. However, the hard inquiry from applying for credit can have a minor temporary impact. To minimize unnecessary hard inquiries, avoid applying for multiple credit accounts in a short period.

How to Protect Your Credit Score

Although the factors mentioned above don’t affect your credit score, there are steps you should take to maintain and improve your rating:

Pay Bills on Time

Your payment history is one of the most significant factors in determining your credit score. Late payments can lower your score, so always aim to pay bills on time.

Keep Credit Utilization Low

Credit utilization refers to the percentage of your available credit that you use. Keeping this ratio low—ideally below 30%—shows lenders that you manage credit responsibly.

Review Your Credit Report Regularly

Checking your credit report for inaccuracies or fraudulent activity helps you maintain an accurate and strong credit history. If you spot errors, report them immediately to the credit bureau.

Contact JAAG Properties to Start Your Home Buying Journey

A strong credit score can make homeownership more accessible, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. JAAG Properties offers Rent to Home Solutions that can help you achieve your dream of owning a home in Canada. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey to homeownership.

What to Know About Debt Consolidation

Managing debt can be overwhelming, especially when multiple loans and high-interest rates block the path to homeownership. Debt consolidation is often suggested as a solution, but misconceptions exist—some see it as a quick fix, while others fear it could harm credit. In reality, it can simplify your finances and bring you closer to owning a home if done right.

What is Debt Consolidation?

Debt consolidation combines multiple debts into a single loan or payment. Instead of juggling credit cards or personal loans with varying rates, you’ll have one monthly payment. This can reduce stress and may lower your overall interest rate, depending on the method you choose.

How Does Debt Consolidation Work?

To consolidate debt, you take out a new loan to pay off existing debts. This can be done through a bank, a balance transfer to a low-interest credit card, or by using home equity if you’re a homeowner. After consolidating, you’ll make one monthly payment, ideally with a lower interest rate.

Types of Debt Consolidation

  1. Debt Consolidation Loans: Combine debts into one loan through banks or online lenders. Pros: Simplified payments, potential lower rates. Cons: May need good credit, possible fees.
  2. Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Move debt to low or 0% interest cards. Pros: Low/no interest during promo. Cons: High rates after, possible fees.
  3. Home Equity Loans/HELOCs: Use your home’s equity to pay off debt. Pros: Lower rates. Cons: Risk of losing your home if you default.
  4. Debt Management Plans (DMPs): Credit counselling arranges lower rates and structured plans. Pros: Professional support, reduced rates. Cons: May impact credit score, possible fees.
  5. Consumer Proposals: Insolvency Trustee negotiates reduced payments. Pros: Avoids bankruptcy, legally binding. Cons: Affects credit score.
  6. Refinancing Your Mortgage: Increase mortgage to consolidate debt. Pros: Lower rates, simpler payments. Cons: Extends mortgage term, potential penalties.
  7. Line of Credit (LOC): Use secured/unsecured credit lines to consolidate. Pros: Lower rates than credit cards, flexible payments. Cons: Requires discipline to avoid new debt.
  8. Student Loan Consolidation: Combine federal student loans. Pros: Simplified payments, fixed rates. Cons: May lose certain benefits.
  9. Debt Settlement Programs: Companies negotiate to reduce total debt. Pros: Potential debt reduction. Cons: Affects credit score, less regulated in Canada.
  10. RRSP Withdrawals: Use retirement savings to pay off debt. Pros: Immediate funds. Cons: Tax penalties, impacts retirement savings.

Benefits of Debt Consolidation

  • Lower Interest Rates: Consolidation may qualify you for a lower rate, reducing the total amount owed.
  • Simplified Payments: A single monthly payment reduces stress and helps you stay on top of finances.
  • Potential Credit Score Improvement: On-time payments on your consolidated loan can improve your credit score.

Take the Next Step Toward Homeownership with JAAG Properties

Debt consolidation can simplify your finances and position you for success. If owning a home feels out of reach due to debt, JAAG Properties can help. Our Rent to Home Solutions help you work toward homeownership while managing your financial health. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your dream of owning a home.

How to Protect Your Credit while Managing Debt

Managing debt can be challenging, but it’s essential to protect your credit score. A strong credit score is vital for securing favourable interest rates, qualifying for loans, and maintaining financial health. With a strategic approach, you can manage your debt without compromising your creditworthiness. Here are actionable tips to help you safeguard your credit score as you tackle debt.

Pay Your Bills on Time

Your payment history is a significant factor in determining your credit score. Always pay at least the minimum amount due on your bills by their deadlines. Setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders can help you stay consistent. Remember, late payments can remain on your credit report for up to six years, negatively impacting your score.

Create and Stick to a Budget

Use a budget planner to track your monthly income and expenses. Identify areas where you can reduce non-essential spending, such as dining out or unused subscriptions. Redirect these savings toward paying off your debts. Budgeting ensures you meet your financial obligations and helps prevent late payments that could harm your credit score.

Pay More Than the Minimum

Whenever possible, pay more than the minimum amount on credit cards and lines or credit. This strategy reduces your debt faster, saving you money on interest. It also lowers your credit utilization — a key factor in credit score calculations — reflecting how much available credit you use.

Seek Professional Credit Counselling

If you’re struggling to manage debt, consider reaching out to a credit counselling agency. These professionals can help you review your finances, create a debt management plan, and provide strategies to rebuild your credit over time.

Monitor Your Credit Report Regularly

Regularly review your credit report to ensure the accuracy of your personal financial information. Errors or inaccuracies could negatively impact your score. Checking your own credit report won’t affect your credit score.

Why Protecting Your Credit Matters

A good credit score opens doors to financial opportunities, including lower interest rates, higher cred limits, and favourable loan terms. You can maintain or improve your credit score by managing your debt effectively, ensuring long-term financial stability.

Build Your Credit with JAAG Properties

If you’re working toward financial freedom and homeownership, JAAG Properties can help. We can help you create a solid credit score and a stable financial future by combining our Rent-to-Own program with our Credit Education Service and financial planning tools. Let’s begin the process by getting in touch with us today.

Factors That Impact Your Credit Score: What You Need to Know

Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial health. Whether you’re applying for a loan, securing a rental property, or obtaining a credit card, your score can determine the opportunities available to you. In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900, with higher scores indicating better creditworthiness. By understanding the key factors that affect your credit score, you can take actionable steps to improve it. Let’s explore the top contributors to your credit score and how to optimize them.

Payment History

Your payment history is the most significant factor affecting your credit score, accounting for approximately 35% of its calculation. Consistently paying your bills on time helps trust lenders. Vice versa, missed or late payments can have a lasting negative impact.

Consider setting up automatic payments or reminders to stay on track and maintain a strong credit history.

Credit Utilization Ratio

Credit utilization refers to the percentage of available credit you’re currently using. A good rule of thumb is to keep this ratio below 30%. For example, if your credit limit is $10,000, aim to use no more than $3,000 at any given time.

Maintaining a low credit utilization ratio signals to lenders that you’re managing credit responsibly, which can positively impact your score.

Length of Credit History

The length of your credit history accounts for about 15% of your credit score. Lenders value longer credit histories as they provide a better track record of your financial habits. Avoid closing old accounts, even if you’re not actively using them, as this could shorten your average account age and negatively impact your score.

Credit Mix

A diverse mix of credit types, such as credit cards, personal loans, and mortgages, can contribute to about 10% of your score. Demonstrating that you can manage different types of credit responsibly shows lenders that you’re a well-rounded borrower. However, avoid opening unnecessary accounts just to diversify your credit mix.

Additional Tips for Maintaining a Good Credit Score

  • Monitor your credit report regularly: Check your credit report for errors or inaccuracies that could harm your score.
  • Keep Balances Low: High balances relative to your credit limit can increase your debt-to-credit ratio and negatively affect your score.
  • Avoid Derogatory Marks: Bankruptcy, foreclosure, or accounts sent to a collection can remain on your report for years, significantly lowering your credit score.

Why Your Credit Score Matters

Your credit score isn’t just a number; it reflects your financial reliability. A higher score can unlock better interest rates, higher credit limits, and improved access to financial opportunities. Whether you plan to buy a home, finance a car, or secure a new credit card, maintaining a good credit score is essential.

Achieve Homeownership with JAAG Properties

Looking to improve your credit while working toward homeownership? JAAG Properties offers a rent-to-own solution tailored to your financial goals. We empower you to build a strong credit score and secure a financial future. Contact us today, and let’s get the process started.

Can I Get Approved for Rent to Own After Bankruptcy?

One of the most asked questions we receive is “can I get approved for rent to own after a past bankruptcy?”. In this “Rent to Own Minute”, Alfonso Salemi addresses this inquiry and explains how JAAG Properties can help you become a homeowner.

 


Alfonso Salemi here with another “Rent to Own Minute” brought to you by JAAG Properties. And a frequently asked question that we always get is, “Should I apply, and can I qualify for JAAG’s rent-to-own program if I’ve been through bankruptcy or consumer proposal?” The answer is yes and let me explain why. JAAG has a full credit team that will work with you throughout the Rent To Own Program to increase your credit score to the level the banks and lenders require.

We have set up our credit team in order to work with the people that are currently in bankruptcy or consumer proposal or have gone through this in the past. Our credit team will perform a credit analysis, which will outline what needs to be done and the actions you can take throughout the program to achieve success. If you are willing to work with our credit team to improve your credit profile, your credit score today will not be a deciding factor for our approval. Get in touch with us today and visit the website, jaagproperties.com. We look forward to hearing from you.


Start the Process Today

Buying a home when facing a past bankruptcy can present challenges. That’s why JAAG Properties provides a Rent to Home Solution aimed at improving credit scores, along with educational resources on credit management. If you’re struggling with credit issues and aiming to qualify for a home loan, JAAG can assist. Contact us today.

 

How to Build Credit in Canada

For many Canadians, homeownership represents stability, security, and the chance to build a life for themselves and their families. But the path to homeownership can be challenging, especially for newcomers to Canada or those with little to no credit history. Here at JAAG Properties, we understand these hurdles. That’s why we’re committed to empowering our clients on their journey to homeownership by helping to build a strong credit score.

Building Credit with JAAG

One of the significant advantages of JAAG’s Rent to Home Solution is that it’s specifically designed to help you build credit while saving for a future down payment. Your monthly rent payments for the rent to own property are reported to credit bureaus, which positively contributes to your credit history.

Ways to Build Credit in Canada

Building a strong credit score is an essential step on the path to homeownership. Here are some effective strategies to solidify your credit score on your own:

Establish Your Own Credit Identity

You can’t build your credit without a credit identity. In a lot of families, credit is in the name of one spouse. This means, If the relationship ends, one spouse may be left without a credit identity.

Get a Credit Card

Responsible credit card use is a powerful tool, but you need to manage it wisely. This allows you to demonstrate your ability to handle credit. However, beware of retail credit cards, as their interest rates are usually higher than those charged by the major credit card companies or financial institutions.

Avoid Drawing Cash Advances on Your Cards

Cash advances typically come with significantly higher interest rates and fees than regular purchases. They can also negatively impact your credit utilization rate, as they count towards your overall credit limit. A personal line of credit is a more cost-effective way to access cash when you need it.

Pay Your Bills on Time

Your credit cards, utility bills, and personal loan payments make up 35 percent of your credit score, so this is essential if you want a good credit score. If you’re forgetful, don’t worry. Most banks offer the ability to set up direct bill payments from your bank account. This will help you build your credit rating and avoid high interest charges.

JAAG’s Credit Education and Financial Planning

At JAAG, we understand the importance of financial literacy and responsible credit management. That’s why the JAAG team can connect you with a Certified Financial Planner, who coaches you through monthly budgeting, long-term planning and provides the credit education necessary to help you manage your finances effectively.

Build Your Credit with JAAG Properties

We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their dream of homeownership. By combining our Rent-to-Own program with our Credit Education Service and financial planning tools, JAAG Properties empowers you to build a strong credit score and a secure financial future. Contact JAAG today, and let’s get the process started.

 

How Renting to Own Solves Down Payment Problems

As most of us know, it’s becoming more difficult than ever for first-time homebuyers to secure the home of their dreams, thanks to rising house prices, higher interest rates, and a higher debt load than ever before. We discuss why saving for a down payment is so challenging in the current real estate market, and what you can do to fulfill your dreams of homeownership, even in this tough economic climate.

The Down Payment Problem

One of the most challenging aspects of buying a home, especially in today’s ever-changing real estate market, is saving up for the down payment. In Canada, 5% is the minimum down payment needed to qualify for a mortgage, and with the rising cost of housing and stagnant wages, that goal is a constant moving target.

If you’re struggling to afford a home under these conditions, recent studies on housing costs show you’re not alone. An RBC survey shows that as much as 36% of non-homeowners under 40 have given up on the dream of ever owning a home in this market.

Fortunately, there is a new alternative to simply saving endlessly for a down payment: Rent to Home.

The Rent to Home Solution

A rent to own agreement allows you to rent and live in your chosen home for a set term before being given the option to purchase it.

You don’t have to qualify for a mortgage. You don’t need perfect credit, or indeed, any credit. While you rent your home, you’ll build positive credit and save money for your down payment to buy your home at the end of your term. It’s that simple.

How Rent to Own Programs Solve the Down Payment Problem

If you’re struggling to save the 5% down payment on a home, our Rent to Own program is for you. You’ll only need to present a 3% down payment to qualify, even if you have a low credit score or no credit score.

As you rent with us, we’ll collect “credits” to fund your eventual down payment. We’ll also provide you with top-notch financial education through a Certified Financial Planner, plus real estate and mortgage advice through top realtors and brokers. All of this is included as part of your Rent to Own package and is provided to you at no additional cost.

At the end of your term (typically 3 years), you’ll have built a strong credit history and have saved enough to purchase your home from us. Congratulations, you’re a homeowner!

Overcome Your Down Payment Problems with JAAG Properties

If you’re having trouble saving for a down payment, our Rent to Own program was designed with you in mind. Stop sinking money into rent that ultimately only benefits your landlord and start saving towards a home you love. Apply online with us today or contact our friendly staff for assistance!

Understanding the Canadian Mortgage Stress Test

If you’re confused by the mortgage stress test, you’re not alone. We break down the factors that influence your stress test results and review your options if you’re unable to qualify for a traditional mortgage.

What is the Canadian Mortgage Stress Test?

The Canadian mortgage stress test is an evaluation that banks are required to use to determine whether you’ll be able to pay your mortgage if interests rates rise.

Introduced by the federal government in 2018, it ensures that homebuyers purchase a home they can afford and considers a variety of financial factors.

Who Must Complete a Mortgage Stress Test?

Anyone applying for a traditional mortgage in Canada must complete the mortgage stress test. You’ll also need to complete it if you’re refinancing, changing mortgage lenders, taking out a second mortgage, or applying for a home equity loan.

How Does the Mortgage Stress Test Work?

The mortgage stress test works by considering the full picture of your financial situation. Lenders will look at your mortgage amount and current interest rates, along with your mortgage amortization period. They’ll consider these factors alongside your household income, housing costs, and your current debt load.

You fail the mortgage stress test if the percentage of your pre-tax income you’ll use to pay for housing costs exceeds 35%, or if your outstanding personal debt is greater than 42% of your pre-tax income.

What to Do If You Fail the Mortgage Stress Test

If you fail the mortgage stress test, you won’t be eligible for a mortgage through a bank. There are several ways to improve your financial situation so that you stand a greater chance of passing the stress test.

Increase the Amount of Your Down Payment

The higher your down payment, the lower your monthly mortgage payments will be. Lower mortgage payments will lower your ratio of housing costs vs. income, making it more likely that you’ll be approved.

Improve Your Credit

A credit score below 700 is a major problem when trying to pass the mortgage stress test. Improve your credit by making payments on time and by paying down debt quickly. Less debt makes you more likely to pass the mortgage stress test.

Try a Rent to Own Program

Our Rent to Home Solution allows you to live in and rent your home for a set term before having the option to purchase it from us. Our program is designed so that even those who fail the mortgage stress test can eventually qualify for a mortgage.

We prepare you for homeownership by helping you save money for your down payment and providing access to realtors and financial planners to help you find the home that’s right for you and budget accordingly. As you pay rent, you’ll also automatically improve your credit rating.

Why Choose JAAG Properties

If you’ve failed the mortgage stress test, don’t give up! You can still qualify for a mortgage with the help of our Rent to Own Program. Apply online today or contact us for more information.