We're here to help

How we Help

• We offer a Rent-to-Own program that enables home ownership and prepares people for a stronger financial future
• We have a team of real estate professionals that will help you find a reasonably priced, quality home that meets your needs
• We have a proven track record of helping people become home owners, and we can help you

Easy Steps To Home Ownership​

1. Complete a few simple forms to qualify for the SweetWater Rent-to-Own program
2. Once qualified, you choose your home with the support of our real estate experts
3. SweetWater purchases the home that you have selected
4. You move into the new home
5. While living in the home, you work with our mortgage experts to prepare you for ownership (repair/establish credit, save down payment etc.)
6. By the end of the agreement term, our mortgage specialist will qualify you for a mortgage and you purchase the home from SweetWater at the pre-determined price. By the way, if you make improvements to the home or the market goes up and the value increases as a result, you get to keep all of that additional equity!
7. Once you purchase the home, you now make mortgage payments instead of rent payments

• Value point!  You are already living in your home, so no more packing or moving when you take possession! 

Common Questions:

1. HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
On average it takes about 1 to 3 months to get you into your new home and 2 to 3 years until you own it. 

2. WHAT IF MY CREDIT IS BAD?
Bruised credit is not a problem for our program.  Our credit specialist will help you establish or improve your credit with a personalized action plan.

3. DO I NEED A MINIMUM INCOME TO QUALIFY?
You do need verifiable income.  Your household income will determine the price of the home you can afford.

4. WHAT TYPE OF COSTS WILL THERE BE?

1. Once you have qualified, there will be a $500 deposit before you start looking for your new home.  
2. After you have found your home, you will be required to pay for a home inspection (approximately $500). 
3. Prior to the purchase of the home by SweetWater, a deposit of approximately 5% of the purchase price will be required.  Your deposit will be applied in full toward your down payment when you purchase the home from SweetWater at the end of the term.  
4. Before moving in, you will be required to provide first months' rent. 
5. Every month you are in the home, you will be required to pay your rent on time.
6. Every month you are in the home, you will be required to pay a pre-determined amount that will go towards your down payment and closing costs at the end of your term.

5. HOW MUCH OF A DOWN PAYMENT DO I NEED?
The amount of down payment depends on the value of the home you intend to purchase. 

6. HOW MUCH WILL RENT BE?
The amount of rent will depend on the home you choose.  It will be similar to market rent, plus an additional amount, part of which will be credited towards your down payment.

7. I FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY. CAN I STILL QUALIFY?
We do work with people who have declared bankruptcy or consumer proposal in the past.  Every situation is unique, and we will work hard to provide you with a solution that fits your requirements.

8. I AM SELF-EMPLOYED. CAN I STILL QUALIFY?
Yes.  The mortgage specialists on our team have experience working with individuals that are self-employed.

9. WHAT SORT OF PAPERWORK IS INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS?
We will go through the paperwork with you and explain it in great detail.  We always encourage you to seek independent legal advice to ensure that you understand everything you are signing.  

10. CAN I RENOVATE THE PROPERTY?
Yes.  We want you to feel comfortable in your new home and we encourage you to add value through improvements. There are a few restrictions, so you will be required to review any improvement ideas with SweetWater prior to the work being started. 

11. WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE SWEETWATER?

1. Our focus is your success!  We focus on the success of our clients and work very closely with you to make your dreams of home ownership a reality. 
2. We let YOU choose your home!!   
3. We have a great team of real estate professionals that provide support to our clients.
4. We recognize that every situation is unique, and that is why our team focuses on a plan that is best suited to your needs. 
5. We are honest and fair and our entire team shares the same values.