Rent to Own Homes in Gonzales
Gonzales is a small city – population about 10,600 – located approximately 24 miles southeast of Baton Rouge. It’s a stone’s throw from the Mississippi River, 32 miles from Lake Pontchartrain, and less than 60 miles from the one-of-a-kind city of New Orleans.The below results are primarily rent to own homes in Ascension Parish, LA:
Gonzales is a small city – population about 10,600 – located approximately 24 miles southeast of Baton Rouge. It’s a stone’s throw from the Mississippi River, 32 miles from Lake Pontchartrain, and less than 60 miles from the one-of-a-kind city of New Orleans.The below results are primarily rent to own homes in Ascension Parish, LA:
In 1851, the small settlement had only ten inhabitants. It gradually grew, and in 1886 the residents elected “Big” José Gonzáles as the sheriff. The next year, his son “Tee-Joe” opened a store and post office, known as the Gonzales Post Office, and eventually, the Railroad Commission required that the name of the town be changed to match the post office. It was incorporated as a village in 1922 and achieved city status in 1977.
Buying a Home in Gonzales
The median price of a home is $177,400, which is four percent below the national average. Recent home listings in Gonzales range from $89,000 to $549,000, and lots are available for building. About 30 percent of the residential real estate is owner occupied. The median household income is about $55,000, the median age of the residents is 37.5, and 48 percent of the population is married. Job growth is positive and is expected to exceed 38 percent over the next ten years.
Gonzales is in the Ascension Parish School District, which is comprised of 28 schools. Approximately six schools are within the city limits. According to GreatSchools, the ratings vary from 6 to 8 (out of 10), so families with school-aged children that are considering a move should include an investigation into the schools when neighborhood shopping.
Popular Neighborhoods in Gonzales
Gonzales occupies 8.5 square miles and is comprised of six constituent neighborhoods. The northwestern area is the Airline Hwy/Babin Rd. area. The residential real estate is mainly small- to medium-sized single-family homes and mobile homes. Most are owner occupied. The neighborhood is relatively new, as many homes were built after 2000. The median home price is about $263,000. It’s rated in the top five percent of neighborhoods in Louisiana for an executive lifestyle.
Just to the east is the Duplessis neighborhood. The residential picture is similar to that in the Airline Hwy/Babin Rd. neighborhood. The median home price comes in a bit lower at $191,000.
Buying vs. Rent to Own Homes
Gonzales may already sound like a place worth considering. But getting financing for a home can be a difficult process. That is why many are taking advantage of rent-to-own options. A part of each month’s rent is put toward a down payment to eventually be used to purchase the home. Renters who may not be able to afford a big outlay of cash for a down payment can still look forward to becoming proud homeowners.
Summary
The mild climate – average highs of 54 in January and 82 in July and August – make Gonzales a pleasant place year round. It retains its small-town feel, but the large metropolitan centers of Baton Rouge and New Orleans are just a short drive away. Family-friendly neighborhoods and low crime make it easy to understand why the official city website proclaims “Gonzales, Nous avons tout!” This reflects the city’s rich French heritage and means “Gonzales – We have it all!”
Rent to Own Realtors
Working with a realtor doesn’t guarantee that you will successfully complete a rent to own deal, but their knowledge and expertise can make a big difference in your success rate.
Unfortunately, not many realtors will want to work with you on a rent to own deal. There isn’t a lot of profit for a realtor in rent to own deals.
So, you’ll need to find others with the knowledge and expertise you are looking for to ensure a successful lease-option experience. Consider consulting with a realtor, a title company and a mortgage officer instead. These professionals are better than a realtor because they are experts in their respective fields, as opposed to realtors who know a good deal about each of those rent to own factors.
About Our Listings
Lease-purchase programs offer sellers more certainty than traditional rent to buy because buyers are contractually obligated to buy the condo, townhouse or house by the end of the lease term. Normally, rent to own by owner means the buyer has the option to buy and the seller has the obligation to sell.
Lease-options are more convenient for buyers. However, buyers and sellers may work out lease to purchase deals for houses and other properties when the seller is overlooking a bad credit score or a small option fee. The requirement for buyers to purchase properties makes sellers feel more comfortable leasing with no credit check because they don’t have to worry about whether buyers will opt out.
If you’re interested in looking for apartments for lease option, check out our free listings by searching for properties near me. We showcase more than just rent to own. Use our site to find cheap foreclosed homes or owner financing.
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