Editor’s Note: The Disruptor Roundup analyzes companies implementing unconventional models.
Divvy
This tech-powered, rent-to-own platform was launched at the end of 2017, and provides consumers with the ability to transition from renting to homeownership with a three-year program that amasses a down payment within its required monthly payments. Currently available in Atlanta, Cleveland and Memphis, Divvy is looking to expand to other markets.
Divvy purchases homes on behalf of consumers. There are, however, restrictions. Divvy cannot purchase and lease condos, non-bank approved short sales, auction properties, manufactured or mobile homes, undeveloped lots, homes in pre- or mid-construction or properties with problematic conditions that require extensive maintenance.
How does the program work? Applicants must first be preapproved and undergo a thorough underwriting process that requires photo identification, tax returns, recent bank statements and a credit check. This process typically takes between 24 hours and three business days, according to the Divvy website.
In addition to rent, Divvy also charges “equity credits,” which make up about 25 percent of the monthly payment and are used as down payment funds at the end of the leasing period. Additionally, 5 percent of the monthly payments go toward maintenance funds, to be used for any home repairs, which applicants must address themselves, as Divvy does not function as a traditional landlord.
The qualifications? Candidates must:
- Have been employed for the last 12 months
- Have an average monthly income of at least $2,300 per month
- Be able to comfortably afford a Divvy monthly payment (rent, equity credits, maintenance funds)
- Have a credit score of at least 550
- Have had any bankruptcies discharged at least 12 months prior to applying
- Have at least $1,300 saved for a down payment
The cons? First, Divvy customers may only use partnered agents, which highly limits buyers. How are these agents chosen? Divvy does not provide guidelines on its website, and was not available for comment.
Additionally, while this incentivizes homeownership for prospective buyers who have trouble building up a down payment, the leasing program is more of a forced savings program in which they risk losing out on funds if they break the lease and choose not to purchase the home. Divvy will only refund 50 percent of the total dollars of equity credit if the three-year lease is broken, and, at closing, deducts 1.5 percent of the applicant’s equity credits in order to cover its own selling costs.
Buyers might also be wary of Divvy’s static home value projection, which estimates how much the property will be worth in three years. It can be difficult to ascertain whether buyers are truly leasing to buy at fair market value three years prior to the actual time of purchase.
As Divvy does not provide mortgage services, buyers will still need to be approved for a loan at the end of the lease period, which brings up additional questions regarding the home’s value and appraisal conditions. Divvy can report on-time rental payments to the credit bureaus during the three-year lease in order to help applicants who wish to increase their credit score before purchasing, improving their chances of being able to qualify for a home loan.
Liz Dominguez is RISMedia’s associate content editor. Email her your real estate news ideas at ldominguez@rismedia.com. For the latest real estate news and trends, bookmark RISMedia.com.
