Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois

Re: Buying a house without a mortgage

Yes, the parties can do what they want, if you find a seller willing to agree. That said, if I were the seller dealing with your proposal, I would ensure that title to the house would not pass, i.e., there would be no closing, until the "rent" you paid towards the purchase price had been fully paid off. Until then, you would be a mere tenant and the owner would be the landlord.

But, that's just me, and if you found a seller willing to do what you wanted, I know of no legal prohibition against it.

-- Kenneth J. Ashman; www.AshmanLawOffices.com; [email protected]

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Re: Buying a house without a mortgage

Sure. Rent to own contracts are certainly legal. Feel free to contact me when the time comes, I will be happy to draft a contract.

Re: Buying a house without a mortgage

Generally, yes, because what you describe is a seller-financed purchase money mortgage. Normally, the seller would give a buyer possession but not title [ownership] until after the purchase money mortgage is paid in full, and the seller would put a signed deed in escrow at closing. Do you need an attorney? This answer does not constitute legal advice because you are not as yet my client.