Understanding Rent to Own Agreements
A rent to own agreement allows you to rent a mower with the option to purchase it later. This method is increasingly popular for expensive equipment like zero turn mowers. By signing a rent to own agreement, you can often apply a portion of your rental payments towards the final purchase price of the mower. These agreements typically come with specific terms, including the duration of the rental period, payment amounts, and total cost.
Factors Affecting the Cost
1. Initial Rental Fee: The initial payment you make can significantly impact the total cost. Usually, this is a percentage of the total mower price or a fixed fee. 2. Monthly Payment: Your monthly rental payment will depend on the total price of the mower and the length of the rental agreement. 3. Maintenance and Repairs: Be sure to include costs for maintenance, which can vary based on usage. 4. Interest Rates: Some rental agreements may have interest included, which can influence your total cost when you decide to buy.
Calculating Monthly Payments
To calculate monthly payments, follow these steps: Determine the total price of the mower, the rental period and the portion of your payment that will go towards ownership. For example, if a zero turn mower costs $5,000, and the rental agreement is for 36 months with a monthly payment of $200, after paying for a full term, you'd have paid $7,200 in total. However, if there’s a 20% credit towards ownership, you can deduct $1,440 from the final price, resulting in a total effective cost of $5,760.
Total Cost Over Rent to Own Period
To calculate the total cost over the rent to own period, you will need to add all monthly payments together and any other associated fees. Consider the following formula: Total Cost = (Monthly Payment x Number of Months) + Initial Rental Fee + Maintenance Costs. Using the previous example, if the initial rent fee was $500, and estimated maintenance costs add up to $300 over the term, your calculation would look like this: Total Cost = ($200 x 36) + $500 + $300 = $8,700.
Evaluating Long-term Value
Before committing to a rent to own agreement, evaluate the long-term value compared to outright purchasing a mower or even conventional renting. Consider the life expectancy of the mower, estimated usage, and potential resale value should you choose to sell it after a few years. It's important to weigh these factors against your financial situation and mowing needs.