What percentage of the monthly rent goes towards the house payment? \nThanks in advance!

Opinion - Not advice...In my experience - Typically targeted towards credit and down payment challenged prospects. On the surface, it may seem appealing however Lease with option to purchase \"can be\" riddled with obstacles, loopholes and double-talk. I would recommend leveling the playing field by consulting an attorney. Quite often, a contract-for-deed type arrangements means that \"buyer\" is only a renter and never truly receive any benefit until the entire debt is resolved. In other situations, the agreement is a lease with first right of refusal for selling the property and may be coupled with mandatory seller financing (high interest). Often the rent paid is greater than market rate and if you\'re late or breach agreement, the owner may evict and keep monies accumulated towards down payment. In any case, you have no ownership rights - you are a tenant and during your occupancy as a tenant, any improvements or updates made to the property may belong to the \"OWNER\" You have no tax benefits.

A person asking about a property claims I can not charge her a pet deposit because she has TWO dogs that are ESA\'s (which doesn\'t sound like a service animal if she needs two) and claims the Fair Housing Act states it clearly but I read it as you only have to waive the deposit for actual trained service animals. I see online any animal can become an ESA for 99.00 along with a doctors note and these sights tell these people that they get deposits waived. I\'d like to confirm that I am reading the Fair Housing Law on this matter correctly.

HUD...The federal Fair Housing Act requires housing facilities to allow service dogs and emotional support animals, if necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the home. According to Texas Assoc or Realtors: Form TAR 2226 speaks to “Assistance Animals” and according to included definition, an animal that works, provides assistance...provides emotional support.... Further, the paragraph states that the animal doesn’t need to be trained or certified.

I have low credit history and criminal history from 12years ago.I have really good income but I keep getting denied. I need to move out by the end of November. Can anyone help me rent a home?

I am sorry that you are encountering difficulty renting a home. Having solid verifiable income is a great start. Property owners simply want to mitigate trouble so they assess a risk score based on the candidates profile, income, credit, rental history, and often, criminal history. With that in mind, typically any recent late pay, the last 24 months, will be judged harsher as it may serve as an indicator of applicants current financial condition or mindset towards debt. I would suggest being upfront. Inform your Realtor of the obstacles ahead. Pull your own credit report to identify the strengths and weaknesses and include a brief explanation with the application. For example, if there were medical bills, divorce, job loss, job relocation, or a life event that substantially affected your ability to pay, then explain how great things were before or after the event, which can then be substantiated by employment or credit history. Without over-explaining, IF the crime is nonviolent and more than 10 years ago, I would be upfront with that as well. Be honest, humanize the situation, and give them a chance to actually consider YOU and your application. You may be required to increase the deposit or include a guarantor

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YOUR PROPERTY | MY PRIORITY

Communication skills Negotiation skills Market knowledge Integrity Relationship building Team collaboration Attention to detail Problem solving Adaptability Financial analysis educated advocacy First Time Homebuyer Leadership

Tenzesta Marie Smith, Texas Real Estate Broker Associate and California Real Estate Sales Person

Experienced - Educated - Empowered - Engaged

Member of NAR, TAR, HAR, NAREB, Women's Council of Realtors - Fort Bend

Tenzesta Marie Smith Broker, Educator, Advocate
Introducing Tenzesta Marie Smith a seasoned real estate broker licensed in both Texas and California, with over 20 years of industry experience. Tenzesta is not just a broker; she is a passionate advocate for homeownership and property rights, understanding that real estate is more than just buying and selling homes. It's about creating opportunities for financial freedom and fostering community growth.
Tenzesta's commitment to real estate goes beyond her career it's her calling. As a professor in the Real Estate Department at Houston Community College, she is dedicated to educating the next generation of real estate professionals, equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed. Her mission is built on empowerment, purpose, and passion.
Along with her team, Texas Real Estate Scholars, Tenzesta is committed to building lasting relationships, operating with integrity, and promoting housing democracy. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or dealing with complex transactions, she provides expert representation and strategic guidance tailored to your needs.
With an impressive array of credentials, including an MBA, AAS in Real Estate, ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative), GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute), TAHS (Texas Affordable Housing Specialist), and memberships as a REALTOR® and REALTIST®, Tenzesta is well-equipped to help you navigate the real estate landscape with confidence. Choose Tenzesta Marie Smith for a real estate experience that prioritizes your goals and empowers your future.

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Tenzesta Smith, recommended by Ashwin Kewalramani, worked together on a real estate transaction on Jan. 31st, 2025.

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Listings by Tenzesta Smith & Prior Sales

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Sold: 02/26/2026

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638 Meadow Knoll Dr

Stafford, TX 77477

$285K - $325K

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4 beds

2 baths

2,638 sqft.

Sold: 11/05/2025

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651 S Marathon Way

Stafford, TX 77477

$325K - $370K

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4 beds

3 baths

3,021 sqft.

Sold: 06/06/2025

Represented: Seller

112 W Ahupu Ln

Bastrop, TX 78602

$20K - $25K

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10,542 sqft. lot

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Rented: 03/20/2026

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3807 Wickley Park Way

Fulshear, TX 77441

$0 - $10K

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3 beds

2 baths

1,603 sqft.

Rented: 09/30/2025

Represented: Seller

6507 Sidney St

Houston, TX 77021

$0 - $10K

Rented

3 beds

2 baths

2,219 sqft.

Rented: 06/30/2025

Represented: Seller

3540 Rebecca St

Houston, TX 77021

$0 - $10K

Rented

3 beds

2 baths

1,332 sqft.

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Sold: 02/26/2026

638 Meadow Knoll Dr

Stafford, TX 77477

$285K - $325K

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4 beds

2 baths

2,638 sqft.

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Tenzesta Smith with Keller Williams Houston Central is a real estate professional in TX. View Tenzesta Smith's bio, Listings by Tenzesta Smith, Neighborhoods where Tenzesta Smith is active and more. You can contact Tenzesta Smith by clicking the button below.

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