TransUnion recently released their analysis of trends in the mortgage industry for the third quarter of 2009 and the associated impact on the U.S. consumer.  The study is conducted using data from 27 million anonymous credit files representing 10% of the US consumer based.

The study found that mortgage loan delinquencies have increased, yet again, for the eleventh quarter in a row! This is an all time high of 6.25% and does not account for those who are already in foreclosure.  The good news ( if you can call it that) is that the rate of increase has slowed down.

What does this mean?  Well, clearly,  US credit scores have significantly dropped.  The average American credit score is lower today than it was 10 years ago and a 600 credit score is no longer a good thing.

Meanwhile, US consumers are finding it more and more difficult to obtain financing for major purchases.  Buying a house, financing a car purchase or even furniture or other household appliances is now much more difficult. It’s no surprise then why rent to own businesses are popping up everywhere across the country.  Demand for rent to own stores is fierce.

Nowadays you can rent to own practically anything from a pair of tire rims (seriously), to a car and even a home.  Rent to own cars are now big business — and if you don’t believe me just ask WalMart.  They just opened up rent to own car programs in the Phoenix area. =)

Below is a brief list of rent to own car dealerships in Kansas.  To get connected with dealers near you visit our rent to own car page.

Easy Own Auto Leasing & Sales
Hubbell’s Rent To Own Inc
315 SW 32nd Ter
Topeka, KS 66611-2247

CarZone Rent to Own Cars
1300 Vine Street
Hays, Kansas 67601

Highway AA Auto Sales
102 SW Eagles Parkway
Grain Valley, MO 64029

Kansas Rent to Own Cars – Coverage Area

Interested in trading in that old clunker for a new car? Many dealers will happily accept your trade-in, especially these days when used cars values are at an all time high.  (Be sure to use this to your advantage when negotiation terms)

Remember to discuss the possibility of a trade-in only after you’ve negotiated the best possible price for your new car and after you’ve researched the value of your old car.

Check the library for reference books or magazines that can tell you how much it is worth. You can also find the Kelly Blue Book value online.

Doing this ahead of time will help you get a better price from the dealer. Though it may take longer to sell your car yourself, you generally will get more money than if you trade it in.

Good luck with your negotiations!!