Blog: Expert Tips on Purchasing a Home

How Much of My Rent Goes Toward a Lease to Own Home?

Tamera Nielsen March 17, 2026

If you’re looking at lease to own homes, you’ve probably heard some version of this promise: “Part of your rent goes toward buying the home.” It sounds reassuring—especially if you’ve been renting for years and feel like you’re getting nowhere. But what does that actually mean? And how much of your rent really goes toward owning a lease to own home? The honest answer is simple: Traditional rent does not build ownership. Any benefits you receive in a lease to own agreement come from how the agreement itself is structured—not from regular rent magically turning into a down payment. Let’s break down what you’re actually paying for, what can create value, and what to watch for before you sign anything.

Can You Get Lease to Own With Bad Credit?

Tamera Nielsen March 10, 2026

If you’ve been turned down by a lender, or you’re afraid your credit history will shut the door on homeownership, it’s natural to look at lease to own as a possible way through. Sooner or later, the question surfaces: Can you get lease to own with bad credit? The honest answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no—because there is no single rule. Approval depends on the specific lease to own program, how the agreement is structured, and whether your overall financial picture makes sense for the home you’re choosing. Let’s unpack what that really means, in plain language. “Bad credit” isn’t a single number Most people use “bad credit” as a catch-all for: Traditional mortgage lending treats many of those as

What Credit Score Do You Need for Lease to Own?

Tamera Nielsen March 3, 2026

What Credit Score Do You Need for Lease to Own? If a lender has told you “no,” or you’re quietly wondering whether your credit score disqualifies you from homeownership, this is usually the first question that comes up. What credit score do you need for lease to own? The honest answer is: there isn’t one universal number. Credit requirements depend entirely on how the lease purchase agreement is structured and who is evaluating the resident. That nuance is often missing from quick online answers — and it matters. Lease to Own Is Not a Traditional Mortgage Traditional mortgages follow rigid underwriting guidelines. Credit score thresholds, debt-to-income ratios, documentation standards — those are governed by lending regulations. Lease to own agreements

Are Lease to Own Homes Legit? 7 Intelligent Questions to Ask Before You Sign Anything

Tamera Nielsen February 24, 2026

If you’re researching lease to own homes in Raleigh, Greensboro, or Charlotte, you’ve likely encountered two extremes: glowing promises or dramatic warnings. Neither tells the full story. Lease to own often becomes relevant for specific life seasons—self-employed professionals navigating complex tax returns, families relocating and selling a current home, buyers re-entering homeownership after a setback, or first-time buyers who need a structured pathway rather than a rushed mortgage decision. Lease to own is a structured pathway to homeownership. When built with attorney oversight, licensed Buyer’s Agent representation, and transparent terms, it becomes a financially-sound housing strategy. Before signing any agreement, ask these seven intelligent questions. The answers will tell you whether the structure protects you—or exposes you. 1. Who Is

Is Lease to Own a Scam — or Is It a Solution to the Housing Affordability Crisis?

Tamera Nielsen February 17, 2026

If you’ve searched “Is lease to own a scam?” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions people now ask Google—and increasingly, AI platforms. And depending on where you look, the answers range from cautious to outright alarming. Some of that concern is understandable. Over the years, poorly structured rent-to-own agreements have left families frustrated. Online forums highlight worst-case scenarios. And outdated business models are often blended into current conversations without distinction. But the real question isn’t whether lease to own is a scam. The real question is: How is it structured—and who is guiding it? Why So Many People Think Lease to Own Is a Scam Historically, some rent-to-own arrangements lacked transparency. Contracts were vague. Maintenance responsibilities

Lease to Own Homes Create a Bridge for Buyers the Mortgage System Leaves Behind

Tamera Nielsen February 10, 2026

Lease to own homes aren’t a workaround—they’re a viable, structured pathway for qualified buyers who are locked out of traditional mortgage financing. At Burson Home Advisors, we serve families across North Carolina who are self-employed, relocating, credit-rebuilding, or simply navigating the kind of financial timing that traditional lenders don’t accommodate. We’ve helped more than 100 buyers access lease to own homes with a strategy that’s sound, protected, and built for real life. This isn’t about avoiding the mortgage process. It’s about preparing for it—on your terms. What’s Standing in Buyers’ Way Isn’t the Market—It’s the Mortgage According to the National Association of Home Builders, 57% of U.S. households can’t qualify for a mortgage. Not because they’re irresponsible—but because the system

Burson Home Advisors Offers Stability as Homebuyers Cancel Contracts at Record Rates

Tamera Nielsen February 3, 2026

Burson Home Advisors is helping buyers regain clarity and confidence at a time when traditional deals are falling apart. In December 2025 alone, 16.3% of pending home sales were canceled—the highest percentage ever recorded, according to Redfin. To put that in perspective, this cancellation rate even surpassed the chaos of March 2020, when the world went into lockdown. Over 40,000 buyers backed out of contracts in a single month. With high mortgage rates, rising inventory, and uncertain sellers, many buyers are getting cold feet—or walking away entirely. But that’s where Burson Home Advisors steps in. Our team provides an alternative path to homeownership that supports flexibility, protects your investment, and builds equity from day one. When others are backing out,

How a Lease to Own Greensboro Home Helped Dustin & Manny Find More Than Just a Place to Live

Tamera Nielsen January 13, 2026

When Mortgage Approval Says No, Lease to Own Greensboro Says “We’ve Got You” If you’ve ever been told “not right now” by a mortgage lender, you’re not alone. Every week, we hear from families with great credit, solid income, and a dream of homeownership—yet banks won’t approve them. But that doesn’t mean the dream is gone. It just means it’s time for a smarter way forward. At Burson Home Advisors, we specialize in helping families who are near-bank-ready but overlooked by traditional lenders. Our partners’ lease to own Greensboro home programs offer a bridge to affordable homeownership in Greensboro—with clarity, care, and equity from day one. Enter Ellie, Dustin, and Manny… and One Very Memorable Red Carpet One & Done

From the Long Game to Their Forever Home: How Lease to Own Raleigh Homes Helped Julee and Bill Beat the Lending System

Tamera Nielsen January 7, 2026

When Traditional Lending Shuts You Out, Homeownership Isn’t Off the Table—You Just Need Another Way In Nearly 60% of U.S. households can’t qualify for a mortgage. That’s not a reflection of worthiness—it’s a reflection of a rigid system that stifles self-employed buyers, recently relocated families, and anyone who doesn’t fit the “perfect borrower” mold. But not fitting into a bank’s box doesn’t mean you have to give up on homeownership. And for Julee and Bill, it meant finding the right path. They had strong credit. Excellent income. A clear vision of where and how they wanted to live. But because they were self-employed, they were told they’d need to wait to qualify—until they discovered Burson Home Advisors and its partner’s

Affordable Homeownership in Greensboro: A Smarter Path Back for Prior Homeowners

Tamera Nielsen December 30, 2025

Affordable homeownership in Greensboro can feel out of reach when life takes an unexpected turn. You may have owned a home before. You may have built something stable, meaningful, and deeply personal. And then—divorce, relocation, medical hardship, or financial strain changed the trajectory you worked so hard to create. At Burson Home Advisors, we meet prior homeowners every day who believe they have no choice but to rent again, unsure how to reclaim affordable homeownership in Greensboro without rushing into another mortgage. The truth is, for many families, homeownership isn’t gone—it’s simply waiting for the right path forward. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking… “I can’t qualify for another mortgage right now.” “We still have to sell our old home

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