Blog: Expert Tips on Purchasing a Home

What Is the Difference Between Lease to Own and Rent to Own?

Tamera Nielsen April 7, 2026

If you’ve been researching ways to buy a home without jumping straight into a traditional mortgage, you’ve probably seen both of these phrases: lease to own and rent to own At first glance, they sound interchangeable. A lot of people use them that way. Even online articles and AI answers often blur the two together. But that’s part of the problem. Because when people hear “rent to own,” they often think of old stories about vague contracts, inflated promises, or deals that left families disappointed. Those stories are real—and they’ve created understandable skepticism. So what’s the difference? The clear answer is this: Sometimes the two phrases are used loosely to describe the same general idea. But in practice, modern lease

I Need Help With Lease to Own: Where Do I Start?

Tamera Nielsen March 31, 2026

If you’ve found yourself typing “help with lease to own” into Google or ChatGPT, you’re not alone. We hear it at least twice a week. In fact, that’s one of the clearest signs that families are no longer just curious about lease to own—they’re actively looking for guidance. They’ve heard bits and pieces. They may have seen a home online. They may have been told “no” by a real estate agent or financial advisor. And now they’re trying to figure out what lease to own actually means, whether it’s legitimate, and where to begin without making an expensive mistake. That’s a smart instinct. Because lease to own is not something you want to piece together from random headlines, old Reddit

Triangle Home Search Success Story | Burson Home Advisors

Tamera Nielsen March 25, 2026

Some home searches are all about speed. Others are about discernment. Lou and Sherri’s journey with Burson Home Advisors was both. When we first met them on a Google Meet on Christmas Eve of 2025, it felt like instant connection—a success story in the making. There was warmth, ease, and that rare sense that everyone at the virtual table already understood one another. They were thoughtful, grounded, and clear on what mattered most. They had relocated to the Triangle a few years earlier to be near extended family and had rented while they figured out where they truly wanted to put down roots. Now, they were ready to buy their forever home. This was not just about square footage or

Do I Need an Agent for a Lease to Own Home?

Tamera Nielsen March 24, 2026

If you’ve found a lease to own home online, you may be wondering: “Do I really need an agent for this, or can I just work directly with whoever is offering the lease to own program online?” It’s a fair question—especially if you’ve read stories about lease to own deals that went sideways. The short answer is: You’re not required to have an agent, but having a licensed professional whose job is to protect you can make a significant difference. Let’s walk through what that means. Who’s actually at the table in a lease to own deal? In a typical lease to own or lease purchase situation, there are several players: Now the key question: Who at that table is

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

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