Some moments in real estate are purely transactional.
Ours never are—and we love that.
When Lauren and Jack found us online on July 7th, they weren’t just looking for a house. They were on the cusp of a life transition—a move from student life to professional life, from “someday” homeowners to right now homeowners
A Life in Transition
Lauren was just days away from graduating from PA school, with a position already secured at a dermatologist’s office in the Triangle. Jack worked from home, so a dedicated office space was a must.
Their vision was clear:
- Open-concept layout.
- Kitchen worthy of baking marathons.
- High-end finishes.
- A yard for their border collie to run free.
They told us they could move anytime.
But experience has taught us that when you move can be just as important as where you move. We asked them to picture Lauren’s first weeks on the job—learning names, systems, and patients—while also juggling a move and unpacking boxes.
Then we painted the alternate picture: being fully moved in before her first day, waking up in a home that already felt like theirs, able to focus fully on the career milestone ahead.
Over two more consultations, we walked through every “what if” and “how about” until they had their own ah-ha moment. That’s when we got to work.
The Smarter Path: Lease to Own Raleigh
We got them approved through our trusted partner, who would purchase their chosen home for cash and lease it back to them.
Their terms were game-changing:
- Monthly payments locked in lower than a mortgage for the first three years
- Major repairs covered during the lease.
- The flexibility to buy or cash out after just one year
- Real wealth building during the lease period, with a share in the home’s appreciation—just like a homeowner would.
This was about more than securing a house. It was about giving them the breathing
room to start this next chapter without sacrificing long-term financial growth.
The Red Carpet One & Done Tour™
With their wish list in hand, we curated our signature Red Carpet One & Done Tour™.
Karen, our trusted boots-on-the-ground partner, guided them through the day—and by the end of the afternoon, they’d found the one.
It had the light-filled kitchen, the fenced yard, the space for Jack’s home office. The only thing missing was a washer and dryer—something every young couple needs but can overlook in the excitement of the search. We made sure it was included in the offer.
Negotiation with Purpose
The home was owned by an out-of-state investor focused solely on numbers—not people. But we knew Lauren and Jack’s story mattered.
We built a valuation package that reflected the home’s true worth and the strength of their offer—6% below the original list price, with a closing timeline of just 12 business days.
When the seller came back with a counter, we held our ground with quiet confidence: Highest and Best means Highest and Best.
Within hours, our offer was accepted.
Keys Before Takeoff
Time was short.
Lauren and Jack had a European graduation trip planned for August 15th, and we wanted them moved in and settled before they boarded that plane.
Inspections went smoothly, but Keys Day was delayed one day due to the seller’s late paperwork. When the call came that closing was complete, it didn’t matter that it was August 7th instead of the 6th—the joy in their voices was the same.
From our home base in Sarasota, we celebrated alongside Karen as she handed them the keys.
The Heart of the Work
In less than three weeks of active work, Lauren and Jack went from our first conversation to homeownership.
They now have:
- Locked-in payments lower than a mortgage for three years.
- A share in the home’s appreciation, building real wealth during the lease
period. - The flexibility to buy or cash out after one year.
- A home with room to grow, in the right location, at the right time in their lives.
These moments—the ones where we help clients step into their next chapter with confidence, joy, and a sense of security—are why we do what we do.
Lauren and Jack, it was an honor to walk this path with you. Welcome home.
Learn more about our Lease-to-Own Raleigh program:
https://www.bursonhomeadvisors.com/low-down-payment-homeownership