Why lifestyle delays are redefining homeownership — and how Lease-to-Own can meet you right where you are in Raleigh and the Triad (Greensboro / Winston-Salem).
If you’re in your 30s or 40s and still waiting to buy your first home, you’re not late.
You’re living in a world that changed — and most of the housing industry hasn’t caught up.
The average age of first-time homebuyers has risen to 38 years old — up from just 28 in the early ’90s. Why?
- More years in school and career building
- Marrying later (or not at all)
- Delaying children and prioritizing flexibility
These aren’t just lifestyle choices. They reflect a new kind of adulthood shaped by economics, mobility, and evolving values. But while life has shifted, the typical path to homeownership hasn’t.
If you’ve been browsing homes for rent in Raleigh, you’ve likely felt stuck between rising rent and rigid mortgages. There’s a third path: equity-based Lease-to-Own built for real life.
The Problem: Old Models in a New World
For decades, marriage or a new baby triggered homebuying. Today, that expectation can leave families renting indefinitely — with no equity, rising costs, and little control over where life is headed.
At Burson Home Advisors, we believe homeownership — and wealth-building — shouldn’t wait for a milestone. It should be accessible, flexible, and aligned to the life you’re actually living across Raleigh and the Triad.
The Solution: Lease-to-Own That Works With Your Life
- Build equity from day one (not after a mortgage)
- Fixed monthly payments often lower than a mortgage
- Low down payment that’s never lost — applied, transferred, or refunded if life shifts
- Legal protection (recorded deed/option/memorandum, per program)
- Right — never obligation — to buy later
- No buyer’s closing costs if/when you purchase
Start with the fundamentals: Lease-to-Own in Raleigh and how it supports relocating to Raleigh without locking into a mortgage too soon.
Watch: Why Lease-to-Own Is a Smarter Move
Prefer a quick overview? This short explainer shows how Lease-to-Own supports families across Raleigh and the Triad while keeping options open.
Kelly’s Story: From “Maybe Someday” to Keys in 30 Days
Kelly, a first-time buyer in Durham, entered our equity-based Lease-to-Own with just 2% down, skipped traditional closing costs, and secured a townhome within 30 days — without a bank’s approval timeline. While others waited, she started building wealth.
See more client journeys and practical guidance in our Raleigh NC overview: The Financially-Savvy Case for Lease-to-Own in Raleigh NC.
Recent Coverage
National press on our approach: Burson Home Advisors steps in to address Millennial housing crisis (EIN North Carolina).
Ready for a Path That Fits Your Life?
Explore program details and next steps here: Lease-to-Own — Raleigh & Triad.
Recommended Reads (Pillar Content)
Lease-to-Own in Raleigh: Build Wealth Before You Buy