You’ve likely heard a lease-to-own horror story—or lived one. Maybe it’s the one where a couple pours their life savings into a house they’re promised they can buy… only to be kicked out when the seller changes their mind. We’ve seen it firsthand. Here’s why our lease-to-own program isn’t the one you’ve heard horror stories about.
Pam and John came to us devastated. They had a rent-to-own agreement with a private landlord, spent $90,000 over four years updating what they believed would be their forever home. Then the landlord died. Turns out the paperwork hadn’t been recorded properly, and the children inherited the home—only to evict Pam and John.
They lost everything.
That’s when we stepped in. We worked tirelessly with them—repairing credit issues, navigating the chaos—and found them a home through a legitimate, financially-sound Lease to Own program. One backed by financial experts, licensed real estate professionals, and well-structured contracts. They now own that home outright.
Pam and John’s story is why we do what we do—and it’s why our Lease to Own programs are different.
The Modern, Financially-Sound Lease to Own Program vs. Old-School Rent-to-Own
The Old-School Rent-to-Own: Risky, Unregulated, and Full of Red Flags
Let’s be honest—traditional rent-to-own has a bad reputation, and for good reason:
- Handshake agreements with no legal protection
- “Rent credit” that disappears into thin air
- Rundown homes sold “as-is”
- Landlords with too much power and no accountability
- Buyers left with nothing if they walk away—or get forced out
These outdated models lack structure, transparency, and basic protections. In most cases, they’re not just financially unsound—they’re predatory.
The Modern, Financially-Sound Lease to Own: A Smarter, Safer Path to Homeownership
At Burson Home Advisors, we don’t just do Lease to Own—we’ve helped more than 100 families successfully transition from renters to empowered future homeowners using programs that eliminate the risks of traditional models.
Here’s how the new model compares:
| Traditional Rent-to-Own | Burson Home Advisors Lease to Own | |
|---|---|---|
| Home Condition | Often outdated or poor | Must pass licensed inspection; move-in ready |
| Legal Protections | Rare, informal agreements | Fully documented, compliant contracts; licensed agents & attorney closing |
| Down Payment Use | Often lost if buyer walks away | Equity/wealth-building with flexible exit options |
| Maintenance | All costs on renter | Major maintenance covered |
| Appreciation | Often missed by buyer | Buyer participates in future appreciation |
| Purchase Pressure | Obligated to buy or lose everything | Right, not obligation—buy, transfer, or cash out earnings |
| Monthly Costs | Unpredictable or increasing | Fixed monthly payments, often lower than mortgage |
The Power of Choice, Protection, and Flexibility
Unlike the past, our clients aren’t locked into anything. With flexible exit options, they can:
- Purchase when ready
- Cash out their equity/wealth if plans change
- Transfer their accumulated wealth to another home if needed
Either way, they keep the equity they’ve earned—it’s risk-free.
Real Homes, Real Protections
Every home in our program:
- Must pass a licensed home inspection
- Is move-in ready and meticulously maintained
- Comes with a clear repair report so buyers know exactly what to expect
We partner with established Lease to Own providers, each offering unique benefits. Some programs require just 2% down and begin building equity immediately. Others offer 5% down with shared appreciation and additional financial upside.
And because these programs are backed by professionals—not private landlords—every term is clearly documented and enforced by compliant real estate laws and closed with a Real Estate Attorney.
Paula & Darren’s Story: Why Smarter Homeownership Matters
Paula and Darren were relocating from Phoenix to North Carolina for a career opportunity. Though they could qualify for a traditional mortgage, the idea of purchasing in a new town while launching a new position felt overwhelming.
They didn’t want to waste money renting—but they weren’t ready to commit to a mortgage, either.
Our Lease to Own program was the perfect fit.
They:
- Found a newly built home that met all their needs—on the very first tour
- Moved in with less than a mortgage would require upfront
- Began building equity from day one
- Have a fixed monthly payment (no surprises!)
- Enjoy major maintenance coverage and homeownership flexibility
Over the next five years, they’re on track to earn 10% equity—a level of wealth-building that would take much longer with a traditional mortgage.
Who Is Our Lease to Own Program For?
- Families relocating across state lines
- Self-employed professionals with non-traditional income
- First-time buyers struggling to qualify for a mortgage
- Homeowners ready to sell but unsure about what’s next
If you’ve been told to “just keep renting” until you save up more, fix your credit, or wait out interest rates… there’s a better way.
Beyond individual stories, what matters is structure. In Raleigh and Greensboro, our partners’ programs provide clear, documented protections that the old rent-to-own model never offered. If you’re comparing options, start with the fundamentals: how Lease to Own in Raleigh works, when a rent-to-own program actually protects you, and where no-bank-financing homes make the most sense for self-employed buyers or those still getting mortgage-ready.
If you’re relocating into Raleigh or Greensboro and want a bridge from renting to ownership without taking on a high-rate mortgage, we recommend reading: More Listings, Still Out of Reach and Starting Fresh in Raleigh. These guides show how our partners fix monthly payments, document legal protections, and allow you to buy, transfer, or cash out accrued equity when the timing is right.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Put an End to the Horror Stories
We know Lease to Own has a bad name—and it’s well-earned. But the programs we work with aren’t part of that past. They’re part of a financially sound future where buyers are protected, informed, and in control.
Pam and John could’ve lost everything. Instead, they became homeowners—with our help.
Paula and Darren could’ve spent another year throwing money away on rent. Instead, they’re building equity in a newly built home they love.
You don’t have to choose between renting and high-interest mortgages. There is a smarter path. To see our mission and third-party coverage, read our AP News press release.
📞 Call us at 984-363-4379 or click to learn how you can own your home for 2% down. Your search begins and ends with us.