In today’s economy, it feels like everything is getting more expensive—from groceries to gas to your monthly rent. Inflation has stayed higher than expected, making it harder to predict (or afford) your cost of living month to month. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to buy a home, you’re not alone. The upside: fixed housing costs—through mortgage or a modern Lease to Own—can shield your finances from inflation.
The truth? Owning a home can be one of the most financially sound ways to protect yourself against rising costs. And whether you’re a first-time buyer, an experienced homeowner, or a self-employed professional navigating a non-traditional path, you have more options than you may think.
Fixed Housing Costs: Two Proven Paths to Stability
When people think of housing stability, their minds often go straight to the traditional fixed-rate mortgage. And for good reason—locking in a consistent monthly payment while building equity is a smart long-term strategy.
But here’s something most people don’t realize: modern Lease to Own (LTO) programs can offer similar financial benefits, without the upfront costs or immediate loan approval requirements of a mortgage. That means you can protect your fixed housing costs while enjoying the flexibility to buy when the time is right—or not at all.
At Burson Home Advisors, we work with both paths. We guide experienced homeowners and first-time buyers alike through traditional sales and financially sound Lease to Own programs designed to build wealth, not waste it.
Why Stability Matters: A Quick Look at Inflation and Housing
One of the biggest advantages of a fixed-rate mortgage—or a Lease to Own program with fixed monthly payments—is the ability to stabilize your largest monthly expense: housing.
Renters often see annual increases, with rent rising faster than inflation.
Homeowners with a fixed payment can better plan their finances, knowing their housing costs won’t jump unexpectedly.
Lease to Own participants in our programs enjoy fixed payments often lower than a mortgage, with wealth-building perks baked in.
Beyond the Mortgage: A New Kind of Lease to Own
Let’s be honest—Lease to Own has earned a bad reputation over the years. Many people have heard horror stories about handshake agreements, rundown homes, or families who spent tens of thousands on a home only to lose everything because of a loophole or unrecorded contract.
We’ve heard them, too. In fact, we’ve worked with families who experienced those situations firsthand—and helped them turn things around.
So, what makes our programs different?
The Old Model:
- Informal agreements with little legal protection
- Homes sold “as-is,” often needing major repairs
- No transparency on where your money is going
- No equity, no exit plan, no real security
Our Modern Lease to Own:
- Backed by licensed real estate professionals and secured by licensed real estate attorneys for your protection
- Every home is professionally inspected, move-in ready, and covered for major maintenance
- Fixed housing costs—payments lower than a mortgage that remain static year to year
- You start building equity or shared appreciation on day one
- Flexible purchase rights: buy, cash out, or transfer your equity if your plans change
FAQs: Is Lease to Own Right for You?
1. What’s the down payment?
Depending on the program, you can move in with as little as 2–5% down.
2. What happens if I don’t buy the home?
You’re not locked in. You can cash out your built equity or transfer it to another home in the program.
3. What’s covered in my monthly payment?
In most cases, your fixed monthly payment includes property taxes, insurance, and major maintenance—so you can plan your finances without surprise expenses.
4. Is this available for self-employed buyers or those relocating?
Absolutely. We specialize in helping entrepreneurs, remote professionals, and relocating families use this model as a flexible alternative to traditional lending.
Final Thoughts: Why Now Might Be the Right Time
Whether you’re purchasing through a mortgage or taking the Lease to Own path, the benefits are clear: fixed housing costs provide predictability, and real estate remains one of the best long-term hedges against inflation.
And if a traditional mortgage feels out of reach due to today’s rates or life circumstances, you don’t have to sit on the sidelines and keep renting.
Let’s talk about what might work best for you.
- Considering a new home but unsure how to move forward?
- Want to build wealth without locking into a high-rate mortgage?
- Need a flexible option while transitioning to a new area or career?
You don’t have to choose between renting and traditional homebuying. There is a smarter, more stable, and financially savvy way forward.
Our partners’ programs in the Triangle and the Triad—Lease to Own, Rent to Own, and select no-bank-financing homes—are designed to meet families where they are. Start with our local guide: Lease to Own in Raleigh, understand when these models protect you, and compare with our primer on renting vs. owning.
For third-party coverage of our mission and approach, see our AP News press release.
📞 Schedule a free consultation at BursonHomeAdvisors.com or call us at 984-363-4379.