Rent with option to buy; portion of rent + option fee credits toward down payment while you fix credit/save.
A lease-option (or lease-purchase) agreement locks in today's price for a 1–3 year future purchase, with 3–5% option fee credited toward down payment and often 20–40% of monthly rent credited as 'rent credit'. Buyer uses the rental period to build credit, season employment, and save. Better than renting from an institutional landlord — every payment builds toward ownership. Home Partners of America, Divvy, and Landis institutionalize the model; private FSBO sellers offer it directly.
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Eligible veterans buy with $0 down, no PMI, and assumable rates.
0% down in USDA-eligible areas — includes many suburban zip codes.
Neighborhood Assistance Corp of America — below-market rate, zero down.
Fannie / Freddie low-income programs — 3% down + reduced PMI.
1.25–2.25% down for enrolled tribal members — nationwide.
State / county / employer DPA — $5K–$50K forgivable or 0% deferred 2nd.
$100 total down on FHA-repossessed homes for owner-occupants.
3.5% down + rehab budget rolled into one loan — buy distressed properties.