Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between owner financing and rent to own?
With owner financing, you take ownership (equitable title) at closing and make payments to us instead of a bank. With a lease option — what most people mean by "rent to own" — you're a tenant with the right to buy at a locked-in price, but you don't own the home until you close. See our Owner Financing and Lease Option pages for the full breakdown.
Do you check credit?
There's no bank credit-score minimum on either program. We verify income and ability to pay — we're not going to put you in a house you can't keep — but we're looking at your whole situation, not a three-digit number.
How much money do I need upfront?
It depends on the path and the property. Owner financing requires a real down payment. A lease option asks for option consideration, which is typically well below a conventional down payment. We'll go over specifics for a given property when you call.
What if I'm self-employed?
That's who we built these programs for. We work with bank statements, 1099s, contracts, and deposits — the way self-employed people actually get paid — instead of requiring two years of tax returns.
I filed bankruptcy or went through foreclosure. Can I still buy?
Often, yes. A discharged bankruptcy generally isn't a problem — that's a large share of our buyers. An open, undischarged case is a complication we'd need to talk through. Conventional lenders impose multi-year waiting periods after either; we look at where you are today.
How long is a lease option term?
Typically three years. Extensions are possible in some situations but aren't automatic or guaranteed.
Am I obligated to buy at the end of a lease option?
No. A lease option gives you the right to buy at the locked-in price, not the obligation. If your circumstances change, you can walk away — your option consideration isn't refunded in that case, since it's what secured your exclusive right to the home.
Is the purchase price locked in?
Yes, on both programs. The price is agreed and documented the day you sign, so if the market moves up over your term, that gain is yours.
Who handles repairs, taxes, and insurance?
On owner financing, you're the owner in possession, so property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs are generally yours. On a lease option, responsibilities are split while you're a tenant — typically utilities and minor maintenance are yours, while property taxes and major systems are ours. The specifics are spelled out in your agreement.
Can I refinance into a normal mortgage later?
Yes. Many of our owner-financing buyers refinance into a conventional mortgage once their credit and income history support it, and nothing in our agreements prevents that.
Do you report my payments to credit bureaus?
[REVIEW: confirm whether payments are reported to credit bureaus before publishing this answer.]
What areas do you serve?
We're headquartered in Lacey, Washington, and currently focus on Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, and Grays Harbor counties.
What if I actually qualify for a bank loan?
We'll tell you. If a conventional mortgage is your better option, we'll say so and point you to a licensed agent — that's a better deal for you, and we'd rather earn the referral than the wrong sale.
How do I get started?
Call us at 360.743.3330 or email info@ezhomepath.com and we'll walk you through your options.
Still have questions?
Call or email us — we're glad to help.