The Homeownership Bridge Program is designed for individuals and families who:

• Do not currently qualify for traditional mortgage financing
• Have credit challenges
• Are self-employed with inconsistent income documentation
• Recently experienced foreclosure, bankruptcy, or hardship
• Need time to stabilize income or improve credit
• This program allows participants to:
• Move into a home now
• Lock in a future purchase option
• Improve credit and financial profile
• Transition into traditional financing within 12–36 months

Step 1: Pre-Qualification Assessment

We review:

• Income
• Credit profile
• Rental history
• Debt-to-income ratio
• Employment status
• Savings

Goal: Determine readiness timeline (12, 18, 24, or 36 months)

Step 2: Property Selection

Participant selects an eligible home within approved budget range.

Home must:

• Meet program price limits
• Be in acceptable condition
• Pass inspection

Step 3: Lease Agreement + Purchase Option

Two agreements are executed:

• Residential Lease Agreement
• Option to Purchase Agreement

Key Terms:

Lease term: 12–36 months

Monthly rent: Market rent

Option fee: 3–5% of purchase price (credited toward purchase)

Purchase price: Locked at beginning of lease

Step 4: Monthly Structure

• Each month includes:
• Base Rent
• Rent Credit (optional)
• Program Support Fee (if applicable)

Example:

Rent: $2,200

$300/month credited toward purchase

After 24 months = $7,200 in credits

Step 5: Credit & Mortgage Readiness Plan

Participants receive:

• Credit analysis
• Dispute guidance
• Debt reduction strategy
• Savings plan
• Budget coaching
• DTI improvement roadmap
• Mortgage qualification target score

Milestones:

Month 3: Credit review

Month 6: Progress checkpoint

Month 12+: Pre-approval prep

Option Fee
Typically 3–5% of purchase price
Non-refundable
Credited at closing
Example:
Purchase Price: $300,000
5% Option Fee: $15,000
Credited toward down payment at closing

Rent Credits
Optional structure:
$200–$500 per month
Applied toward purchase
Credited at closing

To qualify, applicants must:

• Demonstrate consistent income
• Show ability to afford proposed rent
• Provide minimum option deposit
• Agree to financial coaching
• Maintain property condition
• Make payments on time

Before lease expiration:

• Credit meets lender guidelines
• Income documentation stabilized
• DTI within acceptable range
• Mortgage pre-approval secured
• Closing scheduled
• If ready early — can purchase early.

For Participant:

• Locked purchase price
• Equity buildup via credits
• Clear pathway to ownership
• Structured support

For Program:

• Non-refundable option fee
• Forfeiture clause if participant defaults
• Clear compliance guidelines

Term Ideal For

• 12 Months Minor credit repair needed
• 18 Months Moderate credit + savings build
• 24 Months Income stabilization
• 36 Months Major rebuilding needed

First-time buyers

• Self-employed borrowers
• Recently divorced individuals
• Bankruptcy discharge clients
• Foreclosure recovery clients
• Credit rebuilding clients

This program must include:

• Properly drafted Option Agreement
• State-compliant lease contract
• Clear non-refundable disclosures
• No mortgage representation
• No “guarantee of financing” language
• Attorney review (highly recommended)

Georgia-specific language is important since you operate here.

Potential revenue sources:

• Option fee spread (if structured)
• Monthly program support fee
• Real estate commission at closing
• Mortgage origination at exit
• Credit restoration services