Georgia Rent-to-Own Homes: What’s Actually Available Now
Rent-to-own has changed a lot since this guide first went up. A couple of the big national programs have wound down or been bought out — so here’s what’s truly active for North Georgia buyers in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, and Flowery Branch, and how to tell which one fits you.
Who BenefitsIs Rent-to-Own Right for You?
- You recently started a new job and need a little time before you can qualify.
- You just relocated and want to move only once.
- You need a few more months to save or strengthen your credit.
The Basic Idea
Rent-to-own lets you move into a home now while you get mortgage-ready, with the option to buy it down the road. The programs below all work a little differently — credit score minimums, counties served, price caps, and which homes qualify all vary. So dig in, ask questions, and figure out which one suits you best.
Active Rent-to-Own Programs in Georgia
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Divvy Homes
divvyhomes.com
Now part of Maymont Homes (a Brookfield company). Divvy buys from a curated list of move-in-ready “Divvy Ready” homes in metro Atlanta. Free prequalification with no credit-score hit to check, and a 550 minimum FICO.
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Pathway Homes
yourpathway.com
Their “Rent+” program includes the option to buy at no extra cost, plus free homeownership coaching and professional property management while you rent.
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Landis
landis.com
Pick a home that’s actually on the market and Landis makes an all-cash offer, then leases it back to you. Free to apply with no credit impact, available across Georgia, and you get a dedicated coach to help you get mortgage-ready.
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Dream America
dreamamerica.com
Another pick-your-own-home option active in metro Atlanta. Choose any single-family home or townhouse for sale priced $150K–$400K (built or renovated in the last 15 years), and Dream America buys it in cash and leases it to you for 12 months, renewable. 10% of your rent is applied toward your purchase as a closing credit. Rough qualifying bar: around a 629 credit score, $4,000/month income, and an $8,000 minimum deposit.
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Combs Home Loans — Lease-to-Own Georgia · You Pick the Home
A state-specific lease-to-own program (offered here in Georgia, unlike the national platforms above), built for buyers who need time to improve credit or qualify. You choose the home you want, move in now, build credit while you live there, and buy when you’re ready. Options for 580+ credit scores, 3.5% down, ITIN buyers, self-employed, credit challenges, recent bankruptcy, and first-time buyers. Reach out to Matt to confirm availability in your area.
Matt Combs, Loan Originator · Mortgage Pro Loan Services
678-207-9182 · matt@mtg-pro.com
Equal Housing Lender · NMLS# 1516087
Home Partners of America has wound down its rent-to-own program and is no longer accepting new applicants, so it’s been removed from this list. Existing leases are now managed by Tricon Residential.
On the Market NowLease-Purchase & Seller-Carry Homes
The programs above aren’t your only path. Some sellers list their homes directly as lease-purchase or seller-carry (also called owner financing) — meaning you can rent-to-own or finance straight through the seller, with no third-party company in the middle.
Lease-purchase lets you move in and lease now with an agreement to buy at a set price later. Seller-carry / owner financing means the seller acts as the bank — you make payments directly to them instead of qualifying for a traditional mortgage, which can be a real fit while you’re still building your credit.
That number shifts daily as listings come and go. Browse what’s available right now, or call me at (470) 326-7077 and I’ll send the ones that fit your budget, schools, and must-haves.
See These Homes →Before You Rent-to-Own, See If You Can Just Buy
💡 You may be closer to a mortgage than you think
Rent-to-own is a great bridge, but it isn’t always the cheapest path. The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program offers $10,000–$20,000 in down payment assistance plus a below-market first mortgage, with credit minimums as low as 580, for first-time buyers (or anyone who hasn’t owned in the past three years) under their county’s income limits.
It does require an 8-hour homebuyer education course and a DCA-approved lender — so it’s worth a real conversation before you commit to a lease-to-own. Call me and we’ll figure out which path actually saves you the most money.
What Homes Qualify?
Each program sets its own rules — things like year built, septic vs. sewer, lot size, HOA-restricted communities, working HVAC, and no foreclosures, short sales, or bank-owned properties. Some have size limits; some allow pools and some don’t. Not every program operates in every Georgia county, so get clear on what you can buy before you fall in love with a house. These programs typically pay for inspections and handle repairs before you ever take possession.
The right path home depends on your credit, your timeline, and your budget — not on whichever program advertises the loudest. Let’s match you to the one that actually fits.
— Jennifer K. Lewis · North Georgia Real Estate ExpertNot Sure Which One Fits? Let’s Figure It Out Together.
I’ll help you figure out which program makes sense for your situation — and which homes in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, or Flowery Branch actually qualify.
(470) 326-7077Jennifer K. Lewis
