Renting to own
From your lease to your own front door.
This is transition planning for renters — not a lease-option or rent-to-own contract. It’s about knowing when buying makes sense and getting ready.
Buying now or later?
Buying sooner can make sense when your savings cover the down payment, closing costs and a cushion, your income is steady, and you plan to stay several years.
Waiting can be the better choice if a move, job change or big expense is likely soon, or if a few more months of saving would meaningfully lower your costs. Neither is wrong.
Coordinating your lease end
A typical purchase takes weeks from accepted offer to closing. Start conversations with a lender and Scott a few months before your lease ends, and read your lease for notice and renewal terms so you aren’t paying for two homes longer than necessary.
Getting ready
- 1Set a savings target for down payment, closing costs and reserves.
- 2Collect two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs and bank statements.
- 3Pull your free credit reports and correct any errors.
- 4Take a homebuyer education course — many programs require one.
- 5Note your lease end date and any early-termination terms.
Voucher renters are welcome
If you rent with a housing voucher, you’re welcome to explore buying. A rental voucher doesn’t automatically transfer to a mortgage, and receiving benefits doesn’t by itself show loan readiness. Some housing authorities offer separate homeownership options — ask your housing authority directly.
Still renting for now? Voucher apartments and Capital Region rentals remain available.
Talk to Scott about buying.
Tell Scott when your lease ends and what you’re hoping for. Nothing is sent from this page — you review it and press send yourself. Please don’t include financial account details, your Social Security number or credit information.
Prefer to call? (518) 522-7265 · or email team@oneplacerentals.com
OnePlace provides independent guidance from Scott J. Alvarez, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties. OnePlace does not award grants, make or originate loans, or run any government program, and has no sponsorship arrangements with the lenders or administrators mentioned. Program terms and funding change — confirm details with the administrator or lender. Estimates are not quotes or preapprovals. Reviewed September 26, 2026.