Frequently Asked Questions

Let us know when you are ready, and we will walk with you through each step! It is as easy as that!

Yes. Because we hope you become the owner of the home, we encourage you to make it your own. However, if you decide not to buy the house, the home must be returned to the original condition.

Yes. Learn more about our pet policy.

Yes. You are required to demonstrate proof of personal liability insurance and renter's insurance. Additionally, if you have a dog, your liability insurance will need to cover dog bites. We can help you get the insurance you need if you'd like.

No. We lock in the rent and your purchase price for 5 years, so you can have the security of knowing, but there is no requirement to rent the property for three to five years. Your lease will be for one year at a time, with the option to purchase the property any time after the second year.

Yes. Normal yard and lawn maintenance is a part of your responsibility unless your home is within an HOA that does this for you.

We want to help you save money, eliminate competition and live in the home you want to buy until you become the owner. When you rent with us, you won't have the immediate costs associated with buying a home (down payment, closing costs, etc.). This allows you to live in the home, while you save money to purchase it. As a renter with Pathway you will also have the flexibility to move into another Pathway home (or even move out entirely) if life takes you in a different direction.

If you are not initially approved, you can re-apply in six months.

The maximum number of occupants will be dictated by local codes and ordinances in the area in which your home is located.

Yes. We require a security deposit equal to one month's rent, due before move in.

We currently serve select metro areas with plans to expand to many more soon. You can find the areas we purchase in here. Be the first the know when Pathway launches in your market: Sign up for updates.

Yes. During your application, a $75 application fee will be charged. This fee is non-refundable.

We require a minimum household income of $75,000 or monthly income in the amount 3 times rent. Pathway Homes will use TransUnion’s ResidentScore to determine satisfactory credit history to approve your application.  Some outcomes may result in the requirement of an additional deposit, guarantor or denial. We will also do a background check.

We understand that life happens, situations change, and people sometimes need to move. We have designed our product to take this into account. You are always free to move out of the home after giving Pathway proper notice based on the terms of your lease. We will not charge you any penalties or fees if you decide not to purchase the home.

The cost of purchasing the home from Pathway is outlined in your Option Agreement. However, if you need to get a mortgage to finance the purchase, you can expect to pay typical mortgage and buyer's closing costs. If you need assistance identifying a mortgage provider, we can help.

Our program is designed to help anyone become an owner of a home, even non-US citizens. Permanent residents with a green card and non-permanent residents with a valid work visa are allowed to participate in the program. Additionally, participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program‚ also known as Dreamers ‚ are eligible for participation. Any other types of unlawful presence in the United States are not permitted under the program.

Please let us know right away if something occurs to cause damage to the home. Pathway will work with you to determine the steps needed in order to fix any damage to the home.

They will need to be added to the lease and go through a background screening if they want to reside in the home full time.

Our minimum household income for pre-approval is $75,000 or monthly income 3 times the rent. If you fall slightly below that, we would love to talk with you about your options. We will verify deposits that have historically come into your accounts on a monthly basis. This is an automated, online process. In most cases, this requires little to no documentation from you.

First, you select a move-in ready home, and apply. On approval, we will connect with you to reserve the home, set a move-in date, let you sign a lease and then, you'll move in and enjoy the home and benefits until you are ready to buy. We will be with you every step of the way, from home selection to buyback. Our goal is to create the best experience for you as you begin and finish your journey to homeownership!

Pathway Homes has access to real-time market data that helps us determine the price. Our goal is to offer enough to get an accepted contract on the home, while not overpaying. We want your future purchase price to be reasonable and a good value for you, and to make sure we have a safe investment, should you decide not to buy.

Approved applications are valid for 90 days after initial approval. If you have not selected a move-in ready home within 90 days of your approval we will need to validate your income, credit, and background checks again to "refresh" the application.

Our application only takes a few minutes and has a small application fee. Once you are approved for your selected home, we will collect a fee to reserve the home and get you set up for move-in. Then we collect your first month's rent and a security deposit.

Pathway's product requires you to sign two agreements: a lease and an option agreement. The lease covers things that you'd see in a traditional rental agreement. The Option Contract is what locks in the purchase price for you. It has all the details that give you the right to purchase the home at the agreed upon price. Your purchase price and rent are spelled out for each year you are in the program, so there are no surprises. Even if property values increase, you won't pay more than the pre-agreed price.

After your second year in the home. At the end of each year, your lease will renew for an additional year. You can choose to purchase the home at the price specified in your option agreement at any time after that second year, or you can move into another Pathway home or simply move out.

In as little as 10 days! As soon as you are approved for your chosen property, and your payments have been made, you can move in with a signed lease agreement.

Before you move-in. You will pay your security deposit and first month's rent payment when you sign your lease agreement.

Residents are responsible for all utility costs. Traditionally, these utilities may include: Electricity, Gas, Internet / Cable, Water, Sewage, Trash. These may vary if your home is within an HOA that covers some of these costs.

There is flexibility to move if you decide the home or area isn‚t for you. Easier to qualify - whether you are still working on improving your credit score, putting together savings for a down payment, or both, Pathway's product can get you into a home today while you get mortgage-ready.

The annual rent for each year will be detailed in your lease. You will know exactly what your rent is for each year so there are no surprises!

If we are unable to make a favorable decision we will email you a notice of Adverse Action which explains the reason for our decision. If your circumstances have changed since our last decision, you are encouraged to reapply 6 months after that decsion.

The homes we purchase will be move-in ready prior to you moving in. All work will be completed by our experienced make-ready team.

We both are. Regular maintenance is your responsibility and while you are renting the home, Pathway is responsible for major maintenance of the home. Once you purchase the home, you are responsible for all maintenance as the homeowner.