"Lease to Keys" Program Helps First-Time Home Buyers with Closing Costs

We have officially launched our Lease to Keys program nationwide, offering qualifying first-time home buyers up to $2,500 in closing cost assistance. This will help renters overcome one of the hardest parts of buying a home: upfront costs.

“For almost 30 years, Total Mortgage has strived to deliver innovative and customer-focused solutions in our communities. The Lease to Keys initiative reflects our focus on making homeownership more accessible for those buying a home for the first time by easing the financial transition for renters,” Christopher Affinito, Chief Revenue Officer at Total Mortgage, said.

How It Works

Eligible buyers can first secure a mortgage pre-approval and then present records of their current rent obligation. Once qualified, these applicants may receive a credit equal to one month's rent, up to $2,500, applied directly to closing costs, cutting the cash required at the closing table. This support tackles one of the biggest financial hurdles, while our affordable homeownership options and competitive mortgage rates create a straightforward path from renting to owning.

Available through our nationwide network of licensed loan officers, this program pairs local market knowledge with the resources of a nationally recognized lender. Our customers can also access guidance on mortgage APR (annual percentage rate), which represents the total yearly cost of a mortgage, including the interest rate and additional fees such as loan origination charges, discount points, and certain closing costs.

Tools For Buyers

To further empower first-time buyers, we offer free interactive mortgage calculators on our website. These tools help prospective homeowners map out finances before applying for Lease to Keys, clarifying affordability and expected monthly costs to make homeownership transparent and managable. The calculators let users compare loan scenarios side by side, factoring in down payments, interest rates, and terms to choose the best fit for long-term goals.

First-time buyer trends, tips and tools are also available on our website, helping guide you through the entire home buying process from getting pre-approved to getting your keys.

The Lease to Keys program doesn't just help renters buy homes, it redefines the path of homeownership programs, converting rent into closing-cost fuel that launches buyers across the threshold into a future they can truly call their own.

Learn More

To learn more about our Lease to Keys program, visit https://www.totalmortgage.com/lease-to-keys.