Rent Smarter. Plan Brighter.
Whether it’s a long term lease or short term step, a local expert can it simplify the process and reduce stress.
Renting doesn’t mean you’re behind—it means you’re in transition, on purpose, or on the rise. And we’re here for that.
Whether you’re relocating, rebuilding credit, exploring a new city, or preparing for homeownership, renting can be a smart and strategic step in your wealth journey.
With Stairway partners, renters take steps forward – not stay stuck.
We Help You With More Than Just Finding a Place
- Access private listings, pre-market homes, and rental-only neighborhoods
- Connect with rental agents who won’t pressure you to buy
- Understand rent vs. buy math in your specific city
- Explore rent-to-own, lease-back, and credit-building options
- Get pre-approved now to be ready when the time is right
Track Your Readiness
Get a personalized credit and savings roadmap with monthly check-ins to track progress—so you’re always one step closer to ownership.
Explore Lease-to-Own
Not quite ready to buy? Discover lease-to-own options that let you live in your future home now while you build financial readiness.
Strategic Reasons People Rent First
- Moving to a new state or city and want to explore
- Saving up for a stronger down payment
- Building or repairing credit
- Transitioning after a life event (divorce, new job, etc.)
- Business owners with fluctuating income
Learn to House Hack
Discover smart ways to turn your rental situation into a stepping stone for ownership—with strategies that help you build equity while you rent.
Build Credit & Track Grants
Join our credit coaching program and get alerts about down payment grants tailored to your progress and location.
Download our free First-Time Investor GUide
Maybe you will decide to buy and keep it as rental property when you move out instead of flushing rent down the toilet.
100% Client Satisfaction
Real Comments, Real People
Hear From Some Past Clients of Our Founder
Alexis Kulick - via Faceook
Easy and quick refinance with great rates and expert advice.
I recently refinanced my existing mortgage with Jim and his team, and I was so pleased with how easy and quick the whole process was. Jim and his team were very responsive to my questions, and I feel confident that I got the best rate and shaved 9 years off my mortgage. He is very knowledgeable and helped me determine the best option for myself and my family. Definitely recommend him.
Julian Einfrank - via Facebook
Complex loan scenario handled with expertise and care.
The process went smoothly. Jim Blackburn is a lending saint. He knows the market well and cares about his clients tremendously. The team made it really easy to do business, uploading documents and getting forms signed. Our situation is a bit complex. Rather than turn us away for some added work, they dug in to get it done right. They like the complexity, whereas other lenders don’t want to roll up their sleeves. Highly recommend Jim Blackburn for new loans and refinances!
Elizabeth Torres - via Facebook
Closed in time for Thanksgiving! Jim and his team were amazing, and we got a much better deal than previous lender.
We closed our loan within 19 days. Just in time for Thanksgiving!! Jim and his team are amazing! We initially had gone with a different loan office and the interest rate and down payment was ridiculous. The owner of the company where my husband works referred us to Jim and we are very grateful for that. We had such an amazing experience with Jim and his team! Since our transaction, we’ve been referring Jim to anyone we know that are thinking of purchasing a house.
David Livermore - via Google
Secured financing despite market challenges and self-employment.
Run, don't walk to work with Jim and his team. Jim helped us get financing when it seemed like an impossible feat. It was hard enough to be managing a home purchase 2000 miles away, but add to that an extremely competitive market and being self-employed, and it seemed impossible until Jim's team got involved. Jim was not only responsive; he consistently went above and beyond by making clear recommendations, working his magic, and ensuring that financing wasn’t a barrier for buying our dream house in one of the most competitive markets in the country.
Christina Curva Carrasco - via Facebook
Smooth, fast, and hassle-free mortgage and refinance process.
Jim and his team are great to work with! We have used Jim twice with our home mortgage. Both times, the process was smooth and uneventful (which is what I wanted). He has kept in touch with us and contacted us when he felt it was the right time for us to refinance! I was amazed at our refinancing process – it took them about a little over two weeks to process all our information and close! I love the new online process of submitting all the information they require – it made it super easy for me to organize and gather all the documents.
Discover the Goals That Drive Your Financial Journey
You’ve built the equity — now it’s time to make it work for you and your peace of mind.
Take the Discovery Quiz to clarify your goals and explore how your home can support your next chapter with dignity and purpose.
