Rent vs. Own Calculator
Think you cannot afford to buy a home? You might be surprised. Use Lisa Copeland's rent-to-own calculator to see how close you are to homeownership.
Step 1
See how much you are spending on rent today and what that money could do for you as a homeowner.
That is $0 you will never get back. Imagine if that was YOUR equity.
Rent vs. Mortgage Over Time
Step 2
Based on your current rent and financial picture, see how much home you may qualify for.
Estimated Home Price You Can Afford
$0
Down Payment Options
Your current rent of $1,800/month could get you a $0 home
Step 3
See the real financial difference between renting and owning over time.
The difference: $0 in wealth building over 10 years
Step 4
Check off what you already have in place and see how ready you are to buy your first home.
Your Score
0
out of 6
Start Preparing
Check off items above to see your readiness level.
Lisa Copeland helps first-time buyers every day. Whether you think you are ready or just starting to explore, she will help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence.
Get Started
Answer these 5 quick questions and Lisa's team will reach out with a personalized home buying plan.
The Real Cost
Rent increases add up faster than most people realize. Here is what a typical 3% annual increase does to your housing costs over time.
Year 1
$1,800
per month
Year 5
$2,026
per month
Year 10
$2,349
per month
The math: At 3% annual increases, a $1,800 rent today becomes over $2,349 a month in 10 years. That is an extra $549 per month and over $114,000 total spent on rent over the decade with nothing to show for it. A fixed-rate mortgage, by contrast, keeps your principal and interest payment the same for the life of the loan.
Programs
Texas has excellent programs designed to help first-time buyers overcome the biggest hurdles to homeownership.
Insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Requires as little as 3.5% down payment, credit scores as low as 580, and flexible debt-to-income ratios. Ideal for first-time buyers with limited savings or credit history. Includes upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums.
Available to active duty military, veterans, National Guard, Reserves, and eligible surviving spouses. Offers zero down payment, no mortgage insurance, competitive rates, and lenient credit requirements. Lisa is a Certified Military Relocation Professional and guides military families through VA loans regularly.
Texas offers several state and local down payment assistance programs. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) provides grants and low-interest loans to qualified first-time buyers. Many local programs in Austin, Round Rock, and other Central Texas cities offer additional help.
Fannie Mae's Conventional 97 program allows qualified buyers to put as little as 3% down on a conventional loan. Requires a credit score of 620 or higher and private mortgage insurance (PMI) which can be removed once you reach 20% equity. A great option for buyers with good credit but limited savings.
Not sure which program is right for you? Lisa can connect you with trusted lenders who will walk through every option and find the best fit for your situation.
Talk to Lisa About Your OptionsHer Process
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. Lisa's process is designed to make it clear, confident, and even enjoyable.
We sit down (in person or on video) and talk about your goals, budget, timeline, and any questions you have. No pressure, just clarity on where you stand and what is possible.
Lisa will connect you with a trusted, vetted lender who will review your finances, explain your loan options, and get you pre-approved so you know exactly what you can afford.
Lisa will curate a list of homes that match your criteria, schedule showings, and walk through every property with you, pointing out what to look for and what to watch out for.
When you find the one, Lisa will guide you through crafting a competitive offer, negotiating terms, and navigating inspections, appraisal, and the closing process from start to finish.
Closing day is just the beginning. Lisa stays in touch for years after, helping with referrals, questions about your home, and planning your next real estate move.
“Lisa helped us go from renting to owning in 60 days. She made the whole process feel easy and we ended up in a home we love for less than our rent.”
Sarah & Mike, First-Time Buyers in Round Rock
Whether you are buying, selling, investing, or exploring options, the best negotiator in Central Texas is ready to put $5B+ in career experience to work for you.
Office
Lisa Copeland
210 E. Central
Belton, TX 76513
License
TX Salesperson #733507
Lisa Copeland's Team
Typically replies in minutes
Hi! I'm Lisa Copeland's team. How can we help you with your Central Texas real estate needs?