His monthly rent was $2,200. However, Sarah agreed that $400 of that each month would go into a "down payment credit."

Three years ago, his credit score was a wreckage of student loans and medical bills. He had the income for a mortgage but not the "paperwork" proof the banks demanded. That’s when he met Sarah, a retiree looking to downsize who wasn't in a rush to sell.

Marcus pulled a folder from his bag—a pre-approval letter from a local bank. His credit was repaired, his "savings" were ready, and the house he had loved as a renter was finally going to be his as an owner.