For Realtors & Builder Sales Reps

    Earned Equity Program: Keep Deals Alive When Traditional Financing Says No

    Some buyers get told to wait a year and come back. EEP gives them a path to move in now, build payment history, and take title when they're ready — while you keep the deal.

    Apply Online

    What it is

    A lease-to-own path to ownership — structured, transparent, and built for buyers who don't fit the traditional box yet.

    • The Earned Equity Program (Arrive Home™ Earned Equity Program) is a lease-to-own homeownership path — not a rental and not a traditional purchase.
    • A government agency buys the home the client selects with an FHA-insured mortgage and holds title while the client moves in and builds payment history.
    • A program administrator manages the agreement and the path to full ownership.
    • The client keeps 100% of the home's appreciation the whole time.
    • The path: Move in → Build equity and payment history → Choose an exit path (assume the FHA mortgage, refinance, apply for a new EEP loan, or purchase traditionally) → Take title.
    • Closing is typically longer than a conventional purchase — confirm the timeline with Steve before setting seller dates.

    Why partners care

    Keeps deals alive

    For buyers traditional loans turn away, EEP gives you a real path instead of a dead end.

    Broad property eligibility

    SFR, PUD, attached or detached, modular, manufactured doublewide, 1–2 units, townhomes, and FHA-approved condos.

    Seller concessions still work

    Up to 6% seller concessions are permitted per program materials.

    Normal contract mechanics

    The contract is written normally with the client as buyer; an Assignment Addendum at ratification assigns to TRHEEA's designated buyer entity. Home warranty, home inspection, and termite inspection are required at contract, with health/safety repairs completed before purchase.

    Who it fits

    • Credit challenges: recent bankruptcy, foreclosure, short sale, or thin credit.
    • Self-employed and 1099 buyers whose income doesn't fit a traditional 2-year W-2 box.
    • ITIN and DACA buyers.
    • Recently hired W-2 buyers.
    • Alternative credit may be considered, and documented income may qualify for self-employed buyers.

    Property & guideline notes

    • Properties must meet FHA appraisal requirements, and FHA county loan limits apply.
    • Ineligible examples include New York properties, leasehold, single-wide manufactured homes, and certain multi-unit situations — confirm unusual properties with Steve.
    • A tri-merged credit report with a minimum qualifying score of 580 is required; not all homebuyers or properties qualify.

    How to start

    1

    Flag the scenario

    Call Steve before writing the buyer off — a quick conversation tells you whether EEP fits.

    2

    Set seller expectations early

    Talk through inspection, repair, and closing-timeline expectations with the seller up front.

    3

    Move the client in

    The client moves in, builds payment history, and works toward taking title.

    Related programs

    HomeSimple

    Need a cash offer for a Conventional or VA buyer? See HomeSimple.

    HomeSimple cash offers

    Realtor Partner Program

    Same-day responses, fully underwritten pre-approvals, and co-marketing support.

    Visit the partner hub

    Don't write the buyer off yet.

    Fifteen minutes on the phone tells you whether EEP keeps your deal alive.

    Call Steve: (254) 415-5664Apply Online

    Steve Kent · NMLS #1621847 · All Western Mortgage · Arrive Home™ and the Arrive Home™ Earned Equity Program are trademarks of Arrive Home · Subject to credit, underwriting, property, and program guidelines · Not a commitment to lend · Not all buyers or properties qualify