Locked out of homeownership by rigid mortgage rules and a tough housing market, George and Lydia found a way in—thanks to Ownify’s alternative model that helped them buy their first home near Raleigh with just 2% down.

From "Not Mortgage-Ready" to Homeowners: How George and Lydia Made it Happen with Ownify

The homebuying system wasn’t built for people like George and Lydia.

Despite steady incomes and a clear vision for their future, the couple found themselves shut out of the mortgage process—not because they couldn’t afford a home, but because they didn’t check the right boxes.

When they began searching for a home near Raleigh, North Carolina, they faced the same challenges confronting buyers across the country: limited inventory, rising prices, and fierce competition. But there was another obstacle in their way—one they couldn’t plan around.

“We hadn’t been in our jobs for more than two years, so the mortgage company wouldn’t hear us out,” says Lydia.

They didn’t lack financial stability. What they lacked was a system willing to meet them where they were.

That’s when their real estate agent, Marianne Mansour, introduced them to Ownify.

A New Path to Homeownership 

Ownify offers an alternative to the traditional mortgage model. With just 2% down, buyers like George and Lydia can co-purchase a home alongside savvy investors. Instead of taking on debt, they make monthly payments that build equity gradually—giving them a real ownership stake from day one.

In about five years, they’ll have built up enough equity (around 10%) to qualify for a conventional mortgage and buy the home outright, without needing to move or restart the process.

A Competitive Edge in a Crowded Market

Soon after joining the program, George and Lydia found a home they loved in Clayton, just outside Raleigh. The listing drew multiple offers—five in total—but their bid stood out for one key reason: Ownify’s all-cash offer.

Unlike traditional financing, which can introduce delays and uncertainty, Ownify’s model allowed them to present a competitive, clean offer that sellers could trust.

“We looked at the house, put in an offer the next day, and on Monday we found out that we actually won the bid,” says George.

Their agent, Marianne Mansour, added: “Ownify made this such an easy experience. We had a multiple-offer situation, and all the paperwork had to be completed by a Sunday deadline. We had a strong offer, but the 'cash' offer, quick closing, and no appraisal contingency brought it to the top. Ownify made it happen."

“We love it,” George said about his new home. Further commenting, "I couldn’t be more blessed and absolutely stoked!"

Building Equity Without Barriers

Now, George and Lydia are building equity every month—not by taking on a 30-year mortgage, but by partnering with aligned investors and following a path that fits their timeline and goals.

Their story is a powerful example of what’s possible when we rethink the rules of homeownership. They didn’t need to wait, settle, or walk away from the market—they just needed the right model.

At Ownify, we’re proud to support buyers like George and Lydia—and to partner with great agents like Marianne Mansour—to help more people take that first step toward lasting ownership, on their terms.

Interested in supporting first-time homebuyers like George and Lydia? You can get started investing here by submitting your information and scheduling a meeting with a member of our team.