Why Renting Isn’t ‘Throwing Money Away’—If You’re Renting the Right Way

You’ve probably heard it before:

“Renting is throwing money away.”

While that can be true in some situations, it’s not the whole story — and for many people today, it’s actually the wrong conclusion.

The real question isn’t whether you’re renting.
It’s how you’re renting.

The Problem With Traditional Renting

In a traditional rental, here’s what usually happens:

• You pay rent every month

• The landlord builds equity

• Your payment doesn’t help your credit

• Your rent can increase at renewal

• You have no path to ownership

Year after year, you’re doing everything right but nothing moves you closer to buying.

That’s where the frustration comes from.

How Lease-to-Own Makes Renting Work for You

With a lease-to-own program, renters don’t just rent a home they prepare to own it.

Here’s how it’s different:

• You move into a home you plan to buy

• The purchase price is agreed to upfront

• Your rent helps demonstrate payment history

• You get time to improve credit and save

• You buy when you’re truly mortgage-ready

Instead of waiting for approval, you’re building toward it.

Who This Works Best For

Lease-to-own is especially helpful for renters who:

• Are self-employed or recently changed jobs

• Have good income but credit that needs work

• Need time to save for a down payment

• Are relocating and want flexibility

• Want to lock in today’s price instead of competing later

It’s not about avoiding responsibility it’s about earning the right to buy.

A Smarter Way to Rent

Renting isn’t the enemy.

Renting without a plan is.

At NextGen Homeowners, we help renters turn rent into a path forward not a permanent cycle. The goal isn’t to rent forever. The goal is to rent with intention.

If buying a home feels out of reach right now, that doesn’t mean it always will be.

Sometimes the smartest move is taking the long way as long as it actually leads somewhere.