Option 1: Keep Renting and Do Nothing to Change Your Situation

This is the easiest path—do nothing. Stay in your rental. Keep paying $1,800 a month and hope things magically get better on their own.

But here’s what that actually looks like:

• $1,800 x 24 months = $43,200
• That’s $43,200 paid to your landlord over two years.
• No equity. No appreciation. No tax benefits. Nothing to show for it.

And after two years? You're right where you are now—renting, still not in a position to qualify, and possibly paying even more due to rising rent costs.

If nothing changes, nothing changes.

Option 2: Change Your Circumstances and Become Mortgage-Ready in 2 Years or Maybe Even Less Than Two Years.

This path takes work—but the payoff is worth it. In just two years or possibly even less than two years, you could go from “denied” to homeowner. Here’s how:

Step 1: Understand Why You Were Denied

Talk to your lender and get specific feedback. Whether it’s your credit score, income, savings, or debt—you need to know what to fix.

Step 2: Create a Game Plan

Focus on improving these key areas:

• Credit Score
  • Pay bills on time
  • Reduce credit card balances
  • Dispute any errors
  • Avoid new debt
• Income & Employment
  • Stay employed consistently
  • Look for advancement opportunities
  • Consider a side hustle or career move that increases income
• Debt Reduction
  • Pay down loans and credit cards
  • Avoid new accounts unless necessary
  • Use the snowball or avalanche method
• Savings
  • Build an emergency fund
  • Save at least $3,000–$5,000 for closing costs or reserves or maybe more depending on purchase price
  • Automate your savings each paycheck

What Could 2 Years Look Like If You Take Control?

Instead of throwing away $43,200 on rent, imagine this:

• You’ve improved your credit score
• You have stable income and a bit of money in savings
• You qualify for a USDA, FHA, or conventional loan
• You purchase a home and start building equity from day one
• Your monthly payment goes toward your future, not your landlord’s

Plus, you could take advantage of seller concessions to reduce out-of-pocket costs or even buy down your interest rate—making homeownership more affordable than ever.

The Bottom Line

You have a choice:

• Stay stuck, pay rent, and keep making your landlord richer
• Or get to work, take control of your situation, and become a homeowner in two years

One path keeps you exactly where you are.

The other builds a foundation for wealth, stability, and a future you can be proud of.

Not sure where to start? I’ll help you build a personalized plan to become mortgage-ready—even if you're starting from zero. Let’s talk.