Your Rent Can Now Help You Buy a House

Your Rent Can Now Help You Buy a House (Yes, It’s Official)

I was taking lunch while listening to the news—half a sandwich in, I hear something that made me stop mid-bite.

“Rent payments will now count toward qualifying for a mortgage,” they said.

I looked at my phone, hit pause, and immediately called Jay (our COO) and Ankush (our top property manager). They were just as excited.

Because this wasn’t just another news headline—this was something we had been hoping for. Something that could really change lives.

And now we get to share it with you—our awesome Graystone tenants and future renters. This update might not sound flashy, but believe me, it’s a big deal.

So What Actually Happened?

On July 15, 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) made a major announcement.

They told Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—the two giants behind most mortgages—that from now on, rent payments should be considered in mortgage approvals.

Translation? If you’ve been renting and paying on time, that now officially counts when you apply to buy a home.

Before, your rent history was invisible to most lenders. Now? It’s a legit part of your financial record.

Why This Changes Everything for Renters

For years, renters have done everything right—paying $1,500, $2,000, even more every month—only to be told they didn’t have enough credit to qualify for a loan.

It didn’t matter that you were basically paying a “pretend mortgage” every month. Lenders just didn’t care.

Now they do.

This shift means:

• Your rent payments show you’re responsible

• They can help balance out a thin or bumpy credit file

• You don’t need to rely only on traditional credit cards or loans to prove yourself

It’s a long-overdue win for renters—and you deserve it.

What You Can Do Right Now

Even if you’re not planning to buy a home today or tomorrow, here’s what you can do to make this work for you.

✅ 1. Ask if Your Rent is Being Reported

Some property managers already report rent to credit bureaus. If you’re with Graystone, ask your property manager—they’ll let you know.

If not, you can report it yourself using services like:

• Esusu

• RentReporters

• LevelCredit

It’s quick, easy, and could make a big difference later on.

✅ 2. Keep Paying On Time

This rule rewards consistency. Just doing what you’ve been doing—paying on time—now builds a history that lenders can see.

✅ 3. Save Your Records

Keep proof of your payments just in case:

• Zelle or ACH receipts

• Bank statements

• Screenshots from your rental portal

If you ever apply for a loan, having this on hand will help.

Do You Have to Buy a Home Now? Not at All.

This isn’t a push to run out and buy a house. It’s just a chance to start building your financial foundation while renting.

Maybe homeownership is a year away. Or maybe it’s five.

The point is: you’re finally getting credit for the work you’re already doing.

Why We’re So Happy to Share This

At Graystone, we’ve always believed that renting can be a stepping stone—not a dead end.

We’ve seen tenants work hard, stay consistent, and still get shut out of the system. Now, the system’s starting to shift.

It’s not perfect, but it’s progress.

And we’re proud to help spread the word.

Final Thoughts (From Our Family to Yours)

If you’re already renting with Graystone—we got you.

Reach out to your property manager (you know who that is), and they’ll help answer any questions.

If you’re new and looking to rent with us, here’s where to start:

👉 www.GraystoneIG.com/rentals

No pressure. No rush.

Just know that rent isn’t “wasted money” anymore.

It’s your record. It’s your proof. It’s your step forward.

And we’re glad you’re on this journey with us.

 Pick your expert. Book your free 15-minute consult now. We are here to help! 

Meet Cody Bergstrom, Your Expert in Finding Deals

Meet Lisa Kaye Price, the LendingGig Top ML

Jay Michalec – COO & Property Management Expert at Graystone.

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