Lifetime Home Repair

Lifetime Home Repair runs a rent-to-own program in which the company buys homes in established neighborhoods with two, three or four bedrooms. Its crew fixes, cleans, paints and replaces whatever needs work, and most homes come out fully remodeled before a family moves in. Renters put down 1% to 2% of the purchase price, and part of each monthly payment builds toward a down payment that typically reaches $8,000 to $10,000 over three years.

Applicants start with a free online prescreening that takes about five minutes and carries no obligation. Credit minimums are usually lower than conventional banks, and employment history is reviewed instead of pay stubs, which suits self-employed buyers and people new to a job. Renters can walk away with 60 days notice, and the purchase price is negotiated at onboarding. The company has offices in Green Bay and Eagle River and is also open Saturdays.