If you've been dreaming of buying a home in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, or anywhere in Manatee County, but feel overwhelmed by the process, you're not alone. Luckily, there are several innovative programs designed to make homeownership more accessible — even if you're selling a home, have a non-traditional financial situation, or need a little extra time to qualify for a mortgage.
Here’s a breakdown of some powerful options available right here in Sarasota, Manatee, and surrounding areas:
Move First, Sell Later — With Confidence
Knock Home Swap™ is perfect if you already own a home but want to buy a new one without being rushed. Knock empowers you to purchase your next home before listing your current one — meaning you avoid contingent offers, double mortgages, and temporary housing.
✔️ Service Area: Available in Sarasota, Manatee, and across much of Florida.
✔️ Basic Requirements: Good credit, at least 30% equity in your current home, and qualification for a new mortgage.
✔️ Benefits: Includes up to $25,000 for home prep and covers your old mortgage for up to 6 months if needed.
Maximize Your Home's Value Before Selling — No Upfront Costs
Curbio partners with homeowners and real estate agents to make value-boosting updates to a home before listing it for sale. They front the costs of repairs, renovations, and improvements — and you're only billed at closing when the home sells.
✔️ Service Area: Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, and most nearby cities.
✔️ Basic Requirements: Must be selling a home and working with a licensed real estate agent.
✔️ Benefits: No interest, fees, or upfront payments.
Lease the Home You Love, Buy It Later
Home Partners of America offers a lease-with-a-right-to-purchase program, perfect for renters who want to become homeowners in the near future but need a little more time to save or stabilize income.
✔️ Service Area: Sarasota, Bradenton, Parrish, North Port, and surrounding areas.
✔️ Basic Requirements: Minimum 580 credit score, steady income, background check.
✔️ Benefits: Locked-in purchase price at the beginning of the lease term.
A Fresh, Flexible Path to Ownership
Divvy allows you to move into your dream home today as a renter while building your down payment with each monthly payment. After about 3 years, you can either buy the home or walk away with your savings.
✔️ Service Area: Currently available in Florida markets, including Sarasota and Bradenton.
✔️ Basic Requirements: 550+ credit score, steady income, and a small initial contribution (~1-2% of home price).
✔️ Benefits: Flexibility to buy when you're ready; savings accrue monthly.
Make a Cash Offer Without Being a Cash Buyer
Ribbon Home levels the playing field for buyers by turning your financed offer into a competitive cash offer — helping you win in multiple-offer situations.
✔️ Service Area: Florida-wide, including Sarasota and Manatee counties.
✔️ Basic Requirements: Pre-approval through Ribbon or partner lender.
✔️ Benefits: Cash-backed offers strengthen your position with sellers.
Coaching and Support on Your Journey to Ownership
Landis helps renters become homeowners by offering coaching on credit improvement, budgeting, and savings, alongside a rent-to-own program.
✔️ Service Area: Sarasota, Bradenton, and North Port areas.
✔️ Basic Requirements: Credit score between 550–680, steady employment, and the goal of buying within 24 months.
✔️ Benefits: Personalized coaching and flexible path to ownership.
Flexible Rent-to-Own Program for Self-Employed & Credit-Challenged Buyers
Dream America is designed for clients who are self-employed, have experienced recent credit challenges, or need a bit more time to qualify for a mortgage. You rent your selected home while working toward purchasing it within a year.
✔️ Service Area: Sarasota, Bradenton, Parrish, Palmetto, and neighboring areas.
✔️ Basic Requirements: 500+ credit score, ability to qualify for a mortgage within 12 months.
✔️ Benefits: Great option for those who are close but not quite mortgage-ready.
Navigating these programs can be overwhelming — but that's why we are here to help.
We'll walk you through your options and match you with the best program based on your unique goals and financial situation.
➡️ Let’s make your dream of homeownership a reality!
We understand that our clients need support and direction when making the decision to buy a new home - whether it be a first home, an investment home or a luxury beach home. Connect with us today!