Abstract: A program for purchasing homes is disclosed. The program is primarily intended for individuals with a poor or sub prime credit rating that precludes them from qualifying for conventional home loan financing. The individuals improve their credit rating as part of the program. The program is preferably operated as a franchise in which franchisees initially purchase homes on behalf of the individuals, lease the homes to the individuals according to a contract entered prior to purchasing the home and, upon successful fulfillment of the lease, the home is sold to the individual using conventional financing. The fulfillment of the lease-to-own contract assists in improving the individual's credit rating and assists in positioning the individual to qualify for conventional home loan financing.