Tenant Buyer Program

Your rent can lead to a home.

ManageOhio residents who are ready to buy can receive up to $2,000 in closing cost assistance when they work with MDC Realty or Express Listed as their buyer brokerage. No gimmicks — just a real head start from the people who already know you.

Apply Now
$2,000
Closing cost assistance
$0
Cost to apply
20+ yrs
Serving Columbus
The Offer

What you get, in plain language.

As a current ManageOhio resident, you already trust us to manage the home you live in. If you decide you're ready to buy one of your own, we'll put up to $2,000 toward your closing costs when you work with our in-house brokerage to make it happen.

The credit is funded by MDC Realty Limited or Express Listed — your buyer brokerage on the transaction. It's in addition to anything a seller may offer toward closing costs, and it's applied at closing. You still receive full buyer representation, including home search, showings, offer strategy, negotiation, and closing coordination.

There's no catch and nothing to pay up front. You're not locked in until you sign a buyer representation agreement, and we'll walk you through what that means before you do.

How It Works

From application to closing, four steps.

01

Apply

Fill out the short form below. We'll confirm your ManageOhio residency and reach out within one business day.

02

Strategy Call

A 20-minute call to understand your goals, timeline, budget, and credit position. No pressure, no obligation.

03

Get Pre-Qualified

We introduce you to a local licensed lender for a free pre-qualification so you know exactly what you can afford.

04

Tour & Close

Sign a buyer representation agreement, start touring homes, make an offer, and receive your $2,000 credit at closing.

Eligibility

Who qualifies.

The program is designed for current ManageOhio residents who are ready to take the next step. Here's what you need:

Current ManageOhio resident You must be on an active lease at a ManageOhio-managed property at the time of application.
Good lease standing Rent current, no open lease violations, no active eviction or collection matters.
Buying in Ohio The program applies to qualifying home purchases in Ohio, where MDC Realty and Express Listed are licensed to represent buyers.
Signed buyer agreement You engage MDC Realty or Express Listed as your buyer brokerage under a written buyer representation agreement before touring homes, as required by Ohio and NAR rules.

The $2,000 closing cost credit is paid at closing and is contingent on successful closing on a qualifying property. It is not redeemable for cash, not transferable, and may not be combined with other brokerage-funded buyer rebates. Full terms are provided in the buyer representation agreement.

Apply

Tell us a little about where you're at.

The application takes about two minutes. A ManageOhio buyer specialist will reach out within one business day to schedule your strategy call.

Thanks — we got it. A ManageOhio buyer specialist will reach out within one business day. If you need us sooner, email buyers@manageohio.com.

Your information is used only to contact you about this program. We never sell resident data. This form is not a mortgage application and is not a commitment to lend.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Do I have to use MDC Realty or Express Listed?

Yes, to receive the $2,000 closing cost credit. The credit is funded by those brokerages, which is why it's only available when you engage one of them as your buyer brokerage under a written buyer representation agreement.

What is a buyer representation agreement?

As of August 2024, NAR rules require buyers to sign a written agreement with their real estate broker before touring homes. The agreement spells out what services the broker will provide, how they'll be compensated, and your rights as a client. It's negotiable and we'll walk you through it before you sign.

Can I combine the credit with seller concessions or down payment assistance?

In most cases, yes. The $2,000 credit is in addition to any seller-paid closing costs. Many Ohio down payment assistance and first-time buyer programs stack on top as well — we'll help you figure out what you qualify for during your strategy call. Lender rules and loan program limits on total credits may apply.

What if I'm not ready for 12 months?

Apply anyway. A lot of our best outcomes start with a conversation 9–12 months before someone is ready. We'll help you put a credit-building and savings plan in place — including our free rent reporting perk — so when you're ready, you're actually ready.

Do I have to move out of my ManageOhio home first?

No. Most residents close on their new home while still on lease and coordinate the move. We help you line it up so the transition is smooth.

Is this available outside Ohio?

No. The program is limited to qualifying home purchases in Ohio, where MDC Realty Limited and Express Listed are licensed to represent buyers.