Leasing
Flexible for Life’s In-Between Moments
Not quite ready to buy? Whether you’re building credit, navigating a life transition, or exploring alternatives to traditional homeownership, leasing can provide the flexibility you need—without the long-term commitment of a mortgage.
At Valko Financial, we’ll help you understand your leasing options and guide you toward a solution that fits your current lifestyle, while supporting your future goals.
Leasing can be a smart move if you’re preparing to qualify for a mortgage, relocating for work, or recovering from a major life change like a separation. It’s also a great option for newcomers to Canada or self-employed individuals working to establish a financial profile. In some cases, lease-to-own programs can even help you secure a property now with the option to buy later.
If you’re not quite ready to purchase but want more stability than renting, we’re here to help you take the next right step—on your terms.
Can I lease a home with poor credit?
Yes, leasing is often more accessible than qualifying for a mortgage—especially if you have poor or limited credit.
Many landlords and leasing programs understand that life happens, and they may consider factors beyond just your credit score—like your income, employment, rental history, or a co-signer. Some lease-to-own options are even designed specifically for individuals who are working on rebuilding their credit while preparing to buy in the future.
Do lease payments build equity?
n a traditional lease, your monthly payments go toward rent only, and do not build equity in the property.
However, if you're in a lease-to-own agreement, a portion of your payments may be credited toward a future down payment or purchase price—depending on the terms of the contract. This can be a great way to work toward homeownership while you're building credit or saving.
What do I need to qualify for a lease?
To qualify for a lease, you’ll typically need to provide a few key pieces of information to show you’re financially responsible and able to meet monthly rent payments. Requirements may vary by landlord or leasing program, but generally include:
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, job letter, or tax returns if self-employed)
- Government-issued ID
- Credit report or consent to a credit check
- Rental history or references from previous landlords
- First and last month’s rent (sometimes a security deposit as well)
If your credit is poor or limited, you may still qualify with a co-signer or by providing additional financial documentation.
My partner and I were first time homebuyers, and frankly, were very intimidated and relatively uneducated in the world of mortgages and home buying. Tonya Origlieri was our mortgage agent, and was not only a pleasure to work with, but made our experience as stress free as possible. She was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make sure we had the best lender fit for our needs, and helped guide us through the entire process. She played a pivotal role in our first home buying journey, and we are grateful for the quality of service that was provided to us. Thank you!
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Graeme Woodall
10 days ago
Awesome experience, answered all questions & made the mortgage process smooth! Used a second time, and same thing! Responsive & easy to deal with.
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Bayley Doerr
2 years ago
Tonya was amazing. I honestly wasn’t sure that there was a lot of value in using a broker, as the rate did not seem better than I would have got if I walked into my bank. It turns out that I was very wrong. Tonya supported me through some very tricky issues with the application and I was very thankful that she was there to support me. My only concern is that my payments and frequency of payment turned out to be incorrect, despite bringing this up on a number of occasions. This may have been the fault of the lender, but it was frustrating, none-the-less. Overall, I was thrilled with how Tonya went to bat for me and was able to convince the lender to waive the requirement for an appraisal, which saved me money and hassle. I highly recommend Tonya and Valko Financial.
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Angela Lehmann
1 month ago
Cindy did a great job explaining the home buying process to a first time home buyer and helped us navigate financial approval and a quick closing. We are so thankful she was referred to us!
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Jo Reason
1 month ago
Meghan V
1 month ago
Amazing service and Knowledge. They were able to find what best suited our needs with constant communication. Couldn't asked for more. I would recommend Cindy White and the Valko team to anyone.
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Mark Hainer
2 years ago
Let’s create a plan that meets you where you are.
Life isn’t always linear. Whether leasing is your first step or a temporary solution, we’re here to support your journey — with compassion, clarity, and a custom plan.