863-340-1402
Pathway Home Program

Your Path From
Renter to Owner
Starts Here

Stop paying someone else’s mortgage. The COHA Group’s Pathway Home Program helps Polk County renters — even those with credit challenges — become proud homeowners in Central Florida.

$0Down Options Available
580+Credit Score Options
9 CitiesServed in Polk County

See If You Qualify

Free, no-obligation consultation — we’ll find your best path to ownership.



🔒 Your info is private. No spam, ever. We’ll reach out within 24 hours.

No Credit? Low Credit? We Have Options
Down Payment Grants Available
Florida Hometown Heroes Program
Rent-to-Own Pathways
Local Polk County Experts
Who This Is For

You Don’t Have to Be “Perfect”
to Own a Home

The Pathway Home Program was built for people who thought homeownership was out of reach. If any of these sound like you, we can help.

🏠

Long-Term Renters

Tired of rent increases with nothing to show for it? We’ll show you how your monthly payment could be building equity instead.

📊

Credit Challenges

Scores as low as 580 may still qualify. We work with lenders who specialize in helping buyers rebuild and move forward.

💰

No Down Payment Saved

Florida has millions in grant funding available. We’ll connect you with down payment assistance you didn’t know existed.

🎖️

Heroes & First Responders

Teachers, nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and veterans get priority access to the Florida Hometown Heroes program.

🔄

Rent-to-Own Seekers

Not quite ready for a traditional mortgage? Our rent-to-own pathways let you move in now and buy when you’re ready.

🌟

First-Time Buyers

Never bought before? Perfect. We walk you through every step from pre-qualification to the day you get your keys.

The Process

How the Pathway Home Program Works

We guide you through every step so there are no surprises — just a clear road from where you are to where you want to be.

01

Free Consultation

We review your current situation, goals, and budget — completely free. No pressure, no obligation.

02

Find Your Programs

We identify every grant, assistance program, and financing option you qualify for — including Hometown Heroes and state DPA programs.

03

Get Pre-Qualified

Our lending partners work with all credit profiles. We’ll match you with the right lender for your specific situation.

04

Find Your Home

Browse homes across Polk County — Winter Haven, Lakeland, Auburndale, Haines City, and more — within your budget.

05

Close & Get Keys

We handle the paperwork, negotiations, and logistics so you can focus on planning your move-in day.

Program Details

Everything You Can Access
Through Pathway Home

We combine multiple programs and resources to maximize what’s available to you.

Down Payment Assistance

  • Florida Hometown Heroes — up to $35,000 for eligible workers
  • State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) grants
  • Polk County local assistance programs
  • FHA loans with as little as 3.5% down
  • USDA 100% financing for eligible rural areas
  • VA loans with zero down for veterans

Credit & Qualification Help

  • Credit score options starting at 580
  • Rapid rescore strategies to boost approval odds
  • HUD-approved housing counselor referrals
  • Debt-to-income ratio optimization guidance
  • Non-traditional credit history options
  • Co-signer and co-borrower strategies

Rent-to-Own Options

  • Move in now, buy when you’re ready
  • Portion of rent credit toward down payment
  • Lock in today’s price while you prepare
  • 12–36 month transition timelines
  • Build payment history toward mortgage approval
  • Dedicated support throughout the lease period

Cities We Serve

  • Winter Haven — homes near Chain of Lakes
  • Lakeland — Polk County’s largest city
  • Auburndale — growing family community
  • Haines City — affordable entry-level homes
  • Bartow — historic county seat
  • Lake Wales, Davenport, Dundee & Eagle Lake

Real Results

Polk County Renters Who
Became Homeowners

★★★★★

“I had been renting in Winter Haven for 8 years and thought I’d never qualify. Chad’s team found me a down payment grant and I closed in 45 days. I still can’t believe I own my home.”

MJ
Marcus J.
Winter Haven, FL
★★★★★

“As a nurse, I qualified for Hometown Heroes and got $25,000 toward my down payment. The COHA Group walked me through every step. I moved into my Lakeland home last spring.”

DS
Danielle S.
Lakeland, FL
★★★★★

“My credit was 591 and I had no savings. They started me on a rent-to-own in Auburndale, helped me rebuild my credit, and 18 months later I officially own my house. Life-changing.”

TR
Tanya R.
Auburndale, FL

Ready to Start?

Let’s Find Your
Path to Ownership

A free 15-minute call with our team could change everything. We’ll tell you exactly what programs you qualify for and what your next step is.

📍 129 Ave E SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880

Get Your Free Eligibility Check

Find out which programs you qualify for — no obligation.

🔒 Private & confidential. We’ll respond within 24 hours.