Sell Your Home and Stay: An Easy Guide to Sale-Leaseback Programs in Northern Virginia & Maryland

Unlock Your Equity Without Moving

Serving Fredericksburg • Stafford • Spotsylvania • King George • Culpeper • Prince William •Maryland & More

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

• How to sell your home and rent it back

• Who should consider a sell-and-stay program

• Step-by-step process

• Benefits & drawbacks

• How this differs from reverse mortgages or HELOCs

• Real scenarios where it works best

What Is a Sell and Stay Program?

A Sell and Stay Program—also called a sale-leaseback—lets you sell your home for cash and continue living in it as a renter.

There’s:

• No moving

• No showings

• No repairs

You get the cash you need, and you stay right where you are.

This solution is becoming increasingly popular across Northern Virginia, especially for homeowners who need access to their equity but want stability in their living situation.

In simple terms:
You sell your home → you get cash → you sign a lease → you stay in your home.

🔍 How Does a Sale-Leaseback Work?

It’s two transactions combined:

You Sell Your Home

We buy it at fair market value and close on your timeline—usually within 30 days.

You Lease It Back Immediately

At closing, you sign a standard lease and remain in your home as a renter.

This gives you instant liquidity without the chaos of moving.

Who Should Consider a Sell and Stay Program?

This option works extremely well for specific situations:

1. Homeowners Facing Financial Hardship

Unexpected medical bills, debt, job loss—life happens.
A sale-leaseback gives you immediate cash relief without losing the comfort of home.

Real Example:
A Stafford couple used this program to pay off $85,000 in medical bills while staying in the home they’ve loved for 15 years.

2. Retirees & Empty Nesters Looking to Simplify

If you want to eliminate taxes, insurance, and major repairs—but aren’t ready to move—this is ideal.

Stay close to family, grandkids, and community while getting financial breathing room.

3. Homeowners Building a New Construction Home

If your new home is delayed, sell your current home now, free up cash, and stay until the new home is ready.

4. Homeowners Who Need Cash but Aren’t Ready to Move

Perfect for those needing funds for:

• A business investment

• Helping adult children

• Debt consolidation

• Emergency expenses

Unlock equity without uprooting your life.

5.  Homeowners at Risk of Foreclosure

Selling your home stops foreclosure immediately while allowing you to remain in the home as a tenant.

Important:

This is not a loan.
You sell your home and become a renter.

Benefits of Selling Your Home and Renting It Back

Immediate Cash Access

Unlock 70–80% of your home’s value quickly.

Stay in the Home You Love

No moving trucks, no searching for rentals.

No Ownership Burdens

We handle major repairs, insurance, and taxes.

No Loan Required

Unlike HELOCs or reverse mortgages, there is no debt.

Fast Process

Close in as little as 30 days.

No Realtor Fees

No commissions or listing costs.

Avoid Foreclosure

Stop the process and stay in your home.

Things to Consider Before Choosing This Option

• You stop building home equity

• You won’t benefit from future appreciation

• You must follow lease terms

• Rent payments replace mortgage payments

• You need permission for major changes

• Leases typically run 1–3 years

Step-by-Step: How Our Sell and Stay Process Works

1. Initial Contact

Call, text, or email to discuss your situation.

2. Property Walk-Through

We assess your home’s condition and value.

3. Receive Your Offers

You receive both:

• A cash purchase offer

• Your proposed rental rate

4. Review the Terms

No pressure—take your time. Ask questions.

5. Home Inspection

Completed by a third party at our expense.

6. Closing

We close at your convenience—typically in 30 days.

7. Sign Lease Agreement

At closing, you officially become the tenant.

8. You Stay Home

We now handle taxes, insurance, and major repairs.

Sell and Stay vs. Reverse Mortgages vs. Home Equity Loans

Key Difference:
Sell-and-stay = no debt, no loan, no repayment.
You get cash but give up ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally sell my house and stay in it in Virginia?

Yes! This is completely legal and increasingly common.

How long can I stay after selling?

Usually 1–3 years, often with renewal options.

How much cash will I get?

Most sellers receive 70–80% of the home’s value.

How is rent determined?

Based on fair market rent in your area.

Can I buy the home back later?

Sometimes—ask us about this option.

Who handles repairs?

We cover major repairs, taxes, and insurance.

Do I need good credit?

No—the program is not credit-based.

Can this help me avoid foreclosure?

Yes—this is one of the top reasons sellers choose it.

Is a Sell and Stay Program Right for You?

It's a great fit if:

• You need cash now but want to stay in your home

• You're emotionally attached to your community

• You want to avoid foreclosure

• You’re building a new home

• You want to simplify for retirement

• Rent fits your budget

Consider other options if:

• You want to keep building equity

• You want to control renovations or modifications

• You prefer a loan-based option

• Rent would strain your budget

At The 12:45 Team, we never pressure you. We help you explore all options so you make the best choice for your situation.

Serving Homeowners Across Northern Virginia & Maryland.

We offer Sell and Stay programs in:

• Fredericksburg

• Stafford

• Spotsylvania

• King George

• Caroline

• Culpeper

• Orange

• Prince William

• Fauquier

• Maryland

Ready to Learn More?

Written By: Shawn Derrick

The 1245 Team – Keller Williams Realty

Serving Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg & Maryland 

(571) 477-1245

Follow for more local insights:

@1245Team on Instagram |  Facebook | 12:45 Team YouTube Channel - Starring Shawn Derrick

About The 12:45 Team

We’re more than real estate agents—we’re your neighbors.
Led by Shawn Derrick, a REALTOR® and local pastor with 25+ years of experience, our team is known for:

• Compassion

• Creative real estate solutions

• Honest guidance

• Deep ties to the Northern Virginia community

We’re here to help you navigate whatever chapter you’re entering—whether that’s Sell & Stay, a cash sale, or our Renovate-Now-Pay-Later program.