HomeStart is a free credit education program that helps your clients become mortgage-ready, while keeping you in the deal.
Not every buyer is ready to qualify for a mortgage today, but that doesn’t mean the opportunity is lost.
HomeStart, powered by Encompass Lending Group (ELG), provides free credit education for buyers who need time and guidance to improve their credit profile before purchasing a home. The program is educational—not credit repair—and is handled entirely by ELG’s experienced team.
You stay focused on relationships. We help prepare the client.
Why Agents Should Use HomeStart
- Turns “not ready today” buyers into future closings
- Keeps you in the relationship while ELG guides the credit education process
- Gives your clients a real path forward — not a dead end
- Builds loyal, grateful clients who refer you to friends and family
- Strengthens your pipeline with nurtured, educated future buyers
- Positions you as a trusted advisor, not just another salesperson
Don’t send buyers away. Give them a path to “yes.”
How It Works
- Submit your client through HomeStart
- ELG provides a free consultation and builds a personalized success plan
- Your client follows the plan and works toward mortgage readiness
- Your client graduates from the program, and you take them house shopping
- Your client goes under contract
- The loan closes with ELG, and you earn your commission
Education, not credit repair. No cost to your client.
The Numbers - Adding More Closings. More Commission.
- 2 in 5 enrolled clients ultimately close on a home
- Median home price: $439,000†
- 2.5% commission = $21,950 in gross commission income on two closings*
- $0 cost to clients**
Protect your pipeline. Strengthen your relationships. Turn “not yet” into your next paycheck.
† The median price of a home in the United States as of November 2025.
* Based on the Federal Reserve System data analysis as of May 2025.
** ELG does not charge for the HomeStart program.
Submit a Client to HomeStart
"*" indicates required fields