How Did Chris and Lindsay Escape the Rent Trap?
Chris and Lindsay were fresh out of college and newly married. They were paying $2,400/month for a three-bedroom apartment where both worked remotely, shared space with their dog, and had no room left to grow. They wanted a house with a yard in Utah County—but everything they saw cost well over $2,500 a month.
What Option Did Their Realtor Introduce Them To?
Their agent introduced them to R5 Homes’ Flex-ADU. By buying a home with a built-in basement apartment, they could let tenants help cover the mortgage. With R5 guaranteeing the ADU rent, they qualified for a loan that made homeownership possible.
How Did They Afford the Down Payment?
With some help from Chris’s dad, they secured a down payment. Five months later, they moved into a brand-new R5 home in Eagle Mountain, complete with a separate-entry ADU.
What Was Life Like With Tenants?
They found tenants quickly—another young couple from their college. Thanks to soundproofing, separate HVAC, and a private entrance, they barely noticed their tenants. It felt like living in a single-family home while having a built-in mortgage partner.
How Did the Numbers Work Out?
- Chris & Lindsay’s share: $2,400/month
- Tenant rent: $1,800/month
- Total mortgage: $4,200/month
With $1,800 covered by the tenants, Chris and Lindsay’s net cost was $2,400/month—the same as their old apartment, but now they’re building equity.
What’s Their Long-Term Outlook?
Today, the ADU keeps their costs manageable. Tomorrow, they have options: refinance when rates drop, reclaim the whole house when they need more space, or keep renting the ADU as an income stream.
Why Did This Work for Them?
The R5 Flex-ADU solved affordability and created freedom. Chris and Lindsay got:
- A yard and private home for starting a family.
- Lower effective housing costs with tenant rent.
- Equity and appreciation instead of wasted rent.
- Flexibility to grow into their home over time.
👉 Case Study Verdict: Chris and Lindsay turned their $2,400 rent payment into a $2,400 path to homeownership—with a future that grows as they do.
