Established in Toledo, Ohio
Same Neighbor
New Homeowner™
We walk working class families in Toledo, Akron, Warren, and Pittsburgh along a coached pathway from renting to owning, in real partnership.
The Process
Your Pathway to Ownership
Intake
We want to learn more about you so we can tailor your mortgage readiness pathway to your personal circumstances. Your time is valuable — we want every interaction to count.
STEP 1 OF 5
Qualify
We review your financial profile and chart out a path to homeownership. Our team looks at the full picture — not just a credit score — to determine if the LadderUp pathway is right for you. If we have homes in your market, we provide the list of homes that meet your budget.
Mortgage Readiness Available: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana
Homes Available: Toledo & Akron, Ohio
STEP 2 OF 5
Onboard
You set up your homeownership plan with your dedicated coach, and get plugged into our CLIMB Portal so you can track your progress from day one.
STEP 3 OF 5
Climb
CLIMB is more than a step — it’s our philosophy.
We don’t just help you qualify for a home. We help you become someone who’s ready for it.
With your CLIMB Coach, you’ll build credit, reduce debt, and develop the habits and confidence that turn homeownership into a reality.
Credit. Lifestyle. Income. Mindset. Behavior. That’s CLIMB.
Average credit score increase: 75+ points
STEP 4 OF 5
Mortgage Ready
When you qualify for a mortgage, we introduce you to community focused lenders that have the ability to provide excellent mortgage products. If you live in one of our rent-to-own homes, we facilitate the purchase of the home you are renting at our pre-agreed price. Same Neighbor, New Homeowner.™ The keys are yours. The legacy begins.
Your home. Your equity. Your future.
STEP 5 OF 5
Homeowner Stories
Homeowner Stories
Every closing day is a milestone. Meet the neighbors who went from renting to owning.
Our Philosophy
Same Neighbor,
New Homeowner™
There are four million renter households that have consistent track records of on-time rental payments but do not qualify for a mortgage today. And no one has historically been willing to patiently invest in a longer term but straightforward process of getting them there.
So we built a method that works with residents to become mortgage ready. Unlike other apps and providers who promise a quick fix, we engage in a real partnership. We know one class can't accomplish the goal. And while real estate agents or mortgage brokers might tell you "You're not ready," we tell you "Here's how you'll get there." Our residents' efforts, combined with LadderUp's proactive engagement, will make it happen. Our goal is to work with every resident toward mortgage readiness within two years.
In select markets, we buy and renovate homes or construct entirely new ones, and move families in as renters — providing them an option to purchase their homes at any time during their lease. When they are ready, they can rely on us to walk alongside them until closing day.
It's a structured pathway that works. They're buying their houses, and they're staying in the neighborhoods they've always called home.
Tom Voutsos
Founder & CEO
Leadership
The People Behind LadderUp Housing
Tom Voutsos
Founder & CEO
Greg Voutsos
Head of Operations
JD Vougiouklakis
Head of Client Success
Doug Bowen
Head of Finance
Get Started
Talk With the
LadderUp Team
Ready for the first step toward homeownership? Fill out our brief intake form — no obligation, no pressure. Or reach out with any questions.
Your Climb Starts Here
Existing Clients
Access your personalized dashboard, track your progress, and connect with your coaching team.
Go to CLIMB Portal