Start-up Own The Key helps home-buyers improve credit, save money

Last fall, Chris Forte began a business centered on helping people achieve the American Dream of home ownership. Own The Key specializes in providing services that help potential homebuyers improve their credit score and save money for a down payment. It works with a lot of traditional lenders and mortgage companies to deepen the home-buying pool. "We basically coach them through the whole process," Forte says. "We get a lot of customers through mortgage lenders and our own brand awareness." It's working so far. The Keego Harbor-based company has grown to six people and is working to establish itself as a national brand. It currently has a variety of national clients but wants to widen that reach and make itself a strong presence in Metro Detroit. "We are going to be a national player," Forte says. Source: Chris Forte, founder & CEO of Own The Key Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.