Homeownership Myths That Keep Buyers Stuck (And What’s Actually True)
Let’s be honest-buying a home can feel intimidating. And in today’s market, it’s easy to scroll TikTok or talk to friends and walk away thinking you’re not ready, not qualified, or not “doing it right.”
But here’s the truth: a lot of what people believe about homeownership is either outdated, exaggerated, or flat-out wrong.
We’re here to clear the air, cut through the noise, and help you make decisions based on facts—not fear.
The Truth: You can buy a home with as little as 3% down—and in some cases, zero.
First-time homebuyer programs, VA loans, USDA loans, and FHA loans all offer low or no down payment options. Putting 20% down has its perks (like avoiding PMI), but it’s not a requirement—and waiting to save that much can cost you more in rising home prices and rent.
A smaller down payment doesn’t mean you’re not financially ready—it means you're using tools that exist for a reason.
The Truth: You don’t need a perfect score to become a homeowner.
Many loan programs accept credit scores as lower than you think. And even if your score is lower, there are still steps we can take—like improving your debt-to-income ratio or working with a co-borrower—that can move the needle.
Your credit doesn’t have to be flawless. It just has to be workable—and that’s where we come in.
The Truth: Lenders don’t expect you to be debt-free—they expect you to manage debt responsibly.
Car loans, student loans, even credit cards are common. What matters most is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)—how much you owe each month compared to what you earn. We can help you calculate yours and see if it’s within range.
Paying off small debt can help, but don’t assume you need a clean slate to qualify.
The Truth: That might be true short-term—but not long-term.
In many parts of the Denver market, monthly mortgage payments are now comparable to (or even lower than) rent. But here’s the key difference: rent pays your landlord. A mortgage builds your equity. Plus, your rent will likely rise every year. Your fixed mortgage won’t.
The question isn’t just “Is it cheaper?” It’s “Where is your money going—and what’s it building for you?”
The Truth: Waiting for perfect conditions could cost you more than acting with a smart strategy now.
Rates may rise or fall—but you can refinance later. What you can’t do is go back and buy the house you loved last year at last year’s price. We’ve helped plenty of buyers win by negotiating closing costs, rate buydowns, or finding lower-priced homes while others were sitting on the sidelines.
Focus on the monthly payment, not just the rate. If it works for your budget, it works.
You don’t have to do this alone. We’re not here to pressure you—we’re here to walk through your real-life numbers, talk options, and see what’s possible.
Because the only thing worse than buying before you’re ready… is not buying when you actually are.
Contact us today to schedule a no-pressure home buying strategy call!
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If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse, you may qualify for one of the best loan options available: the VA loan. This post breaks down the benefits, busts common myths, and explains how to make the most of your military-earned buying power.
Before you fall in love with a house, get your financing in order. In this article, we explain why pre-approval should always be your first move as a buyer—and how it gives you clarity, credibility, and serious leverage in today’s market.
Wondering what really goes into your mortgage payment? From principal and interest to insurance, taxes, and beyond, this detailed breakdown explains every component so you can plan, budget, and buy smarter—no surprises.
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