“Real Estate Myths That Keep People From Buying Their First Home” (Bust fear, build confidence, and position yourself as a trusted guide before you dive back into HbAP details.)

Real Estate Myths That Keep People From Buying Their First Home

Don’t let bad advice hold you back from your dream of homeownership.

For many Houston renters, the idea of buying a home can feel overwhelming — and a lot of that has to do with the myths floating around about what it takes to buy a house. The truth? Most first-time buyers are much closer to homeownership than they think.

Here are some of the most common myths that keep people on the sidelines and why you shouldn’t fall for them:

🧱 Myth 1: “You need a 20% down payment.”

Reality: Most first-time buyers use programs that require as little as 3% down, and some Houston-specific options (like HbAP 2.0) provide up to $125,000 in assistance. This means you don’t have to wait years to save a huge down payment before you can buy.

📉 Myth 2: “You must have perfect credit.”

Reality: Good credit helps, but it’s not all or nothing. Many lenders work with buyers who have credit scores in the 600s. Plus, some assistance programs don’t require a credit score at all, only a clean history and manageable debt. So even if your credit isn’t perfect, you still have options.

🧾 Myth 3: “It’s cheaper to rent than own.”

Reality: Renting often comes with rising costs and no return on your monthly payments. Owning a home can lock in your housing payment and build equity over time, even with market fluctuations. In other words, your monthly payment is an investment in your future, not just an expense.

🛑 Myth 4: “I can’t buy a house with student loans.”

Reality: Student loans are a factor in your debt-to-income ratio, but they don’t disqualify you. Many buyers successfully purchase homes while managing active student loans. Lenders look at the bigger picture, including your income and payment history.

⏳ Myth 5: “It’s not the right time to buy.”

Reality: There’s never a “perfect” time, only the time that works for your goals. Waiting could actually cost you more if home prices or interest rates rise. The best time to buy is when you’re ready and have a plan.

Let Pop Realty Clear the Path

If you’re unsure whether you can buy or just want to talk through your options, we’re here to help with no pressure, no assumptions. Just clear guidance based on your goals.

Reach out today to start your journey toward homeownership with confidence.

📧 info@poprealty.com
📞 713-714-5926
🌐 www.poprealty.com

Thinking about buying but unsure where to start? Let’s bust those myths together and get you closer to your dream home!