If you're like most first-time buyers I meet, you've probably heard all kinds of advice.
"You need 20% down."
"You have to pay your Realtor."
"Interest rates are too high, so you should wait."
Honestly... a lot of that advice is either outdated or flat-out wrong.
I've lost count of how many conversations have started with, "I don't think I can buy a house yet."
More often than you'd think, after we go over their options, that "not yet" turns into, "I had no idea I was this close."
That's one of the best parts of what I do.
Let's Clear Up One of the Biggest Myths
No, you don't automatically need 20% down.
Depending on the loan, you may qualify with a much smaller down payment. There are also down payment assistance programs available for qualified buyers that can make homeownership much more affordable than people expect.
On top of that, one of the biggest ways I help my buyers is by negotiating seller concessions. Seller concessions are funds the seller agrees to contribute toward a buyer's closing costs as part of the purchase agreement.
In fact, I've had multiple clients purchase a home where their down payment was covered through assistance programs and their closing costs were covered through seller concessions. They walked into their new home without bringing a large check to closing—they simply started making their monthly mortgage payment.
Now, every situation is different. Not everyone will qualify for down payment assistance or be able to negotiate the same outcome. But I've seen it happen enough times to know it's always worth exploring your options before assuming buying a home is out of reach.
Too many people count themselves out before they've even had a conversation.
Another Misconception I Hear All the Time
A lot of first-time buyers think they have to pay their Realtor out of pocket.
The reality is that in most transactions, the seller pays the compensation that covers both agents. Every transaction is different, but it's one of the biggest misconceptions I hear from people who are thinking about buying.
What I Want Every Buyer to Know
I don't expect you to know how all of this works.
You're not supposed to.
Buying a home isn't something most people do every day, and there's a lot of information out there—some of it good, and some of it completely wrong.
My job is to explain everything in plain English, answer every question, and make sure you understand what's happening before you sign anything.
I'd rather spend an extra 30 minutes answering your questions than have you leave feeling confused.
I genuinely care about the people I work with. By the end of the process, a lot of my clients feel more like friends than clients, and that's something I'm really proud of.
Thinking About Buying?
You don't have to be ready today.
You don't need to have everything figured out.
Sometimes the first step is just having a conversation.
We'll talk about your goals, your budget, your options, and whether buying now makes sense—or whether waiting is actually the better decision.
And if buying isn't the right move for you right now, I'll tell you.
I'd rather earn your trust than pressure you into making a decision you're not ready for.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just honest advice to help you make the decision that's best for you.
💡 Michael's Tip
Don't disqualify yourself before you've talked to someone.
I've met plenty of people who waited years because they assumed they couldn't buy a home yet. After one conversation, they realized they were much closer than they thought.
The worst thing that happens is you learn what you need to do to get there.
The best thing that happens?
You realize you're already ready.
Still Have Questions?
Whether you're ready to start looking next week or you're just wondering if buying a home is even possible, I'm always happy to answer your questions.
No pressure. No obligation. Just honest advice.
Michael Raley
The Preston White Group
📱 623-670-9650