Trust Experience, Not Just Opinions – Especially When Buying a Home

In a housing market full of noise, myths, and well-meaning but outdated advice, one thing has never been more clear: buying your first home today is a completely different game than it was even a decade ago. And yet, so many first-time buyers still lean on casual conversations with friends or family—people who may have only bought a single home, years ago, in a completely different market.

But would you take financial advice from someone who made one stock trade in the 1990's ? Probably not.

First-Time Buyers Are Disappearing—And That’s a Problem

In 2024, first-time home buyers made up only 24% of the market the lowest share since 1981. Even more surprising? The median age of a first-time buyer was 38 years old, compared to 31 in previous generations.

Why is this happening?

It’s not because homes are impossible to buy. It’s because many buyers are sitting on the sidelines, misinformed or overwhelmed by media headlines and outdated financial myths.

Let’s Talk About Interest Rates

Yes, interest rates are higher than they were during the COVID-era (which was 5 years ago) the champagne and unicorn years.  Currently they’re nowhere near historical highs. Back in 1981, rates reached 16.64% (and even hit a prime rate of 21% in 1982). In contrast, today’s average is around 6.25% which is still a manageable number, especially considering rising rent costs and long-term equity growth.

If your instinct is to “wait it out,” you might be waiting a lot longer than you think.

Buying a Home Is Still One of the Smartest Financial Moves You Can Make

One of the most powerful messages from our recent conversation is this: you don’t need to buy your dream home right now. You just need to get started.

Whether you’re living at home, renting with roommates, or stuck thinking you need a 20% down payment (you don’t), there are programs and strategies out there to help you take that first step. The concept of a “forever home” is outdated.  What you need is a “first step home.”

Buying that first home opens the door to financial stability, equity growth, and the ability to upgrade over time. That’s what smart homeowners do and it’s how generational wealth starts.

The Biggest Mistake? Waiting Too Long or Listening to the Wrong People

Too many people delay homeownership because a friend or uncle told them to "just wait for the market to crash" or that they’ll “never afford anything without 20% down.”

But here’s the truth: those same people are often not in the trenches of today's housing market. They haven’t walked through homes under $500,000 with buyers. They don’t know what today’s lending programs offer. And they don’t see the full picture.

As seasoned real estate professionals who live and breathe this market, we know what works, what’s changing, and how to get you into a home—even if you think you can’t afford it.

So, Are You Listening to Opinions—or Experience?

If you’re ready to stop guessing, stop waiting, and finally understand your real homebuying options, it’s time to talk to Amber & I who have the vast experience in working with Buyers.

Stop letting fear and outdated advice hold you back. Let us guide you home.