7 Lies People Tell Themselves About Buying a Home

The 5 (Okay… 7) Lies We Tell Ourselves About Buying a Home

…and the gentle truths that can change everything.

Every day, I chat with smart, resourceful people who want to buy a home but never take the first step. Why?
Because of the quiet little narratives they’ve been replaying for years — stories that feel true, but actually keep them stuck in place.

Let’s clear the air. Here are the most common myths I hear…and the truth I wish everyone knew.

1. “I need 20% down.”

The mindset: “If I can’t save that much, I must not be responsible enough to buy.”
The truth: That rule is officially vintage. Most buyers put down just 3%–6%, and plenty of programs allow even less — including 0% down options for VA and USDA loans.
Meanwhile, the 20% myth has kept countless future homeowners renting while prices (and rent!) keep rising.

2. “I can't afford the closing costs.”

The mindset: “Even if I manage the down payment, all those extra fees will wipe me out.”
The truth: You’ve got more help than you think. Seller credits, lender incentives, grants, and local programs can dramatically shrink your upfront costs. With the right team, this hurdle gets a whole lot smaller.

3. “Interest rates are too high right now.”

The mindset: “I’ll wait until rates drop back to 3%.”
The truth: Grab a snack — we might be waiting a while. And while we wait? Prices and rents tend to rise. Plus, you’re already paying 100% interest…to your landlord.
Buy now, build equity, and refinance later when rates shift.

4. “My credit isn't good enough.”

The mindset: “I’ve made mistakes. I probably won’t qualify.”
The truth: Perfect credit is not required. Many people qualify when they least expect it, and a great lender can map out easy, short-term steps to improve your score. Readiness usually takes months, not years.

5. “I should wait until I make more money.”

The mindset: “When life feels more stable, then I’ll buy.”
The truth: The longer you wait, the faster the market outruns you. Even a modest home today can grow with you — building equity while your income increases.

6. “Renting is cheaper.”

The mindset: “My rent is predictable, and I don’t have to deal with repairs.”
The truth: Renting is convenient…until your lease renews. Then it’s mysteriously always more expensive.
Homeownership comes with tax benefits, stability, long-term financial security — and the satisfaction of building your own wealth, not your landlord’s.

7. “I don't know where I'll be in a few years.”

The mindset: “Buying will trap me.”
The truth: Homes don’t hold you hostage — they give you options. Sell it, rent it out, or use it as a springboard to your next place. Ownership creates flexibility, not limits.

A Note From Me — And From Our Entire Harris Home Team

Here’s the honest truth:
The biggest barrier to homeownership is rarely money.
It’s mindset.

And the good news? You don’t have to figure any of this out on your own.

When I say I'm here for you, I mean we're here for you. Behind the scenes, you have an entire team in your corner:

• Lenders who can uncover programs you didn’t know existed
• Inspectors who safeguard your investment
• Insurance pros who make coverage simple
• Contractors, stagers, attorneys, coordinators — the whole crew
• And of course, your agents, guiding you every step of the way

It’s not just me. It’s a whole village dedicated to helping you succeed.

If one of these myths has been whispering in your ear, take this as your gentle nudge: let’s talk.
Sometimes a five-minute conversation is all it takes to open doors you didn't even know were there.

Whenever you're ready to begin, we're ready too.