I was recently on a TV show when the host turned to me and said, “We keep hearing from experts that buying a home is really hard right now. Should people just wait a few years?”

I wish you could have seen my face.

Because the truth is — no, buying a house is not hard in 2025. What is hard is sorting through bad information, outdated assumptions, and fear-based headlines that convince people they don’t even qualify when they actually do.

Let’s break this down clearly and honestly.

The Biggest Myth: You Need 20% Down

This is one of the most common reasons people talk themselves out of homeownership — and it’s simply not true.

Most buyers today are not putting 20% down. In fact, that’s become the exception, not the rule.

Here’s what down payments actually look like:

• Conventional loans: as low as 3% down for first-time buyers

• FHA loans: 3.5% down, even with less-than-perfect credit

• VA loans: 0% down for eligible veterans and active-duty service members

• USDA loans: 0% down in qualifying rural areas

In many cases, the down payment is less than what people pay for the first month, last month, and a security deposit when renting.

If you’re a veteran, this matters even more. We go deeper into why VA loans remove so many traditional barriers in our post on why veterans choose VA loans.

“But What About Closing Costs?”

This is another place where misinformation stops people before they start.

Yes, there are closing costs, but buyers often don’t have to pay them out of pocket.

In many markets across the country, sellers are paying the buyer’s closing costs as part of the negotiation. We see this every single week. It depends on:

• Inventory levels

• How the offer is structured

• How well your agent negotiates

In strong buyer markets, asking the seller to cover closing costs is completely normal.

Employment: You Do Not Need the Same Job for Two Years

This one surprises people.

You do not need to have been with the same employer for 2 years.

What lenders actually look for is:

• A two-year employment history overall

• Stable or guaranteed income moving forward

Examples that usually work just fine:

• Switching employers in the same field

• Moving from a doctor’s office to a hospital as a nurse

• Finishing trade school and starting full-time work

• Changing restaurants, locations, or schedules

Income is flexible as long as it’s documented and reliable.

If you want a full breakdown of what lenders really evaluate, I cover it in my blog, "What Lenders Look For When You Get Preapproved."

Credit Scores: You Don’t Need an 800

Credit anxiety keeps more people out of homes than almost anything else.

Here’s the reality:

• VA loans: no official minimum score (lender guidelines apply)

• FHA loans: many lenders approve down to 550

• Conventional loans: typically 620

You do not need perfect credit. You need a reasonable credit history and on-time payments.

If you’re paying your bills now and your score is in the mid-600s, you are very often “fine,” even if the internet tells you otherwise.

A lot of hesitation here is emotional, not financial. I talk more about that in my blog, "Don’t Let Fear Decide."

Age Doesn’t Matter — At All

Too young? Too old? Neither exists in mortgage lending.

Lenders do not factor age into loan approval.

• 20 years old? Same loan options.

• 75 years old? Same loan options.

The loan is based on income, credit, assets, and affordability — nothing else.

So… When Is Buying Actually Hard?

Let’s be honest — there are places where buying feels brutal.

But that’s usually because of:

• Extremely high home prices

• Low inventory

• Competitive markets

It’s not because loans are harder to get.

In fact, nationally, there are still many areas with homes priced in the $200,000–$300,000 range, often with seller concessions and less competition.

In some markets, inventory challenges are driven by what we call the lock-in effect, where homeowners with ultra-low interest rates are staying put. We explain that in detail in what the lock-in effect is and why inventory varies so much by market.

The Bottom Line

Buying a house in 2025 is not hard.

What’s hard is:

• Believing outdated rules

• Letting fear replace facts

• Relying on headlines instead of real guidance

The loan requirements themselves are straightforward. The key is finding a home that fits your budget and getting clear, honest information upfront.

If you have questions, want to see what you qualify for, or just want to talk through your options, we’re here to help.

We Are Here For You! 🙂

📞 Call or Text: (786) 933-2077
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