Separating Fact from Fiction in Today’s Market
The real estate market is full of misconceptions—many of which keep buyers and sellers from making confident, informed decisions. Whether you’re worried about high interest rates, the best time to buy or sell, or down payment requirements, it’s time to set the record straight.
At Heather Stewart Realty, we believe in helping our clients cut through the noise and make decisions based on real market data, not outdated myths. Let’s bust some of the biggest misconceptions about buying and selling homes in Washington State.
🚫 Myth #1: You Need a 20% Down Payment to Buy a Home
✅ Reality: While 20% down can help avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), it’s not required! In fact, many buyers in Washington State qualify for low or no down payment loans:
✔ FHA Loans: 3.5% down, ideal for first-time buyers
✔ Conventional Loans: As low as 3% down with good credit
✔ VA Loans: 0% down for eligible veterans
✔ USDA Loans: 0% down for buyers in rural areas
💡 Pro Tip: Washington also offers down payment assistance programs that can help cover upfront costs!
👉 Find Out What You Qualify For
🚫 Myth #2: You Should Only Sell in Spring or Summer
✅ Reality: While spring and summer are popular selling seasons, the truth is homes sell year-round—especially in competitive markets like Southwest Washington.
✔ Serious buyers shop in every season, even during the holidays
✔ Less competition in fall and winter means your home can stand out
✔ Motivated buyers in slower months may make stronger offers
💡 Market Tip: A well-priced, well-marketed home will sell in any season—what matters most is pricing and strategy!
👉 Find Out the Best Time to Sell Your Home
🚫 Myth #3: Interest Rates Are Too High to Buy Right Now
✅ Reality: While interest rates fluctuate, they are still historically lower than past decades. Plus, today’s buyers have options to minimize their monthly payments:
✔ Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) – Lower rates upfront, good for short-term buyers
✔ Mortgage Rate Buydowns – Sellers may offer a lower rate for the first 1-3 years
✔ Refinancing Later – You can always refinance when rates drop
💡 Market Tip: Waiting for rates to drop could mean higher home prices later—locking in a home now allows you to build equity sooner.
👉 Schedule a Free Buyer Consultation
🚫 Myth #4: Home Prices Will Drop Dramatically Soon
✅ Reality: While the market fluctuates, Washington State’s real estate historically appreciates over time due to:
✔ Strong job markets in tech, healthcare, and government sectors
✔ Limited housing inventory keeping demand steady
✔ Growing interest in suburban and rural areas for affordability
💡 Investment Tip: Buying in a stable market like Southwest Washington is a long-term wealth-building strategy.
👉 Request a Free Market Report for Your Area
🚫 Myth #5: Selling Your Home “As-Is” Is the Best Way to Save Money
✅ Reality: While selling “as-is” avoids repair costs, it often leads to lowball offers and longer time on the market. Making small, strategic upgrades can increase your sale price significantly.
✔ Fresh paint & landscaping = Higher curb appeal
✔ Minor kitchen & bath updates = More buyer interest
✔ Professional staging = Homes sell 88% faster
💡 Seller Tip: Even small investments can lead to big returns at closing!
