You’ve probably heard you need 20% down to buy a house – but that’s a common myth.

Most first-time buyers put down much less (the median is just 9%). And many also qualify for down payment assistance but never use it because they don’t realize it’s out there.

If your down payment feels like the biggest hurdle, talk to a lender. You may have more options (and help) than you think.

The low mortgage rate you have right now might be hard to give up, but sometimes life has other plans.

And when your needs change, your house may need to change too – even if that means leaving your low rate behind. And more homeowners are realizing that today.

79% of people who are thinking about selling today are doing it because they need to move for non-financial reasons, like family, health, a new job, or other major life changes.

While your rate matters, sometimes you just can’t wait anymore. And that’s okay. With an agent’s help you can find something that fits what you need right now and still falls in your budget.

If your home no longer works for you, let’s talk about your options.

Did you know?

Roughly 1 in 5 sellers are dropping their asking price right now – and a lot of times it’s because they started too high to begin with.

And in today’s more balanced market, buyers have more options and less patience for anything overpriced. That’s why: if your price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.

To find the price that draws in buyers and sets you up to sell quickly, lean on an agent’s expertise.

Fear of a recession is back in the headlines. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling sometime soon, that may leave you wondering if you should reconsider the timing of your move.

A recent survey by John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) shows 68% of people are delaying plans to buy or sell due to economic uncertainty.

But it may not be for the reason you think. Not everyone is holding off because they’re worried. Some buyers are waiting because they’re hopeful. According to Realtor.com:

“In 2025Q1, 3 in 10 (29.8% of) surveyed homebuyers said a recession would make them at least somewhat more likely to purchase a home . . . This reflects a common dynamic where some buyers see a downturn as an opportunity. If the economy enters a recession, the Federal Reserve may respond by lowering interest rates to stimulate activity, potentially putting downward pressure on mortgage rates and easing affordability concerns. As a result, buyers—especially those with limited down payments—might view a recession as a more favorable time to enter the market.”

And there’s some truth to the idea that a recession could bring about lower mortgage rates. History shows mortgage rates usually drop during economic slowdowns. That’s not guaranteed – but it is a common pattern. Looking at data from the last six recessions, you can see mortgage rates fell each time (see graph below):

But here’s what those buyers may not be considering. Many of those hopeful buyers are assuming something else will happen too – that home prices will drop. And that’s where history tells a different story.

According to data from Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), home prices went up in four of the last six recessions (see graph below)

So, while many people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008, that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time the market saw such a steep drop in prices. And it hasn’t happened since, mainly because there’s still a long-standing inventory deficit, even as the number of homes on the market is rising.

Since prices tend to stay on whatever path they’re already on, know this: prices are still holding steady or rising in most metros, although at a much slower pace. So, a big drop isn’t likely. As Robert Frick, Corporate Economist with Navy Federal Credit Union, explains:

“Hopes that an economic slowdown will depress housing prices are wishful thinking at this point . . .”

Bottom Line

If you’ve been waiting for a recession to make your move, it’s important to understand what really happens during one – and what likely won’t. Lower mortgage rates could be on the table. But lower home prices? That’s far less likely.

Don’t wait for a market that may never come. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, let’s connect to talk through what today’s economy really means for you – and make a smart plan that works in your favor, regardless of what the headlines say.