By Reuben Ryan, Veteran & Realtor | The BX5 GroupIn real estate, details matter—and as a Veteran, I’ve built my career on discipline, preparation, and execution. Those same
First-Time Homebuyer Myths: What You Really Need to Know
Dated: July 29 2025
Views: 0
By Nichol Boman, REALTOR® | RE/MAX GO – The BX5 Group
If you’re buying your first home, you’ve probably heard a lot of advice—from family, friends, or even social media. Some of it is helpful… and some of it might be holding you back.
As a REALTOR® here in New Braunfels and the Texas Hill Country, I’ve guided many first-time buyers through the process, and I know how confusing it can feel. Let’s clear up some common myths and get you on the right track.
Myth 1: You Need a 20% Down Payment
Truth: Many first-time buyers put down far less. Depending on your loan type, you may qualify with as little as 3% down—and some programs even allow 0% down for eligible buyers, like VA loans.
Myth 2: Renting is Always Cheaper Than Owning
Truth: With rising rents, many buyers discover their monthly mortgage payment is the same—or even less—than what they were paying in rent. Plus, owning a home builds equity instead of paying someone else’s mortgage.
Myth 3: Your Credit Has to Be Perfect
Truth: While better credit often means better loan terms, you don’t need a perfect score to buy a home. Many lenders approve buyers with credit scores in the mid-600s, and some programs accept lower. The key is knowing your options early.
Myth 4: You Can Skip the Home Inspection on a New House
Truth: Even brand-new homes can have issues, from foundation cracks to electrical wiring mistakes. Always get a professional inspection—it’s one of the smartest investments you can make.
Myth 5: You Don’t Need an Agent for New Construction
Truth: The builder’s sales rep works for the builder, not you. Having your own REALTOR® ensures someone is looking out for your best interests, negotiating upgrades, and reviewing the fine print in the contract.
Myth 6: It’s Too Complicated for a First-Time Buyer
Truth: With the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. I walk my first-time buyers through each step, explain everything in plain language, and make sure they feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let myths or misinformation keep you from achieving homeownership. With the right plan—and the right REALTOR® on your side—you can buy a home that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Ready to separate fact from fiction and start your homebuying journey? Let’s talk.
Nichol Boman, REALTOR®
RE/MAX GO | The BX5 Group
Serving New Braunfels and the Texas Hill Country
707.439.6739
Nichol Boman
I combine my professional expertise with a genuine passion for helping clients find their perfect homes. Originally from North Carolina, my family and I relocated to New Braunfels, Texas, where we qu....
Latest Blog Posts
By Amy Mulniex, New Home Specialist | The BX5 GroupWhen it comes to selling your home in New Braunfels, curb appeal can be the difference between a quick sale and a listing that sits. As a New Home
How Curb Appeal Sells Homes Faster (and for More) in New Braunfels, TexasBy Jeremy Boman, Top Producing Realtor | The BX5 GroupIn a fast-moving market like New Braunfels, Texas, sellers don’t
Curb appeal refers to how attractive your home looks from the street. It includes everything a buyer sees before they walk through the front door—your lawn, landscaping, driveway, exterior
© 2026 North Texas Real Estate Information Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) nor The BX5 Group shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. The database information herein is provided from and copyrighted by the North Texas Real Estate Information
The information being provided by Houston Association of REALTORS, Inc. is for the consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to real estate for sale referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the Houston Association of REALTORS, Inc. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other
Austin Board of REALTORS® Copyright ©2026 All rights reserved.
Information provided courtesy of LERA MLS. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed. Provided courtesy of LERA MLS. Copyright 2026 LERA MLS, All Rights Reserved. Data last updated September 22, 2026 12:59 PM UTC
Odessa Board of Realtors® All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested
Central Texas MLS | Four Rivers Association of REALTORS® All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties
South Texas MLS, LLC. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
Central Hill Country Board of REALTORS® All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
