Real Estate Agent’s Guide: 5 Mortgage Myths That Are Killing Your Deals in 2025

Real estate agent busts mortgage myths with homebuyers in Virginia kitchen.

Professional Insights to Help Your Homebuyers Win in Today’s Market

It’s 2025, and the mortgage landscape is shifting fast—yet the same old myths still block too many good deals from closing. If you’re a real estate agent guiding hopeful homebuyers, especially in markets like Virginia, Maryland, Texas, Florida, or D.C. and beyond, separating fact from fiction is your secret weapon.

Whether it’s a self-employed buyer in Florida or Maryland or a first-timer in Richmond VA, or Texas; this guide clears up five of the most persistent mortgage myths that are quietly killing your deals—and shows you how to help your homebuyers qualify better, faster, and more confidently.

Don’t let outdated mortgage myths stall your next deal.

Help your homebuyers qualify smarter, faster, and with confidence—without losing sleep (or offers).

  • Spot and bust 5 mortgage myths sabotaging your contracts
  • Help more homebuyers qualify with smart guidance
  • Navigate VA, FHA, ITIN, and Non-QM programs with clarity
  • Know when and how to tap into assumable loans or alternative docs
  • Be the trusted agent who gets deals done—even in a tough market

MYTH #1: “Your Buyer Needs 20% Down to Get Approved”

Why This Myth Won’t Die

In today’s high-price market, this myth stops too many qualified buyers from even trying. Especially first-time buyers in areas like Bethesda MD or Fairfax VA, where $350K–$500K homes are the norm, saving 20% down can take years.

What Actually Works

There are plenty of low and no down payment options available in 2025. FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA programs often allow your homebuyers to put down as little as 0–3.5%. We’re also seeing new flexible down payment assistance programs in cities like Houston, Arlington, and the DC metro.

If your homebuyer qualifies for a hassle-free mortgage pre-approval in Alexandria VA, they may only need a fraction of what they think.

Pro Tip: Educate your buyers early. Encourage them to get pre-approved—not pre-judged. And yes, we’ll help them explore the best mortgage for a $350K house in Florida with low down options.

MYTH #2: “ITIN Holders Can’t Get a Mortgage”

Why Agents Fall for It

Many assume that without a Social Security number, a homebuyer is ineligible for financing. That’s simply not true. In states like Virginia, Texas, and Florida, ITIN holders—especially immigrant families—are entering the market in large numbers.

The Truth

ITIN mortgage programs are alive, well, and thriving in 2025. These are tailored loans designed for hard-working families and self-employed professionals using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers.

If your homebuyer has a 2-year tax history and steady income (even cash-based), we can guide them through a simple Non-QM mortgage for self-employed in Rockville MD or elsewhere in the DMV.

Help your ITIN buyers qualify—confidently.
No dead-ends. No judgment. Just expert steps toward ownership.

MYTH #3: “If They’re Self-Employed, It’s Game Over”

The Frustrating Assumption

Plenty of realtors still assume that freelancers, gig workers, or small business owners can’t qualify for traditional mortgages—especially those showing variable income.

But you know who else thought that? Their buyers.

Reality Check

2025 offers powerful options: P&L-only loans, bank statement mortgages, and DSCR programs designed for investment properties.

We’re seeing excellent success with fast P&L mortgage approvals in Houston TX for freelancers near Memorial Park and easy DSCR loan approvals in Arlington VA.

Don’t let 1099s stop the show. Instead, guide them to a flexible path to purchase.
We’ll help with the strategy—you bring the buyers.

MYTH #4: “Only Perfect Credit Scores Get the Good Loans”

This One Hurts Everyone

We’ve watched too many well-qualified homebuyers back out or settle for rentals because of a low-600s FICO score.

Score Isn’t Everything

Today’s programs allow flexible credit thresholds, especially for government-backed loans. Many first-time buyers in Prince George’s County MD, or those looking for a quick zero down mortgage in Austin TX, can qualify even with mid-to-low 600s.

And if they’re ready to build credit while applying, we’re here with solutions.

Encourage buyers to start early, even with imperfect credit.

A soft pull or no-score pre-approval lets us evaluate income, goals, and purchase power with zero pressure.

MYTH #5: “Rate Is All That Matters”

The Narrow View

Yes, your buyers want low interest rates. But obsessing over the rate alone makes them blind to a program’s total value, flexibility, or cost savings.

What Smart Agents Know

A slightly higher rate with an assumable loan, for example, could mean a future sale advantage. Or a DSCR program might allow an investor to grow their portfolio without personal income checks—worth the trade-off.

We help you zoom out.
Let’s match the mortgage to your homebuyer’s big picture—not just this year’s rate sheet.

Real Talk: You’re the First Line of Mortgage Truth

When your homebuyers trust you, they often take your word as gospel. That’s powerful—but it also means if these myths go unchallenged, you might be unintentionally slowing their journey to ownership.

We’re here to make sure you have clear answers, fast referrals, and programs designed for every kind of buyer—from affordable VA home loans in Silver Spring MD to reliable refinance options in NW Washington DC.

Let’s make 2025 the year your deals close faster, cleaner, and with fewer “almosts.”

FAQs

Q1: Can my homebuyer qualify for a mortgage with just a 620 credit score?
Absolutely. Programs like FHA and VA accept lower scores with other strengths like steady income or co-borrowers.

Q2: Is there a mortgage option for buyers without tax returns?
Yes. Bank statement loans and P&L-only programs are designed for such cases—especially for self-employed or 1099 earners.

Q3: Can ITIN holders get 0% down options?
While 0% may vary by state, we offer flexible down payment options for ITIN buyers with a solid income record.

Q4: What’s the easiest mortgage for a self-employed buyer in Virginia?
Our simple Non-QM mortgages and DSCR loan solutions are a hit with self-employed borrowers across Northern Virginia.

Q5: How early should my buyers get pre-approved?
The earlier, the better. We even offer soft pull options—so they can explore without pressure or credit dings.

Conclusion

As a real estate agent, your edge in 2025 is your knowledge. The more clearly you guide your homebuyers through the fog of mortgage myths, the more loyalty, referrals, and closings you’ll win.

So let’s turn that “maybe” into a “let’s go.”

We’re always here to help you guide your homebuyers—with speed, clarity, and care.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a loan approval or guarantee. All applicants must meet eligibility requirements.

Get started today—Enquire Here or Apply Now to get pre-approved!

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