Published July 13, 2025
Buying or Selling? Read This First
Thinking about buying or selling in Summit County? You're not alone—and if mortgage headlines have left you confused, you're in the right place. In this article, we break down what today’s rates really mean, why you don’t need 20% down, and how approval is more within reach than many people think. As the only AI-Certified Real Estate Agent in Summit County, I use data-driven strategies to guide my clients with confidence. Whether you're moving up, downsizing, or making your first purchase, this guide will help you move forward with clarity.
If you've been considering a move, you've probably heard all kinds of things about mortgage rates, down payments, and how “hard” it is to get a loan right now. Let’s clear some of that up—because the truth might surprise you.
Mortgage Rates: Not One-Size-Fits-All
Yes, mortgage rates are higher than they were a few years ago—but that doesn’t automatically mean you’re stuck with a bad deal.
Rates change daily and are based on several personal factors, including:
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Your credit score
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The amount you put down
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Your income and debts
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The type of loan you choose
What does this mean for you? You may qualify for a better rate than you think. The key is speaking with a lender early and creating a strategy that works for your unique situation.
You Don’t Need 20% Down
This is one of the biggest myths in real estate today. The idea that you need to put 20% down to buy a home has kept many people on the sidelines longer than necessary.
Here’s the reality:
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The average down payment for all homebuyers is about 15%
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First-time buyers typically put down closer to 8%
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Many loan programs allow as little as 3% down
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Some qualified buyers can even purchase with 0% down
If you've been waiting to save a massive down payment, it might be time to revisit your timeline.
Is It Harder to Get Approved Today?
Lenders are more careful now than they were in the early 2000s, and that’s a good thing. But “careful” doesn’t mean “impossible.”
Lenders evaluate the full financial picture—not just your credit score. If you have steady income, manageable debt, and a bit of savings, you may be in a better position than you think.
And if you're not quite ready yet, the right guidance can help you make a plan and get there faster than you expected.
The Bottom Line
There’s a lot of noise out there about the housing market. But here’s the truth: buying or selling in today’s market is still very doable—and potentially very smart—when you have the right tools and expertise behind you.
Are You Planning to Sell or Buy a Home?
I’m one of the few A.I. Certified Agents in the world—and the only one in Summit County.
That means I use cutting-edge marketing and data strategies that most traditional agents don’t even know exist.
Whether you're looking to maximize your home sale or buy with confidence in today's market, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity.
Reach out anytime to get started:
Phone: +1 970-390-3711
Email: kim@kimobert.com
Website: kimobert.com
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Kim Obert
Your AI-Certified Realtor | Breckenridge, CO | Summit County, CO
Breckenridge Real Estate Expert and the Only A.I. Certified Agent in Summit County
