Real Talk.

The scariest thing standing between you and buying a house might be the story you've already told yourself. From down payment myths to changing credit scores, here's why you shouldn't tell yourself no before anyone else has.

High interest rates make borrowing more expensive. There’s no getting around that. But they can also change where buyers have leverage—and where the real cost of a home shows up. From repairs and insurance to timing, rental income and seller concessions, a higher-rate market can create opportunities that have very little to do with simply negotiating a lower price.

What finally motivates someone to buy a home? What if the answer was a little white rescue dog? For Veronica and Matt, finding the right home meant letting go of the idea that their first home had to be their forever home—and instead asking what would make life better right now.

No two people process information, make decisions, or experience home the same way. In this personal reflection, Elisa Murphy shares why curiosity, empathy, and asking better questions lead to better real estate experiences—and better outcomes for everyone involved.