HN loves to rip on Realtors, but what you are describing is a chunk of why we exist. Even in this higher interest rate environment, I've assisted multiple first

HN loves to rip on Realtors, but what you are describing is a chunk of why we exist. Even in this higher interest rate environment, I've assisted multiple first-time buyers into houses - good houses. I can't speak for all states, but both WA and OR have really great downpayment assistance programs for first-time buyers. It is by no means easy, but if people aren't building a relationship to a lender and an agent, I'm not sure where they are getting real boots-on-the-ground guidance - so is it any wonder they don't believe they can afford a house?