Misconceptions About Buyer Programs Lead to Missed Opportunities

Jun 30, 2025

Early in your career, buyers are your bread and butter. But are you missing out on opportunities that could boost your pipeline today and build loyalty for tomorrow?

According to NAR’s research, if you’re in the first two years of your real estate career it’s likely that 70% of your business is coming from working with buyers. [1] That trend holds until you reach years 5-7, at which point seller transactions will increase as your network, experience, referrals and reputation grow. While some agents may land listings early, for most, working with buyers is what gets your business off the ground.

Turnkey Marketing Tools You Can Start Using Today

If you are in this early-career stage, it makes good sense to invest time into tools and actions that increase your buyer leads, yet many LIBOR agents are missing a big opportunity to do that — with a member benefit you already have.

As a LIBOR member you have access to OneKey MLS, and your OneKey subscription includes the DownPaymentResource (DPR) product. You may have heard of this tool but haven’t explored all it offers. Alongside a searchable tool for buyers, did you know there is a full suite of brandable marketing materials for you to use including a landing page, flyers in English and Spanish, social media shareables and more?

Use flyers like the ones shown below with your contact information to generate buyer leads and build trust

Homeownership Dreams Are Still Alive — But Misunderstood

These tools make it easy to start conversations with buyers, especially those who may think homeownership is out of reach. Many renters who are mortgage-ready still think buying a home is impossible due to outdated assumptions about credit, income, or the need for a large down payment.[ 2] These misconceptions cause motivated buyers to sit on the sidelines and miss out. You have the power to help mortgage-ready renters become homeowners and earn lifelong clients in the process.

“As much as we read about the younger generation preferring to rent or not wanting to be locked into long-term financial obligations, homeownership is still something to which Americans aspire. Research by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) found, in its Obstacles to Home Buying study, that nearly all homebuyers across races and ethnicities agree homeownership is still the American Dream. It’s no surprise that affordability is the biggest obstacle to ownership.” -Doreen Spagnuolo, LIBOR CEO (Read the full article: Opening The Door to Home Ownership in June’s Through My Lens series.)

Buyers are not the only ones with misconceptions. Have you ever dismissed buyer programs because you thought certain locations are too expensive for down payment programs or that your buyers earn too much? Maybe you figure inventory is limited or restricted if DPA is used, or that DPA might add complexity to the transaction or prolong a deal. Many agents also assume that their buyers have to be first-time homebuyers. These are actually false conclusions and in reality, programs exist for a wide range of buyers. And your guidance could make the difference between a deal and a denial. Not too mention, agents who actively promote DPA tools aren’t just helping clients, they’re building a reputation as resourceful problem-solvers

Research indicates that 33% of denied loans are salvageable with DPA programs. [3] In addition to the increase in buyer programs nationwide [4], some programs allow the buyer to use funds for a variety of expenses such as closing or renovation costs, and some funds may push a buyer’s DTI ratio into approval status.

Even if you begin working with a buyer who hopes to receive DPA and is determined not to qualify, together you may find that they can still move forward with a home purchase, and at that point they will need your expertise and guidance more than ever.

Easy Ways to Use DPR as a Lead Generator

You’re encouraged to fully explore the numerous agent benefits offered by DPR, but there are two critical (and simple!) marketing actions that can boost your buyer leads and help more people become homeowners.

Action 1: Share Your Personalized DPR Landing Page

The Down Payment Connect landing page is personalized to you and is ready to share in your network and with prospects. Your landing page provides down payment assistance information to buyers in your area and helps to start homeownership conversations. Buyer inquiries are sent directly to your inbox via a short form. Get your link in front of as many eyes as possible — add it to your bio, email signature, social media, and any place you connect with prospects.

How to Find Your DPR Connect Link:

Login at lirealtor.com and click your MLS Dashboard link
Scroll to MLS Products and click Show More
Select the Down Payment Resource icon
On the DPR Member Page, locate your personal link under “Here is your landing page”
Copy and share the URL wherever you reach buyers

Action 2: Use the DPR Marketing Resource Library

Now that you have your personal landing page link, use the DPR marketing resources to promote it to your buyer prospects. DPR has a content library chock-full of email graphics, social media shareables, flyers and much more that you can download and hyperlink your page to. Take a look at what’s available and think about how you can use these items in your marketing routine.

How to find your DPR marketing resources: