WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT? Equity, or a low payment?

The median home price in Seattle is aproximately $790,000.  Although the value of real estate is always in flux, up it goes, consistantly, for decades, 5-7% a year.  It’s a yoyo on an escalator.  If you buy in a neighborhood with average potential, and buy at value, you’ll likely make about 200k over 5 years on a $790,000. home.  You can put as little as 0% down (true, let’s talk) or maybe 20% of the total purchase price down, and earn equity on the total value of that home.