Busting the Biggest Real Estate Myths: Buyers & Sellers

Following up on last week's episode, we're going to dive into myths specifically for buyers and sellers.

1  - Spring is the only time to sell

• Myth: Homes only sell quickly or for top dollar in the spring.
• Reality: While spring sees more activity, serious buyers shop year-round. Low inventory in fall/winter can actually mean less competition for sellers.

2  - You should price high to leave room to negotiate

• Myth: Setting a higher price means you’ll “meet in the middle.”
• Reality: Overpricing often backfires—homes sit longer, attract fewer buyers, and may sell for less than if priced correctly from the start.

3  - You don’t need an agent in the internet age

• Myth: With Zillow and Redfin, you can buy or sell on your own.
• Reality: An experienced agent adds value in pricing, negotiation, contracts, inspections, and avoiding costly mistakes that online sites can’t cover.

4  - Open houses sell homes

• Myth: Most buyers find their home at an open house.
• Reality: Over 90% of buyers start online. Open houses are useful for exposure, but most sales come from online marketing and private showings.

5  - All renovations add value

• Myth: Any improvement increases resale value.
• Reality: Some updates (kitchens, baths) bring strong ROI, while others (pools, luxury fixtures) may not recoup costs, depending on market.

6  - Cash buyers always get big discounts

• Myth: Sellers will accept much less for cash.
• Reality: Cash is attractive (fewer contingencies, faster close), but sellers still care about net proceeds. A strong financed offer can compete.

7  - You need 20% down to buy a home

• Myth: Buyers must save for years before purchasing.
• Reality: Many loans allow 3–5% down, VA and USDA require 0%, and down payment assistance programs exist.

8  - The Zestimate is the true home value

• Myth: Online estimates are accurate and reliable.
• Reality: Algorithms can be off by tens of thousands. A professional CMA (comparative market analysis) accounts for local trends and property condition.

9 - All agents are the same

• Myth: Any licensed real estate agent provides equal service.
• Reality: Experience, marketing strategy, negotiation skills, and local expertise vary widely—choosing the right agent impacts results.

10 - If a home hasn’t sold, something must be wrong with it

• Myth: A home that sits unsold is flawed.
• Reality: The main culprit is usually price or marketing, not the home itself. Adjusting those factors often gets results.