Debunking 6 Common Real Estate Myths Buyers Still Believe

Buying a home is a huge milestone—but let’s face it, it can also be overwhelming. With so much information (and misinformation) floating around, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing common real estate myths. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, it's important to know what’s fact and what’s fiction. Let's clear the air and talk through some of the biggest misconceptions we hear all the time:

1. “I don’t need a Realtor.”

Technically? No, you're not required to use a Realtor to buy a home. But here's the thing—you're also not required to have someone professionally cut your hair, yet most people still do. Why? Because no one wants to walk around with a mess.

It might sound like a silly analogy, but buying a home is one of the biggest financial investments you’ll ever make. There’s a lot that can go wrong if you don’t have someone guiding you who knows what they’re doing.

A licensed real estate agent brings invaluable experience to the table: helping you find the right home, negotiate the best price and terms, navigate the paperwork, and even access off-market listings. More importantly, we help you avoid costly pitfalls and take stress off your plate.

2. “List price is the only negotiable factor.”

Think price is all that matters when making an offer? Think again.

There’s actually a whole list of negotiable items in a home purchase—many of which can make or break a deal. Things like the closing date, possession terms, seller concessions, home warranties, needed repairs, and more can all be leveraged in your favor.

We pride ourselves on uncovering those key insights and using them to strategically position our buyers for success.

3. “New construction is the ‘safest’ option.”

We get it—new homes are shiny, fresh, and (supposedly) problem-free. But from personal experience buying a new construction home in 2023, we can tell you firsthand: it's not always smooth sailing.

While new builds offer great perks, they’re not foolproof. Delays, miscommunications, and surprise costs can happen. That’s why we work closely with builders before and after closing to ensure our clients feel confident and cared for throughout the entire process.

4. “I have to wait for the ‘perfect’ market.”

This is probably the most common myth of all. We hear it constantly: “We’re just waiting for the market to improve.”

Here’s the truth—there’s no such thing as a perfect market. When interest rates are low, buyer competition skyrockets. When rates rise, prices may dip, but borrowing becomes more expensive. Every market has its pros and cons.

Rather than wait, we help our clients make smart decisions now. We also work with lenders who offer refinance programs so you can lock in your dream home today and potentially lower your rate later.

5. “I need a 20% down payment to buy a home.”

This one stops a lot of buyers in their tracks, especially first-timers. While a 20% down payment can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), it’s not required.

There are plenty of loan options available with as little as 3-5% down—and in some cases, zero down. We work closely with trusted lenders who can walk you through your options and help you find a program that fits your budget and goals.

6. “Getting pre-approved can wait until I find the perfect home.”

This is like shopping for a car without knowing your budget—risky and often disappointing.

Getting pre-approved before you start seriously house hunting gives you clarity on what you can afford, helps your offer stand out in a competitive market, and speeds up the process when you do find “the one.” Bonus: sellers take you more seriously when they know you’re financially ready.

Bottom line: Don’t let myths keep you from moving forward in your home-buying journey. A knowledgeable Realtor can walk you through the process, bust the myths, and help you make confident, informed decisions.