True or False: What Sellers Think They Know vs. What’s Actually True

Real estate can generate plenty of opinions, advice from distant relatives and unrealistic HGTV-inspired daydreams - but when buying or selling, separating myth from reality can save both time and money while alleviating stress.

Let's examine some of the most frequently held real estate beliefs and assess whether they're accurate.

"I don't need to speak to a lender until I find the home of my dreams."
❌ False.
By the time you find the one, someone else who got pre-approved already bought it. Getting pre-approved is step one—not an afterthought. It shows sellers you’re serious and gives you clarity on what you can actually afford. Don’t skip it.

“The Zestimate is a reliable way to price a home.”
❌ False.
Zillow doesn’t walk through homes. Zestimates can’t account for your upgraded kitchen, lot size, layout, or the barking dog next door. They’re ballpark numbers, not pricing strategy. A good agent will use real data—comps, neighborhood insights, and property specifics.

“I can negotiate more if the house has been sitting.”
✅ True.
If a home’s been on the market for a while, the seller might be open to flexibility. But a strategic offer is key. Go too low, and you risk getting ignored. Go in smart, and you might just snag a deal.

“I can waive the inspection to make my offer stronger.”
❌ False.
Yes, you can waive it—but that doesn’t mean you should. The inspection is your chance to find out if the pipes are crumbling or the roof is on its last shingle. Waiving it might get you the keys… and a renovation you didn’t plan for.

“I shouldn’t buy right now—rates are too high.”
❌ False.
If you try to time the market perfectly, you will usually miss out. You should buy the home that fits your budget and needs. If rates fall, you can refinance. But you can't go back in time to buy that home.

“New construction means no problems.”
❌ False.
No one's perfect, and builders may cut corners, change timelines or overlook small issues during construction. Inspections remain essential even if all appears fine and new paint has yet to dry and the carpet still has tags attached.

“My offer needs to be competitive to win.”
✅ True.
Even if the home seems overpriced, a strong offer shows confidence and intent. It's not just about the number—terms, timing, and certainty matter too. You can be competitive without overpaying.

“I’ll know the house is right the second I walk in.”
❌ False.
Love at first sight happens… but it’s rare. Sometimes the best home is the one you circle back to. Buying real estate is more than a feeling—it’s a major decision that deserves clear thinking (and maybe a second showing).

Market analysis should never be made solely on intuition or internet speculation; rather, it requires preparation, strategy, and solid advice. When making any move - be it buying, selling or simply exploring-- make sure your decisions are based on hard data instead of assumptions.

Need real answers and a tailored plan tailored specifically to you? Give me a call - I am here to guide and advise your decisions with ease and clarity at each stage.