5 Real Estate Misconceptions That Might Be Holding You Back

Buying or selling a home is a huge milestone. It’s exciting, it’s stressful, and it’s often one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. The problem? There’s so much advice out there, and not all of it is good. In fact, some of the most common “tips” people share are actually myths that can lead you in the wrong direction.

Let’s clear things up. Here are five real estate myths I hear all the time, and what’s actually true.

Myth #1: You Need 20% Down to Buy a Home

This one comes up constantly. Somewhere along the way, “20% down” became the magic number people believe you need to buy a house.

The truth? You don’t.

While putting 20% down can help you avoid PMI (private mortgage insurance), it’s not a requirement. Many buyers purchase with as little as 3% down, and certain programs like VA and USDA loans even offer 0% down for qualified buyers.

Don’t put your dreams on hold waiting years to save a 20% down payment. In some cases, waiting could actually cost you more if prices or interest rates rise.

Myth #2: Spring Is the Only Good Time to Sell

Yes, spring gets a lot of buzz in real estate, flowers bloom, the weather’s nice, and many families want to move before the next school year. But it’s far from the only time to sell.

In fact, fall and winter often bring motivated buyers who are serious about making a move. Add in fewer listings (less competition for you), and selling outside of spring can actually work to your advantage.

Instead of trying to time the market perfectly, focus on selling when it’s right for you. and pricing your home strategically.

Myth #3: Renting Is Always Cheaper Than Buying

This one depends on the situation, but it’s not automatically true. Renting might feel cheaper in the short term, but over time the math usually works out differently.

When you rent, every dollar goes to your landlord. When you own, part of your monthly payment builds equity, which is basically forced savings and long-term wealth. Plus, with a fixed-rate mortgage, your payment stays steady while rent almost always goes up.

In many markets, buying can actually be more affordable than renting, especially as rents continue to rise.

Myth #4: You Should Price Your Home High to Leave Room to Negotiate

It might sound smart to “aim high and come down later,” but in today’s market, overpricing is one of the fastest ways to turn off serious buyers.

People shopping for homes are savvy. They’re comparing listings online every day, and they know when something is overpriced. If your home sits on the market too long, it can create that dreaded “stale listing” vibe and even attract lowball offers.

Homes priced right from the start tend to get more attention, more offers, and often sell for more in the end.

Myth #5: All Agents Are Basically the Same

Not true at all. Real estate isn’t just about putting a sign in the yard or unlocking doors for showings. The right agent makes a huge difference.

A strong agent brings local market knowledge, a pricing and marketing strategy, negotiation skills, and a network of trusted professionals to guide the process smoothly.

Who you work with really does matter. The right agent can save you time, money, and stress.

Final Thought

Real estate myths are everywhere, and it’s easy to get tripped up by bad advice. But when you have the right information (and the right agent 👋), the process becomes a whole lot clearer, and often more profitable.

Have a question or heard a myth you’re not sure about? Send me a message. I’d love to help clear it up.

Taylor Tebeau
Your Local Real Estate Expert
RY Home Team | Realty ONE Group
📲 623.294.4200 | 📧 taylor@ryhometeam.coom
Instagram: @azhomeswithtaylor