Real Estate Myths You Shouldn’t Believe (And What’s Actually True)

Buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make — and unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. As a full-time Realtor® in Bucks County for 38+ years, I’ve heard every myth in the book.

Today, I’m breaking down the most common myths and giving you the real truth so you can make confident decisions.

Myth #1: “I should price my home high so I have room to negotiate.”

Truth: Pricing too high can actually cost you money.
When a home hits the market overpriced, buyers ignore it and it sits — eventually selling for less than it should have. Homes priced correctly from day one attract more buyers and often sell faster and for a stronger price.

Myth #2: “Spring is the only good time to sell.”

Truth: Great homes sell in every season.
Yes, spring is busy, but serious buyers are active all year—especially in Bucks County, where low inventory keeps demand steady.

Myth #3: “I don’t need a Realtor because everything’s online now.”

Truth: Online tools can’t replace local expertise.
You still need pricing strategy, negotiation skills, market knowledge, and compliance with contracts and timelines. That’s where an experienced Realtor® makes a big difference.

Myth #4: “I need to renovate everything before listing.”

Truth: Small updates make the biggest impact.
Simple improvements like fresh paint, decluttering, and curb appeal offer the highest return. I help my sellers decide exactly what’s worth doing—and what isn’t.

Myth #5: “You need 20% down to buy a home.”

Truth: Buyers purchase homes every day with far less.
There are programs with 3–5% down, and VA buyers can purchase with 0% down. A good lender will help you find the right program for your budget.

Myth #6: “Zillow says my home is worth X, so that must be accurate.”

Truth: Automated estimates are only a starting point.
They don’t know your updates, location differences, school district appeal, or condition. That’s why a local market analysis is far more accurate.

Myth #7: “I should wait for interest rates to drop before buying.”

Truth: Waiting can cost you.
If the home fits your life and your budget, it’s often better to buy now and refinance later. Inventory and prices can change quickly.

Myth #8: “Open houses don’t sell homes.”

Truth: They absolutely help.
Open houses increase exposure, bring in qualified buyers, and often lead to private showings the same day.

Final Thoughts

Real estate is one part numbers, one part strategy, and one part experience. The more accurate information you have, the better your results will be.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Bucks County and want trusted guidance based on 38 years of experience, I’m here to help.

Putting You 1st Is 2nd Nature!
Marsha Hick, Realtor®
Century 21 Veterans
📲 215-431-5966
📧 MarshaHick@C21Veterans.com
🌐 MarshaHickRealtor.com