Myths of the Real Estate World

I hear it all the time- “agents only open doors and turn on the lights”, or “I’ll buy a FSBO and it will be cheaper”, or even ” I can’t buy a home because I don’t have the 20% to put down”. Guess what- none of these are 100% true, as long as you have a great agent!

As an agent, getting you to a showing and opening the door is barely the first step. I personally will plan a meeting to see what you are wanting in your new property, what your numbers look like, we will get you preapproved, set you up on an MLS search, and THEN I will unlock the doors for you. Once you find the one, I negotiate terms, schedule and show up to all inspections, I personally pick up your checks and take them to whoever they are addressed, and handle everything all the way to the closing table. And yes- I show up to every closing! My clients do not hire me just to show them a property and leave, they hire me to guide and direct them through one of the biggest (and possibly most stressful) decisions of their life!

Why do some people think For Sale By Owner properties are cheaper? If you see a FSBO, the seller probably has not had an agent consultation and they have no idea what their home is worth. You could end up with a disaster, or even pay way over market value. On top of this, as a buyer with a FSBO, you are usually the one to pay your buyer agent compensation. For most MLS listings, the seller pays this for you! FSBOs are great, but make sure you know what you’re getting into. I have sold 2 and have another under contract right now- because my clients trust me to know what to do. Again,  I’m handling all inspections, attorney conversations, and even answering some seller questions. As a FSBO seller, you are on your own with all documents and transactions for this process. Leave it to me!

I think the biggest myth of all is needing 20% down to buy a house. All of my current and previous clients have been either FHA, VA, or USDA approved. FHA has them at a 3.5% down payment, while VA and USDA didn’t require a dime! If this is something you want more information on, give me a call. Home buying is not as crazy as you may think, and there are always options to get to the finish line.

What other myths have you heard? What about these has you questioning? I’d love to chat- reach out today!