This week’s edition is brought to you by: a brand-new roof, three ballgames, and me trying to Google “how to get Aquaphor out of a toddler’s hair” at 11:30 PM. (Spoiler: You don’t. You just accept the shine and move on.) 😅
While I was scrubbing CK’s head like a greased watermelon, it got me thinking — there are a lot of messy myths floating around the real estate world too. So today, we’re tackling some of the biggest real estate myths I hear as a Realtor… and busting them with the same energy I used to wrestle that Aquaphor bottle out of CK’s hands.
Let’s dive in!
🧢 Myth #1: “Buyers’ agents work for free.”
Spoiler alert: We don’t — and we never have. 😅
But thanks to a lot of buzz around the recent NAR settlement, it’s time for some real talk.
👉 Here’s the truth:
Buyers’ agents provide a professional service — helping you find the right home, navigate negotiations, manage inspections, avoid pitfalls, and sometimes draft offers while juggling ball schedules and snack sign-ups. 💁♀️
In the past, it was common (but never required) for the seller to offer compensation to the buyer’s agent. The new NAR ruling doesn’t actually change that — sellers were never obligated to pay us. What it does change is how those conversations are handled and disclosed.
🚨 Now, buyer agents are required to have clear agreements with their buyers that explain how they get paid — especially if a seller isn’t offering compensation. That could mean:
- The buyer pays directly,
- The agent requests compensation as part of the offer,
- Or other creative solutions — all discussed up front.
So no, we don’t work for free. But we do work for YOU — and that’s worth having a clear, honest conversation at the start of your home search.
📣 Bottom line: Ask your agent (hi, that’s me 👋) how they’re compensated and what’s expected. It’s not awkward — it’s smart.
Because when you’re buying one of the biggest investments of your life, you want someone in your corner who’s not just along for the ride — but fighting for the best outcome every step of the way.
🏷️ Myth #2: “You don’t need a pre-approval to start house hunting.”
Technically, no one’s going to stop you from browsing Zillow at midnight with a bowl of cereal in hand. But if you’re serious about buying? You need to be pre-approved — not just pre-qualified — before you hit the ground running (or show up at an open house hoping to make an offer).
👉 Here’s the difference:
- Pre-qualified means you gave a lender a general idea of your income and debts, and they gave you a ballpark number in return. It’s casual. It’s like saying “we should totally hang out sometime.”
- Pre-approved means they’ve reviewed your credit, documents, and verified your financials. Now we’re in “meet the parents” territory — this is serious. Pre-approval tells sellers you’re not just browsing — you’re ready to buy.
💡 Pro tip: Not all lenders are created equal. When choosing one, look for:
- Great communication (because no one has time to chase down paperwork mid-baseball practice),
- Competitive rates and fees (ask for a loan estimate!),
- A solid reputation (ask your agent — I’ve got faves 😉),
- And a pre-approval letter with actual numbers — not just a vague promise.
A strong pre-approval = a stronger offer = you winning the bidding war and doing a happy dance in your future living room.
🏠 Myth #3: “You’ll know the one the second you walk in.”
Sometimes, yes — a buyer walks in, hears the angels sing, and instantly knows it’s home. But more often? It’s a little less love-at-first-sight and a little more “let’s go back and see it one more time… maybe in better lighting… after coffee.”
👉 Here’s the truth:
Falling in love with a house can take time — and that’s okay! We can see it in the morning, in the evening, during nap time, snack time, or right after your kid’s doubleheader. We can go back to measure the backyard for that batting cage you’ve always dreamed of — or maybe to plan out a future patio with twinkle lights and a grill station.
I want you to feel confident. I want you to be sure. What I don’t want is to go see the same house 15 times like it’s part of a school science project. 😅
So yes — we’ll take the time you need. But just remember: no house is perfect. Focus on the bones, the layout, the location — the stuff you can’t change with paint and throw pillows.
Bottom line? You don’t have to “just know.” You just have to know it feels right enough to write the offer — and I’ll help you figure that out every step of the way.
🕵️♀️ Myth #4: “You can skip the inspection — the house looks fine.”
Oh honey… please don’t do this. 🙃
Just because a home has fresh paint, pretty floors, and smells like cinnamon candles doesn’t mean it’s structurally sound. I’ve walked into houses that looked like a Pinterest dream, only to have inspections reveal foundation cracks, roof leaks, busted HVAC systems, or septic tanks that were one bad flush away from disaster. 💩
👉 Here’s the truth:
Inspections are not a formality. They’re your safety net.
Whether it’s a 1970s ranch or brand new construction — you need to inspect it.
Yes, even the shiny new house that still smells like drywall dust. Problems don’t discriminate by age.
💡 Inspections I always recommend:
- ✅ Whole home inspection
- ✅ Roof inspection
- ✅ Termite/pest inspection
- ✅ Septic inspection (if applicable — and trust me, you don’t want to skip this)
- ✅ Radon and water testing if it fits your area
- ✅ Builder’s warranty walkthrough for new construction
It might feel like overkill at the time, but it can save you thousands later — and give you peace of mind when you’re signing your life away at closing.
Pro tip: Don’t just hire anyone with a flashlight and a clipboard. I’ve got a list of trusted inspectors who’ll crawl under crawlspaces, climb roofs, and check every outlet like it’s their own home. Let me know — I’ll hook you up.