Buying or selling a home can be a confusing or tedious process. With so much information available, there are several misconceptions that can pose potential problems for buyers or sellers when participating in the current real estate market. Below are 6 common myths when it comes to buying or selling a home. 

MYTH: Hiring a real estate agent is a waste of time. 

TRUTH: Whether you are selling or buying, hiring a real estate agent has a number of benefits. For buyers, working with an agent helps you navigate the task of finding the right home, making a fair offer, and what happens after your offer has been accepted. For sellers, hiring a realtor will help you determine the best price to list your home, what upgrades or changes need to be made, and will be able to walk you through the closing process. 

MYTH: All realtors are the same. 

TRUTH: You want to find a realtor who has experience in the market you intend to purchase a home in. Your realtor should be familiar with the neighborhood and what other homes are selling for in the area. If you are a first time buyer or investor, working with an agent who is familiar with your situation will benefit you most in the long run.

MYTH: All upgrades to your home will increase the value of your home.

TRUTH: Not all upgrades to your home will show a return on investment. Consulting with your agent about what projects should be completed prior to listing your home is a good way to isolate which will get you the best bang for your buck.   

MYTH: Real Estate websites always show the most up to date market availability. 

TRUTH: While online realtor websites collect a ton of useful data and offer great information for both buyers and sellers, the information is not always the most up to date. A listing on Zillow.com, for example, may show that it is still active when in reality it is under contract already. When in doubt, check with your agent to confirm if the property is still available. 

MYTH: Inspections aren't always necessary.  

TRUTH: Regardless of the state of the home, inspections are important when purchasing a home. Whether or not a home was well taken care of, having a thorough inspection done to the home helps to ensure you are prepared what projects may be down the line or negotiate with the seller if necessary.