15 Home Selling Myths That Could Spook Your Sale

Selling your home often comes with a lot of fear, some of it rooted in real risks, but much of it based on myths. These myths can cause you to delay listing, over-invest in unnecessary fixes, or make poor negotiation decisions.

Using data from HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights surveys and feedback from hundreds of real estate professionals nationwide, we reveal 15 home selling myths that can haunt your sale.

See what some people believe, why it’s misleading, and what’s really true so you don’t fall into traps that could cost you time, money, or peace of mind.

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Myth #1: Never accept the first offer

Myth: You should always reject the first offer because it’s almost always low, and better ones will come later.

What’s real: Sometimes, the first offer is the strongest, especially in an active market or when it’s close to your list price, comes from a cash buyer, or has few or no contingencies. Waiting might mean more time on market, which can lead to lower offers later. Data collected by HomeLight shows well-priced homes often get their strongest interest early.

»Learn more: Do I Accept the First Offer on My House, or Wait and See?

Myth #2: Only take the highest offer

Myth: The highest dollar offer is always best.

What’s real: A high offer might come with strings attached, such as large repair demands, financing delays, or contingencies that make it riskier. A slightly lower offer without the complications may close faster and more reliably. In some cases, an initially lower offer can yield higher net proceeds. Top agents recommend sellers look beyond the dollar amount and compare the full offer package.

»Learn more: How much will I make selling my home? (Proceeds Calculator)

Myth #3: Price above market value

Myth: Listing a home above what the market supports gives you wiggle room to negotiate or presents the illusion of high value.

What’s real: Overpricing often causes a home to sit too long, leading to price reductions later and fewer interested buyers. In a recent HomeLight survey, 77% of top agents nationwide cited overpricing as the No. 1 seller mistake in the current market. The majority of agents said the best strategy right now is pricing slightly below market value to attract multiple offers.

»Learn more: Should I List My House High or Low?

Myth #4: You must sell in spring or summer

Myth: The only good time to list your house is during the spring or summer months.

What’s real: While buyer traffic often rises in warmer months, listing in off-peak times can mean less competition, more motivated buyers, and possibly a faster sale. Some regions may favor different seasons, and perhaps even selling in January. Market dynamics matter more than the calendar.

»Learn more: What’s the best time to sell a house? (Search by city)

Myth #5: A part-time Realtor can get you a good deal

Myth: A part-time agent or friend with a real estate license is enough; they’ll save you money and still do a good job.

What’s real: Full-time, experienced agents often have better performance, including more accurate pricing, stronger negotiation skills, and broader marketing reach. Extra experience from a full-time, full-service Realtor can translate into more net proceeds even after paying higher fees.

»Learn more: How to Choose a Real Estate Agent for Selling Your Home

Myth #6: All listing agents are the same

Myth: Any listing agent will do; their services and results don’t differ much.

What’s real: Agents vary a lot in strategy, marketing, network, and negotiation skills. HomeLight data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents. For the best results, hire a proven professional with a high sale-to-list ratio, meaning they have a track record of selling homes at or above the list price.

»Learn more: How to Interview a Realtor in a Brief 15 Minute Phone Call

Myth #7: Discount brokers always save you money

Myth: Using a discount brokerage always cuts costs without downside.

What’s real: Yes, discount brokers lower fees, but some reduce services, providing less marketing, fewer showings, and limited negotiation. That can lead to lower offers or longer sale time, which may offset the fee savings. Using a discount or low-commission agent might also mean you must take on duties that an agent would normally handle.

»Learn more: What are discount real estate brokers, and should I use one?

Myth #8: FSBO saves you money

Myth: Selling by owner (FSBO) cuts out commission, so you’ll net more.

What’s real: FSBO homes typically sell for less than those assisted by agents. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, FSBO homes sell at a median of $380,000, while agent-assisted homes sell at a median of $435,000. So while you might initially save on the listing agent commission, you risk losing even more in your final sale price.

»Learn more: Will You Save Money Selling By Owner?

Myth #9: Family photos help your home sell

Myth: Keeping family decor and personal photos in showings makes your home feel warm, lived in, and appealing.

What’s real: While warmth matters, buyers want to visualize their lives in the space. Personal items can distract. Neutral depersonalized spaces tend to help more buyers connect and see potential. In slower markets, top agents recommend staging to help buyers picture themselves living in the home.

»Learn more: How to Depersonalize Your Home to Sell

Myth #10: Fix everything before you list

Myth: You must repair every little flaw, from floors to fixtures, to avoid hurting your sale.

What’s real: Prioritize repairs that affect safety or systems (roof, electrical, structural). Cosmetic issues are less critical if they don’t deter buyers or affect inspections. Over-investing in low-ROI fixes can eat into your proceeds. A top agent can guide you on what level of repairs is fitting for your home and market.

»Learn more: Don’t Fix These 7 Things When Selling Your House

Myth #11: Renovations always boost value

Myth: Big remodels, such as kitchen, bath, and adding an ADU, always deliver a boost in sale price that exceeds cost.

What’s real: Some renovations or upgrades carry high ROI, but others don’t. Even good ones might not recoup the full cost or end up working against you. A myth within this myth is that converting a garage into a bedroom will increase home value. In many cases, a garage conversion can lower a home’s resale value. The value of a renovation depends on the market, location, and the cost and quality of work.

»Learn more: Should You Renovate Your House Before Selling?

Myth #12: Open houses are required

Myth: If you don’t hold open houses, buyers won’t notice your home; you won’t generate buzz.

What’s real: Open houses sometimes help for visibility, but many buyers tour by appointment or rely on online listings first. The cost (time, prep, public access) doesn’t always justify the return, especially in well-marketed homes or when digital marketing is strong. A top agent with powerful marketing skills can often forgo open houses.

»Learn more: Are Open Houses Worth It? When One Might Make Sense

Myth #13: Wait for interest rates to drop

Myth: You should wait until mortgage rates fall before listing, so more buyers will be shopping for homes.

What’s real: Interest rates are just one factor. Market demand, inventory, home condition, and your own timing often matter more. Rates might not drop when you want them to, and waiting could mean missing peak demand or incurring carrying costs. In addition, if rates drop significantly, more sellers will jump into the market, increasing your competition.

»Learn more: How to Decide if Now Is a Good Time to Sell

Myth #14: You can skip disclosures if selling as-is

Myth: If you sell “as-is,” you don’t need to fill out disclosure forms.

What’s real: Even if you sell as-is, there are legal disclosure requirements in many states. Failing to disclose known issues can lead to legal liabilities, renegotiation delays, or future lawsuits. Check your state’s disclosure rules; they usually mandate disclosure of defects you know about. An experienced local agent can guide you on what’s required.

»Learn more: What Are You Required to Disclose When You Sell Your Home?

Myth #15: Online estimates reflect true home value

Myth: Automated estimates from sites like Zillow or Redfin provide a reliable picture of what your home will sell for.

What’s real: Online automated valuations are a starting point, not the final word. They’re based on public data and past sales, but can’t fully capture condition, location nuances, or buyer demand shifts. For accurate pricing, an experienced agent will provide a comparative market analysis (CMA). If you have a unique property or you’re in a challenging market, you might want a pre-listing appraisal.

»Learn more: Should I Get an Appraisal Before Selling My House?

Bonus myth: You have to sell before you can buy

Myth: Most sellers believe they must sell their current home first in order to buy their next one. That means juggling timelines, risking two moves, or making offers contingent on a sale.

What’s real: Innovative programs like HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell allow you to unlock your home equity and buy your next home first. You can shop with confidence, avoid contingent offers, and move on your own timeline — then sell your old home after you’re settled. Buy before you sell programs streamline the entire process.

»Learn more: How to Buy a House Before You Sell Yours

Don’t let home selling myths haunt your plans

Selling a home can be frightening, but you don’t have to step into the market alone. With the right agent partner and a plan, you can avoid wasted time and money and remove unnecessary anxiety created by false fears. 

The truth is, every market and home is different, and relying on facts, expert advice, and the right tools will help you sell smarter. If one of these myths has been holding you back, now you know what’s real — and you can move forward with confidence.

HomeLight is here to help. Our free Agent Match Platform analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

More free home selling tools from HomeLight:

• Seller Closing Cost Calculator
• Best Time To Sell Calculator
• Net Proceeds Calculator
• Agent Commissions Calculator
• Home Value Estimator

Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr / Unsplash)