Frequently Asked Questions

You should price your home high to leave room for negotiation

Overpricing can turn away buyers and lead to your home sitting on the market longer — often selling for less.

You don’t need to stage your home

Staged homes often sell faster and for more money. Presentation impacts buyer perception.

Spring is the only good time to sell.

Homes sell year-round. With less competition in other seasons, serious buyers may be more motivated.

Major renovations are required before selling.

Small updates and deep cleaning often have a bigger ROI than full remodels.

Open houses are essential to sell your home.

Most serious buyers schedule private showings. Online listings and virtual tours matter more today.

You need a 20% down payment to buy a home.

Many loan programs allow for down payments as low as 3-5%, and some even offer 0% down options for qualified buyers.

You must have perfect credit to qualify for a mortgage.

While good credit helps, many lenders work with buyers who have fair or even lower credit scores.

It’s cheaper to rent than to buy.

Depending on your location and long-term goals, buying can often be more due to equity growth and tax benefits.

You should always buy the biggest house you can afford.

Bigger isn’t always better—focus on your lifestyle needs, budget, and long-term plans.

You don’t need a real estate agent.

Experienced agent can save you time, money, and stress by guiding you through negotiations.

You need to be rich to invest in real estate.

There are many entry points for investors, including house hacking, REITs, and financing options.

Real estate always goes up in value.

While property generally appreciates over time, markets fluctuate. Smart investing requires research.

You have to manage everything yourself.

Property managers, real estate agents, and contractors can handle day-to-day tasks, making real estate.

Only full-time investors make real money.

Many successful investors start part-time and build wealth steadily over time while keeping their day jobs.

Flipping houses is easy money.

Flipping requires capital, market knowledge,
and renovation skills.

Being a landlord means easy, passive income.

Rental income can be steady, but managing tenants, maintenance, and legal issues takes time, effort, and planning.

You can rent to anyone as long as they pay.

Screening tenants carefully is crucial. A bad tenant can cost more in damages and missed rent than a vacant unit.

Raising rent is the best way to increase profit.

Higher rent can drive away good tenants. Sometimes maintaining a stable, long-term tenant is more profitable.

Landlords can enter the property anytime.

Tenants have rights. Laws vary by state, but landlords usually must give proper notice before entering a rental unit.

You don’t need a lease agreement if you trust the tenant.

A written lease protects both parties and outlines responsibilities, expectations, and legal recourse.

My landlord is responsible for all repairs, no matter what.

Landlords handle most maintenance, but tenants may be responsible for damage.

I can’t be evicted if I’m only a few days late on rent.

Even one missed or late payment can begin the eviction process, depending on local laws and lease terms.

If it’s not in the lease, it doesn’t matter.

Local landlord-tenant laws apply even if they’re not in the lease. it’s not written doesn’t mean you’re exempt.

My security deposit covers my last month’s rent.

Unless your lease specifically says so, the security deposit is for damages—not rent. Skipping the last payment.

I can’t be charged for normal wear and tear.

True! But there’s a fine line—landlords can charge for excessive damage, neglect, or anything beyond typical use.