The Top Myths About Real Estate, Debunked

Real Estate Tips
October 30, 2026

Real Estate Myths That Scare Buyers and Sellers

Halloween is the season for scary stories, and real estate has plenty of its own. Some get passed along by friends and family, some come from headlines, and a few were true once but aren’t anymore. Believing them can cost you money, or keep you from a move that makes sense. Here are some of the most common myths among Encinitas buyers and sellers, and the truth behind each one.

Myth 1: You Need 20% Down to Buy a Home

Putting 20% down lets you skip private mortgage insurance on a conventional loan, but it isn’t a requirement. The median down payment for first-time buyers was 10% in the National Association of REALTORS’ 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, and many loan programs allow less. Here’s more on how much you need for a down payment.

Myth 2: Home Prices Always Go Up

Over the long run, Encinitas has been a strong place to own a home, but prices don’t rise in a straight line, and different kinds of homes can move in different directions at the same time. In September, the median price of a detached home in Encinitas was up 5.6% from a year earlier, while the median condo price was down 4%, according to the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS. Buy a home because it fits your life and your budget, not because you’re counting on a quick gain. If you’re buying as an investment, read should I invest in real estate? first.

Myth 3: Pricing High Leaves Room to Negotiate

Overpricing usually backfires. Buyers and their agents compare every listing with recent sales, so a home priced too high tends to sit, and then sell after price cuts. In September, Encinitas detached homes sold for 94.1% of their original list price, down from 96.1% a year earlier, according to the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS. Much of that gap is the cost of starting too high. Here’s how to approach setting the right price.

Myth 4: Spring Is the Only Time to Sell

Spring brings more buyers, but it also brings more competing listings. Buyers who shop in fall and winter tend to be serious, often working against a job start or a lease ending, and your home faces less competition. If you’re planning to list in spring anyway, now is the time to get ready. Here’s how to tell if you’re prepared to sell your home in the spring.

Myth 5: You’ll Save Money Doing It Without an Agent

Pricing, marketing, negotiating repair requests and keeping escrow on track all take experience, and a mistake in any of them can cost more than you expected to save. California’s disclosure requirements alone are a lot to manage. An experienced agent knows the local market, the paperwork and the real estate terms that trip people up.

Myth 6: All Agents Are the Same

Agents have different strengths, different local knowledge and different ways of working. Interview more than one, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, read reviews, and ask each agent how they would price and market your home. Here’s how to find a top real estate agent in Encinitas.

Don’t Let a Myth Make Your Decision

Linda Moore has lived in Encinitas since 1977 and has spent decades helping buyers and sellers separate fact from fiction. If you’re thinking about buying or selling and want straight answers about your situation, get in touch with Linda today.