Learn to spot the myths from the real-life when you’re watching one of the popular property-themed TV shows.
Have you ever been flipping through the channels, only to find yourself glued to the couch in an HGTV binge session? We’ve all been there, watching entire seasons of shows like “Property Brothers,” “Fixer Upper,” and “Love It or List It,” all in one sitting.
When you’re in the middle of your real estate-themed TV show marathon, you might start to think everything you see on the screen must be how it works in real-life. However, you may need a reality check.
Reality TV Show Myths vs. Real-Life
Myth #1: Buyers look at 3 homes and decide to purchase one of them.
Truth: There may be buyers who fall in love and buy the first home they see, but according to the National Association of Realtors, the average homebuyer tours 10 homes as a part of their search.
Kathy Sperl-Bell’s touch of real-life: “Our Buyers do not fit the “average.” At Active Adults Realty, we start by looking at different parts of Delaware, then several different communities, and finally we will look at the homes for sale in those communities. Some people will look at dozens of homes, while others will decide on the community and choose a home that’s available for sale in that community.”
Myth #2: The houses the buyers are touring are still for sale.
Truth: Everything is staged for TV. Many of the homes shown are already sold and are off the market.
Myth #3: The buyers haven’t made a purchase decision yet.
Truth: Since there is no way to show the entire buying process in a 30-minute show, TV producers often choose buyers who are further along in the process and have already chosen a home to buy.
Kathy Sperl-Bell’s touch of real-life: The entire buying process for someone planning to retire and relocate can take more than a year and several trips to become familiar with the area. Some of our clients have even begun the process several years before their retirement, so HGTV’s 30-minute decision is just not real for them.
Myth #4: If you list your home for sale, it will ALWAYS sell at the open house.
Truth: Of course, this would be great! Open houses are important to guarantee the most exposure to buyers in your area, but they are only one piece of the overall marketing of your home. Keep in mind, many homes are sold during regular showing appointments as well.
Kathy Sperl-Bell’s touch of real-life: Are Open Houses effective? That depends on location. Consult with your Listing Agent to decide what works in a neighborhood like yours and together, you will put together a Marketing Plan to get your home sold.
Myth #5: Homeowners decide to sell their homes after a 5-minute conversation.
Truth: Similar to the buyers portrayed on the shows, many of the sellers have already spent hours deliberating the decision to list their homes and move on with their lives and goals.
Kathy Sperl-Bell’s touch of real-life: On the Selling side, the decision to sell after living in an area and raising a family is not one made lightly. Most of our clients have thought long and hard about whether to sell and if so, when. Change does not come easy, certainly not after a 5-minute conversation.
Source: Keeping Current Matters, http://bit.ly/2Nfpx8x
While the property-themed real estate TV shows are entertaining to watch, it’s vital to remember what you’re seeing on TV isn’t an exact portrayal of real-life. It’s hard to fit what truly happens into a 30- or 60-minute time slot. My team and I here at Active Adults Realty are happy to answer your questions and work with you when you’re house hunting or planning to sell your home. We’ll take as much time as needed so you don’t feel rushed. Our promise to you, is we won’t squeeze your house story into a rushed 30-minutes. Reach out today to start the conversation.
The post Busting the Myths: Comparing Reality Real Estate TV Shows to Real-Life appeared first on Active Adults Delaware Blog.