5 Real Estate Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make, and if you’ve been Googling advice, chances are you’ve run into a lot of “rules” about real estate. The problem? Many of these so-called rules are just outdated myths that could actually hold you back from reaching your goals.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer in Montana, a seller in Missoula, or just curious about the process, it’s time to set the record straight. Here are 5 real estate myths you need to stop believing right now.

1. Listing in the Spring Is Always Best

It’s true that spring is a busy season in real estate—but that doesn’t mean it’s the only good time to sell your home. Here in Missoula and across Montana, serious buyers are looking year-round.

In fact, listing in fall or winter can sometimes be a strategic advantage, since there’s less competition. The key isn’t the season—it’s working with the right real estate agent who can market your property effectively, no matter the time of year.

2. The Buyer (or Seller) Is Out to Get You

Selling your home in Missoula often comes with a rollercoaster of emotions. When an inspection report shows repairs, many sellers assume the buyer is trying to “nickel and dime” them. But most of the time, that’s not true.

Buyers simply want to feel confident in the home they’re about to purchase. You both agreed on an offer—you’re on the same team now. The goal isn’t to fight; it’s to find a win-win so the deal makes it to closing.

3. The Other Agent Is the Enemy

Let’s clear this one up: the other agent isn’t plotting against you. Their job is to represent their client—just like your real estate agent represents you.

Yes, some agents are tougher negotiators than others, but at the end of the day, both sides want the same outcome: closing the deal. When you’re buying or selling a home in Montana, think of it as teamwork with two different playbooks, not a battle.

4. You Need 20% Down to Buy a House

If you’ve been holding off on buying a home because you don’t have 20% saved up, stop right there. That’s one of the biggest myths in real estate—and it keeps a lot of people stuck renting when they could be homeowners.

The truth: you can buy a home in Montana with as little as 0–3.5% down, depending on the loan program. VA loans, FHA loans, and first-time homebuyer programs can make getting into a home way more affordable than you think.

There are also grants and down payment assistance programs available in Missoula and across Montana. Instead of assuming it’s impossible, talk to a local mortgage lender. You might be closer to owning a home than you realize.

5. Home Inspections Are Pass/Fail

This one trips up a lot of out-of-state buyers moving to Missoula. In Montana, there’s no baseline “standard” a property has to meet in order to transfer ownership (with the exception of being connected to city sewer within Missoula city limits).

A home inspection doesn’t mean the property passes or fails. It’s simply information for you, the buyer, to decide whether the condition is acceptable. From there, you can negotiate repairs or walk away if it’s not the right fit.

Think of inspections as a tool for making informed decisions—not a test the house has to pass.

Final Thoughts

The real estate process can feel overwhelming, especially with so many myths floating around. By clearing up these common misconceptions, you’ll step into your home-buying or selling journey with more confidence and less stress.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Missoula, selling your Montana property, or just want to understand your options, the best move is to work with a trusted local real estate agent and lender who will give you real information—not myths.

✅ Pro Tip for First-Time Homebuyers in Montana: Don’t assume you need 20% down. Explore grants, VA loans, FHA loans, and other programs that can make homeownership more achievable than you think.