5 COSTLY MYTHS ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE MARKET TODAY

Reggie MacIntosh
Oct 19
3 min read

(Updated for Vancouver’s 2025 market)

We've all heard people say them before:

It's a buyer's market...

you should wait until interest rates lower before you buy...

spring is the only time to sell...

...But are these really true, or just well-worn real estate clichés that don’t reflect what’s actually happening in Vancouver’s housing market?

Below are five of the most common myths I hear from buyers and sellers — and how taking a thoughtful, design-driven approach can turn the truth behind them into your advantage.

1. “Spring is the only time to sell.”

TRUTH:

While spring often brings more listings, it also brings more competition. Serious buyers are active year-round — especially in Vancouver, where lifestyle, relocations, and timing needs vary.

Identify the moment when your home will stand out most — that’s not always spring.
Use lighting, photography, and staging that make your home feel bright and inviting in every season.
Plan your launch strategically to attract early attention and maintain momentum.

I help clients position their homes so timing works for them — not against them — no matter the season.

2. “List high so you have room to negotiate.”

TRUTH:

Overpricing deters buyers and leads to slower sales. In Vancouver’s analytical market, well-priced homes create excitement and often sell faster — sometimes for more.

Price based on data and buyer psychology, not guesswork.
Present your home in a way that highlights design quality and lifestyle value.
Build interest immediately through targeted marketing and strong first impressions.

My role is to turn numbers into narratives — crafting listings that spark interest, not hesitation.

3. “A seller’s market leaves buyers powerless.”

TRUTH:

Prepared, informed buyers still succeed — they just need a plan that helps them move quickly and confidently. Not every listing is priced or marketed effectively, and those gaps create opportunity.

Recognize when a property is undervalued or misrepresented.
Present your offer clearly, credibly, and with confidence — presentation counts.
Be ready to act decisively when the right home appears.

I help buyers read between the lines of the market and spot potential others overlook — so preparation becomes their advantage.

4. “Renovations always pay for themselves.”

TRUTH:

Big renovations rarely deliver full returns, but small, well-chosen updates can be game-changers. Paint, lighting, hardware, and decluttering often do more for perceived value than major overhauls.

Focus on improvements that enhance first impressions and livability.
Avoid overinvesting in projects that won’t match buyer priorities.
Use subtle design choices to make your home photograph and show beautifully.

With an architectural background, I help clients invest where it counts — visually, emotionally, and strategically.

5. “You don’t need a REALTOR® to buy or sell a home.”

TRUTH:

Online listings offer information, but not interpretation. Vancouver’s real estate process involves contracts, strata documents, and local regulations that deserve expert navigation.

Understand market value and negotiation strategy before you act.
Present your home or offer with clarity, professionalism, and credibility.
Stay protected through due diligence, coordination, and clear communication.

My job goes beyond listings and paperwork — I help clients make confident, informed decisions at every step.

THE TAKEAWAY

Real estate myths persist because they sound simple. But in Vancouver’s evolving market, success depends on understanding the details — from pricing and timing to presentation and follow-through.

When we work together, I help you see beyond the headlines, avoid costly mistakes, and move forward with clarity and confidence — whether you’re buying, selling, or simply exploring your next step.