Real Estate Propaganda We’re Not Falling For

The real estate space is full of recycled headlines, outdated assumptions, and half-true soundbites. But in a market like Austin, where conditions are shifting fast and buyers finally have leverage, it’s more important than ever to sort fact from fiction. Here's what we're hearing in the wild — and what the data (and day-to-day reality) actually shows:

"Zillow says it's worth X, so that must be right."

Zillow's Zestimate is a rough algorithm. It doesn't walk your property, understand the nuances of your remodel, or account for that odd floor plan that kills showing traffic. In Austin's complex market — with its pockets, micro-neighborhoods, and drastic differences between blocks — automated values often miss the mark by tens (or hundreds) of thousands. Pricing a home correctly takes context, strategy, and a deep understanding of what's happening right now in your submarket.

"It's cheaper to rent right now."

Maybe — if you're looking only at upfront monthly costs. But rent in Austin remains steep, and you’re building someone else’s equity while absorbing 100% of the cost. With seller concessions, temporary rate buydowns, and lower purchase prices, some buyers are locking in monthly payments lower than Class A rents. Plus, owning gives you mortgage interest deductions, appreciation potential, and control over your future.

"No one is buying homes in this economy."

False. Savvy buyers are buying — because they’re getting deals they couldn’t touch two years ago. Yes, interest rates are higher. But buyers are negotiating price, seller-paid closing costs, inspection repairs, and flexible timelines. That kind of leverage didn’t exist in the 2021 frenzy. It does now. And those who buy strategically now can always refinance later.

"I need to remodel everything before I list."

Not necessarily. In this market, over-improving can cut into your bottom line. The key is identifying which updates actually improve perceived value and which ones won’t return your investment. In many cases, professional staging, deep cleaning, and light cosmetic refreshes make a stronger impact than expensive remodels. Let the buyer bring their own vision — and budget — to the table.

"I'll just wait for the market to crash."

We’re not seeing signs of a crash — we’re seeing a correction. The COVID boom inflated values quickly, and we’ve now leveled back to 2019–2020 price points in many segments. That’s a normalization, not a collapse. If you're waiting for a 2008-style price drop, you may be waiting forever. In the meantime, you could be missing out on buying when motivated sellers are in the mix.

"I'll list high — I can always come down."

This strategy kills momentum. Listings get the most attention in their first 7-10 days. If buyers think you're overpriced, you lose that initial buzz and showings slow down. Worse, price reductions often signal desperation. Instead, price strategically from day one. You might even get competing offers — and sell above asking if you hit the right number.

"Downtown is overbuilt — I'll wait for prices to drop more."

Downtown Austin has seen a surge of new construction, and yes, inventory is high. But that also means buyers have leverage: developers are negotiating on upgrades, HOA dues, and even pricing. The dip has already happened in many buildings — and we’re now seeing signs of stabilization. Waiting further might mean missing the window where sellers are still flexible. If you've dreamed of owning in a luxury high-rise, this is your time to shop with power.

"Now's not a good time to make a move."

There is no "perfect" market. There is only the right time for you. If you're waiting for some external signal to make your move, you might miss your own ideal window. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, investing, or relocating — we help you make a move that fits your goals, not just the market's mood.

Bottom line?

There’s always going to be noise in real estate. Our job is to help you cut through it, read the current market clearly, and make confident decisions. Want to talk strategy for buying or selling in Austin right now? Let’s connect.