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 “Love it or List it,” “Million Dollar Listing,” “House Hunters,” “Property Brothers,” and so many more all in one sitting.
When you’re in the middle of your real estate themed show marathon, you might start to think that everything you see on TV must be how it works in real life, but 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.
Myth #2: The houses the buyers are touring are still for sale.
Truth: Everything is staged for TV. Many of the homes being 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.
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 are only a PIECE of the overall marketing of your home. Keep in mind that many homes are sold during regular listing appointments as well.
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/goals.
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High mortgage rates in 2025 slowed home sales, but improvement is expected starting in 2026. Experts predict existing home sales may ↑ 10–15% as conditions improve in 2026.
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Mortgage Rate Predictionsfor Q3 2025
Long Forecast predicts slight drops: July 6.84%, August 6.79%, September 6.74%. MBA expects 6.7% average in Q3; NAR, Realtor.com see 6.2%–6.4% by year-end. 15-year fixed rates forecasted to drop from 6.01% in July to 5.88% in September. Experts expect gradual rate...
Are mortgage rates falling? What homebuyers need to know
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The Salt Lake metro area is shifting to a renter’s market after an apartment construction boom.
Apartment vacancy rates rose to 7.1% in July, signaling an overbuilt market with slowed rent growth. Despite high rents, the market favors renters, with rent days on market decreasing. Utah's average rent dropped to $1,399 in 2025, causing many to delay home...
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The Fed held rates at 4.25–4.5%, ignoring Trump’s calls for aggressive cuts. Trump imposed steep tariffs, triggering fears of price hikes on goods and vehicles.
How to Know if a Home Fits Your Lifestyle?
Research local schools even if you don’t have kids — they influence home values. Consider internet availability and speed, especially for remote work or streaming needs.
Are Buyers Really Optimistic About Housing?
Over half of U.S. buyers feel the market is better than last year, showing cautious optimism. Seventy-five percent of buyers are waiting for lower prices and interest rates before purchasing homes.
Why You Should Move to Utah
Suburbs of Salt Lake City are booming with new homes. Low unemployment and tech sector growth fuel migration. Affordable pricing compared to West Coast states. Access to skiing, hiking, and national parks. Ideal for families seeking active, balanced lifestyles.
