Television makes everything look so easy.  When it comes to buying a home in Alexandria VA, a process that can take months can be wrapped up in 22 minutes when it's been compressed by reality tv.  As a buyer agent, I can share countless stories about how the many simplicities of tv don't transfer over to real life.  So before you continue your search for Alexandria VA homes, take a look at the list below that breaks down Five Myths About Reality TV.

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.

Bottom Line

Having an experienced professional on your side while navigating the real estate market is the best way to guarantee you can make the home of your dreams a true reality.

With 22 years of selling real estate under my belt, I can tell you that buyers who have the most successful transactions and most pleasant buying experience, start with a initial consultation.  Real estate in Northern Virginia is its own beast.  There are many hyperlocal mini markets from Arlington to Alexandria to Woodbridge.  It's worth it to invest 30 minutes of your time to sit down with me so that I can provide you with an overview of the market and show you what to expect throughout the homebuying process.  You'll also receive a 3-ring binder to keep that will include a detailed explanation of the process, a separate homebuyer guide, blank copies of the purchase contract, the buyer agency agreement, and copies of state and federal disclosures.  There's no obligation, so give me a call today at 703-623-8759 to schedule your appointment.