Eugene Real Estate Myths That Could Be Costing You Money

Eugene Real Estate Myths That Could Be Costing You Money
Don’t let outdated advice or online rumors steer your next big move.

If you’ve been living in Eugene for a while—maybe in a starter home, or even a rental you’ve outgrown—you might be thinking about your next step. Should you buy? Sell? Wait?

And just as soon as the idea crosses your mind, the opinions start pouring in. A friend says you must wait until spring. A neighbor insists you need 20% down. Your uncle swears you’ll save a fortune selling your home yourself.

But here’s the thing: real estate has changed. And in a city like Eugene, where each neighborhood has its own quirks and market dynamics, clinging to old myths can cost you real money—and real opportunities.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common misconceptions I hear from local buyers and sellers, and what the real story is in today’s market.

Myth #1: You need 20% down to buy a home.
While putting 20% down has its benefits (like avoiding private mortgage insurance), it’s far from a requirement. There are plenty of loan programs that allow you to buy a home with as little as 3% or 5% down—and in some cases, even less.

Waiting to save a full 20% can delay your move by years. Meanwhile, home prices in Eugene have continued to climb. That means you could end up spending more overall by waiting on the sidelines.

I’ve worked with many buyers—especially families looking to upgrade—who assumed they couldn’t afford the move. But once we sat down and looked at their financing options, they realized they were closer than they thought.

Myth #2: Overpricing your home gives you room to negotiate.
It’s tempting to list high and “just see what happens,” but that strategy often backfires. Today’s buyers are doing their homework. They’re looking at price-per-square-foot, recent sales, and online valuations. If your home is priced too high—even by $10,000—it can turn buyers away before they even walk through the door.

Worse, if your home lingers on the market, it can lose momentum. In Eugene’s competitive market, well-priced homes often get multiple showings and strong offers within the first couple of weeks. The key is pricing it right—based on up-to-date local comps, not guesswork or wishful thinking.

Myth #3: Selling your home yourself saves money.
FSBO (for sale by owner) might seem like a good idea—skip the commission and keep more of the profit. But studies show that FSBO homes typically sell for less than agent-listed homes. And when you factor in the time, stress, legal risk, and potential negotiation pitfalls, the savings often disappear.

As a local agent, I don’t just put your home on the MLS. I help you prep it for the market, guide you on strategic pricing, negotiate with confidence, and manage every detail from offer to close. It’s not just about selling your home—it’s about maximizing your outcome.

Myth #4: The only good time to buy or sell is in the spring.
Yes, spring is a busy season for real estate—but it’s not the only time to make a smart move. In Eugene, homes sell year-round. In fact, serious buyers often come out in the summer and early fall, especially when there’s less competition on the market.

Life doesn’t always line up with the “ideal” season. If your family is growing, your job situation is changing, or you’re simply ready for more space or a better neighborhood, don’t wait for the calendar to give you permission. The best time to buy or sell is when you’re ready—and when the numbers make sense.

Myth #5: Zillow knows what your home is worth.
Zestimates are a fun starting point—but they’re not an appraisal. Zillow’s algorithm doesn’t know if your kitchen has been remodeled, if your backyard has a view, or if you’re on a quiet cul-de-sac versus a busy street.

In Eugene, where home values vary dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood (and even block to block), online valuations are often way off. I’ve seen homes off by $30K or more. If you’re even thinking about selling or refinancing, don’t rely on a Zestimate—get a local market analysis that’s grounded in real sales data and actual property condition.

The Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to real estate—especially in a place as unique and diverse as Eugene. The key to making smart moves, whether buying or selling, is cutting through the noise and basing your decisions on today’s reality—not yesterday’s rules.

If you’re curious about what your home might be worth, what it would take to upgrade, or how to navigate the market with confidence, I’m here to help. No pressure, just honest advice.

Let’s talk when the time is right for you.