20 Must-Know Real Estate Facts for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors
20 Must-Know Real Estate Facts for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors is not just another trivia list—it’s your roadmap to navigating a complex and ever-changing market. Whether you're listing your first home, scouting for investment deals, or preparing to buy, understanding the current landscape will give you a distinct advantage.
From pricing psychology to shifting regulations, real estate is a multi-layered industry with more moving parts than most people realize. The good news? You don’t need a broker’s license to understand the fundamentals that make or break deals. Below are 20 surprising, eye-opening, and sometimes bizarre facts that reveal what’s really going on behind the “For Sale” signs.
1. The Spring Market Is the Hottest—But Not Always the Most Profitable
Most homes are listed between March and June, making spring the most active season. However, buyers are also more competitive, which can drive prices up—or down—depending on demand in your region. Timing your sale based on local data could be more lucrative than following seasonal trends.
Check out seasonal real estate insights here.
2. The Average U.S. Homebuyer Tours 8 Homes Before Making an Offer
In today’s fast-paced world, most buyers make decisions quickly. Still, nearly all will tour at least 8 properties before committing. This tells sellers that staging and presentation matter more than ever. A cluttered house can cost you a serious offer.
3. 90% of All Millionaires Own Real Estate
This statistic isn’t a fluke—it’s a formula. Real estate is a tangible asset that appreciates over time and generates passive income. Above all, it’s a wealth-building machine for those who buy smart and hold long-term.
4. You Can Buy a House with Just 3% Down
Forget the 20% rule. FHA loans and conventional loans with PMI allow buyers to purchase homes with as little as 3% down. In other words, saving for a down payment might not be as impossible as you thought.
Learn more about low-down-payment options.
5. FSBO Homes Often Sell for Less—Unless You Know What You’re Doing
While selling without an agent can save thousands in commission, FSBO sellers often lack marketing reach or negotiation expertise. However, sellers who list on top FSBO platforms and price strategically often perform just as well—or better—than those using agents.
Explore FSBO pricing tips here.
6. Virtual Tours Boost Listings by Over 80%
With the rise of digital house hunting, virtual tours aren't just a luxury—they're essential. Properties with 3D tours receive significantly more engagement than those without. For investors and sellers alike, this tech edge can close deals faster.
7. Over 70% of Americans Still Use Mortgages
Even in cash-rich markets, the majority of buyers use financing to preserve liquidity. That’s why sellers should always prepare for inspection contingencies, appraisal delays, and lender-required repairs.
8. Home Staging Can Raise Offers by 1%–5%
It may seem minor, but that fresh coat of paint or rearranged furniture can add thousands to your final sale price. Therefore, staging is not just cosmetic—it’s strategic.
Discover home staging ROI strategies.
9. Real Estate Outperforms the Stock Market Over Time
Historically, real estate has delivered stronger long-term returns compared to volatile stocks. Additionally, rental income and tax deductions make it an attractive investment vehicle.
10. The MLS Powers Over 90% of Home Sales
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is still king. Whether you use a full-service agent or a flat-fee listing site, tapping into the MLS dramatically increases exposure.
11. A Home with Good Curb Appeal Sells Faster
First impressions count. Homes with attractive landscaping, updated exteriors, and clean entryways sell faster and for more. It’s a simple fix that can yield big results.
12. Property Values Can Be Influenced by Zip Code Alone
Two homes just blocks apart can vary in price by tens of thousands—simply due to zoning, school districts, or proximity to commercial development. Therefore, investors need hyperlocal data before purchasing.
13. Real Estate Is One of the Most Tax-Advantaged Assets
From depreciation to 1031 exchanges and capital gains exclusions, real estate is a goldmine for tax strategies. Savvy investors leverage these laws to keep more profits in their pockets.
Explore real estate tax benefits.
14. A House Is on the Market for 45 Days on Average
Nationally, properties spend roughly 45 days on the market before selling. However, homes in hot neighborhoods can go under contract in just days. The listing price, marketing strategy, and condition play a massive role.
15. Gen Z and Millennials Now Make Up 70% of First-Time Buyers
The face of the housing market is changing. Younger generations value tech-first transactions, flexible living spaces, and energy-efficient homes—meaning sellers should adapt accordingly.
16. "As-Is" Doesn't Mean You're Off the Hook
Selling a home "as-is" doesn’t release you from disclosing known defects. In New York, for example, sellers must complete a Property Condition Disclosure Form unless offering a $500 credit in lieu.
Read more about disclosure requirements in NY.
17. Foreclosures Spike When Interest Rates Rise
Higher rates don’t just affect buyers—they stress current homeowners too. Therefore, real estate investors should monitor foreclosure trends to find undervalued properties during tightening cycles.
18. Real Estate Is a Hedge Against Inflation
When inflation rises, so do rents and home prices. This makes real estate one of the few asset classes that naturally adjusts with the economy.
19. 1031 Exchanges Let You Defer Taxes—Indefinitely
Investors can use a 1031 exchange to sell one property and buy another without paying capital gains tax—if done correctly. This powerful tool lets your investment snowball over time.
Get the details on 1031 exchanges here.
20. Title Insurance Protects You Long After Closing
Many buyers overlook title insurance, but it’s essential. It protects against future legal claims from prior owners, fraud, or clerical errors. Don’t skip it—especially in inherited or distressed properties.
Final Thoughts: Why These Real Estate Facts Matter
So—20 Must-Know Real Estate Facts for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors isn’t just an interesting read. It’s a toolset.
Whether you're considering selling your home in Rochester, investing in off-market deals, or buying your first rental property, these insights empower you to make more confident decisions.
The market may change. Interest rates may shift. But knowledge will always be your greatest asset in real estate.
Need help applying these insights to your situation? Contact our team at We Buy Any House As Is to make smart, local moves in New York’s property market.