Common Myths About Selling Your Home in Miami
Selling a home in Miami comes with a lot of opinions. Friends, neighbors, internet headlines, and that one cousin who “almost bought a house once” all seem to have advice. The problem? A lot of it is outdated or just plain wrong. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths I hear from Miami homeowners.
Myth #1: Overpricing is a solid strategy because it leaves room for negotiations
This is probably the biggest myth out there. In Miami’s market, pricing too high usually means fewer showings, longer days on market, and eventually price reductions. If your home is overpriced, the wrong set of buyers will be walking in to view it, comparing it to other homes they are seeing in that price range. Homes that are priced right from the start almost always perform better and often sell faster.
Myth #2: You need to fully renovate before selling
Not every home needs a brand new kitchen or a resurfaced pool. Some updates pay off, some don’t. I’ve seen sellers spend a lot of money to prep their home for sale and not get it back. Sometimes fresh paint, good staging, and smart prep (like serious decluttering!) make a bigger impact than major renovations, and certainly cost a lot less. Before you go renovating, make sure you talk to an experienced agent!
Myth #3: Spring and summer are the only good times to sell
Miami doesn’t follow traditional real estate rules. We aren’t very seasonal when it comes to real estate activity. Buyers move here year-round, and serious buyers don’t disappear just because it’s August or December. In some cases, selling during a “slower” season means less competition.
Myth #4: Online estimates tell you what your home is worth
Zestimates and online values can be helpful, but they don’t know your upgrades, layout, location quirks, or street appeal. In Miami, two homes with the same square footage can have very different values depending on lot, flood zone, and neighborhood. I helped my clients sell a home in Coral Gables last year and we sold it for 35% more than what the Zestimate said it was worth! A home in Coconut Grove the year before sold for almost 40% more. So while the online valuations can be a guide, they are most definitely not always right.
Myth #5: All agents and marketing plans are the same
They’re not. Strategy, pricing, presentation, and local knowledge matter, and every agent has a different approach. Miami is a hyper-local market, and what works in one neighborhood might not work in another. On top of that, experience in this business matters too. The one thing you can count on during a home sale is curve balls - every single transaction has them! So the more a realtor has handled them, the better prepared they are to navigate them.
Selling a home here isn’t about guessing or following myths. It’s about understanding the market, the timing, and your specific property. If you’re thinking about selling and want real advice (not internet noise), I’m always happy to talk it through.