Real Estate Myth-Busting: Savannah Edition
The Truth Behind the Biggest Buying & Selling Myths in the Hostess City
In a town as historic and charming as Savannah, real estate comes with plenty of stories — and not just the ghost kind. Over time, myths and half-truths about buying and selling homes have taken root like Spanish moss on a live oak.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by advice from Google, your cousin’s coworker, or that TikTok finance bro, you're not alone. That’s why we’re busting the most common real estate myths Savannah style — with a side of truth and a whole lot of local perspective.
❌ MYTH #1: “You should only list your home in the spring.”
The Truth: While spring is often considered the traditional real estate sweet spot, Savannah’s market is more dynamic thanks to our mild winters, relocation patterns, and year-round tourism.
✅ Why it’s busted in Savannah:
Fall & winter buyers are serious buyers. They’re relocating, retiring, or starting fresh — not just browsing.
Military and job relocations in the Savannah/HAAF/Fort Stewart area happen all year.
Snowbirds often shop in late fall and winter.
Less competition during non-peak seasons means your home stands out more.
🗝️ Savvy seller tip: Focus on timing your sale based on your goals, not just the season.
❌ MYTH #2: “Fixer-uppers are always cheaper in the long run.”
The Truth: HGTV makes renovations look quick and glamorous, but reality in Savannah — especially with historic homes — can be quite different.
✅ Why it’s busted in Savannah:
Many homes in downtown and historic districts are subject to historic preservation rules, which can add cost and delay.
Humidity, termites, and outdated plumbing/electric can lead to expensive surprises.
Labor and material costs have increased — especially for trades experienced in older home systems.
DIY work often doesn’t pass inspections or appraisals if you're flipping.
🗝️ Savvy buyer tip: Always get a thorough inspection and a contractor’s estimate before falling for the charm of a "fixer."
❌ MYTH #3: “Zillow’s Zestimate is all you need to price your home.”
The Truth: While Zestimates can be a fun starting point, they don’t account for local factors that hugely impact value in Savannah.
✅ Why it’s busted in Savannah:
Zestimates can’t factor in Savannah-specific variables like:
Flood zone impact
Historic district premiums
Renovation quality in preserved homes
HOA nuances on islands or gated communities
Algorithms also don't see your renovated chef’s kitchen or custom screened-in porch.
🗝️ Savvy seller tip: A local agent can run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that considers real-time neighborhood trends and buyer behavior — not outdated data.
❌ MYTH #4: “The highest offer is always the best offer.”
The Truth: There’s so much more to a strong offer than just the dollar amount — especially in Savannah’s competitive and sometimes quirky market.
✅ Why it’s busted in Savannah:
Offers with appraisal gaps, flexible closing dates, or fewer contingencies often beat higher ones with messy terms.
Cash buyers (very common in our market) can close faster and more reliably.
Buyers relocating from bigger cities may offer more but expect a lot — like repairs, credits, or longer timelines.
🗝️ Savvy seller tip: Look at the full picture of the offer — and lean on your agent to evaluate risk vs. reward.
❌ MYTH #5: “It’s cheaper to rent than to buy.”
The Truth: Renting may offer short-term flexibility, but it doesn’t always make financial sense — especially with Savannah’s growing population and rising rents.
✅ Why it’s busted in Savannah:
Rent prices in neighborhoods like Starland, Parkside, and Downtown have climbed significantly over the last 5 years.
Monthly mortgage payments are often equal to or less than rent — and you’re building equity.
Buying offers stability in taxes, payments, and long-term planning (plus potential tax write-offs).
🗝️ Savvy buyer tip: If you’re staying in Savannah for 2+ years, it’s worth exploring your buying power — even if you think you “can’t afford it yet.”
❌ MYTH #6: “Open houses are how homes sell.”
The Truth: In the digital age — especially post-2020 — open houses play a smaller role than you think.
✅ Why it’s busted in Savannah:
Most buyers find homes online first, with virtual tours, videos, and photo galleries.
Private showings scheduled through agents are far more common and effective.
Open houses may attract looky-loos, tourists, or neighbors — not always serious buyers.
🗝️ Savvy seller tip: Invest in killer online marketing and professional photos — they’re your home’s first impression.
❌ MYTH #7: “You don’t need an agent — just use Redfin or Zillow.”
The Truth: Online tools can be great for browsing, but when it comes to negotiation, paperwork, inspections, local laws, and strategy, an experienced local agent is invaluable.
✅ Why it’s busted in Savannah:
Our market has nuances: flood zones, historic regulations, land surveys, HOA restrictions, septic vs sewer, etc.
Agents help you avoid emotional or risky decisions in bidding wars.
In off-market or hot properties, relationships matter — agents often find deals before they hit Zillow.
🗝️ Savvy buyer/seller tip: Think of your agent as your real estate GPS — they don’t just point you in the direction, they navigate every bump in the road.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Real Estate Myths Run the Show
Savannah real estate is a beautiful blend of old-world charm, coastal lifestyle, and modern opportunity — but you deserve facts, not fiction, to guide your decisions.
If you're feeling unsure about what you've heard vs. what's actually true, let's connect. Whether you’re buying your first home, listing a gem, or just curious, I’m here to help you separate the myths from the moves that actually matter.
Let’s chat about your home goals. C: 912.777.8657