Freddie Mercury once sang, 

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? 

When it comes to the real estate market, there is no question that HGTV is fantasy. 

And, if you're looking to enter the housing market, you might be enchanted by the quick, weekend projects and allured by the dreamy interior designers who love talking color theory. But, don't lose touch with reality! Here are the three biggest myths created by HGTV and their realistic counterparts: 

HGTV Myth #1: Homebuying is one-day, stress-free process.

REALITY: From meeting with your realtor to securing a mortgage to reading through your mover's paperwork, the homebuying process typically takes 60-90 days and will require extra preparation with the upcoming changes to TRID rules. HGTV never shows the loan officer reviewing recent tax returns and bank statements. 

HGTV Myth #2: Even though homeowners come armed with very tight budgets and strict must-haves, contractors and designers check off all of these boxes and stay under budget. 

REALITY: Networks frequently partner with advertisers that provide free materials, while many contractors appear on shows at a discounted rate. In this case, the homeowners get high quality work while the contractors get great marketing. In reality, it's important to do your research and draw up a budget that reflects your city's costs. The Real Group team has a list of referrals that we'd love to share with you if you're looking to update your home. 

HGTV Myth #3: A family with 10 kids, a mother in the Marine Corps, and a dog who rescued an entire orphanage from fire find their dream home with the help of a real estate fairy godmother. 

REALITY: HGTV embellishes stories to encourage viewers to live vicariously through dramatic plot lines. Most of the featured families make enormous upgrades to their lifestyles and carry out fantasies, and many of them have already closed on a home. Sorry, we just rocked your world, didn't we?

When it comes to searching for a home, applying for a mortgage, and carrying out the rest the process once you're under contract, the Real Group team wants to be as, well, real as possible. Drop us a line when you're ready to get started in the housing market!