The Problem With Real Estate: Why Misinformation and Commission Pressure Are Failing Florida Homebuyers

Let me tell you about the $2,400 lie.

Every week, I talk to buyers who have been pre-approved by big-box lenders. Rocket Mortgage. Quicken Loans. The big names you see advertised everywhere.

These lenders tell buyers they can afford a certain monthly payment. They run the numbers with assumptions that make sense in some markets. And then buyers come to me, ready to house hunt, with a budget based on those numbers.

The problem? Those lenders use $2,400 as a standard estimate for homeowner's insurance.

In Northwest Florida, that number is fantasy.

We live in a natural disaster state. Hurricanes, flooding, wind damage. Insurance here is expensive, and it's getting more expensive every year. Unless you're buying new construction with every modern windstorm mitigation feature, you're not getting insurance for $2,400.

The real cost is often two, three, even four times that number.

So what happens? Buyers think they can afford a $400,000 house. They find one they love. They make an offer. And then, weeks into the process, they discover that their actual monthly payment is hundreds of dollars higher than they expected because their insurance estimate was completely wrong.

That's not a small mistake. That's the difference between financial stability and being house poor.

And it's happening constantly because the industry isn't set up to protect buyers. It's set up to close transactions.

The Misinformation Epidemic

The insurance problem is just one example of a bigger issue: there's a lot of misinformation about homes and what the buying and selling process really looks like.

I see it constantly. Buyers who think they're ready but don't understand the full sequence of steps. Sellers who have unrealistic expectations based on what they've seen on TV. Everyone making decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information.

Every week, people reach out to me asking whether they should get pre-approved first or find a realtor first. But the thing is, if you work on getting your pre-approval first, you don't necessarily know what all of the steps are to purchasing a home.

Beyond the down payment, there are closing costs. Inspection fees. Title insurance. HOA fees if applicable. And of course, the insurance that's probably way more expensive than you've been told.

People jump straight into taking a hit on their credit without understanding the full picture. That's not their fault. They're relying on information from sources that don't have their best interests at heart.

The Commission Breath Problem

Here's an uncomfortable truth about my industry: a lot of agents have what I call "commission breath."

They're focused on closing deals, not on building relationships. They're not necessarily after a relationship. They're after a sale.

When your business model requires constant closings to survive, you can't afford to tell people to wait. You can't afford to spend six months educating someone who isn't ready to buy. You can't afford to prioritize long-term relationships over short-term transactions.

So what happens? Agents push buyers toward decisions before they're ready. They use urgency tactics and fear of missing out. They downplay concerns and emphasize excitement. They say things like "date the rate, marry the house," which encourages people to stretch beyond their means.

The whole "date the rate, marry the house" thing? I will never say that to somebody. You know, it may not be the right time to buy a house right now. And I'm going to tell you if I don't think it is right for you.

That's not how most agents operate. But it's how Robyn Woodall operates.

What TV Gets Wrong

A major misconception about real estate, fueled by TV shows, is that this is quick, easy money.

Selling Beverly Hills. Selling Sunset. Million Dollar Listing. These shows make real estate look glamorous. Beautiful homes. Fast deals. Big commission checks.

The reality is completely different.

Real estate is hard work. It requires long hours, constant education, relationship building, marketing, systems development, and emotional labor. You're helping people through one of the most stressful experiences of their lives. You're navigating complex transactions with lots of moving parts. You're dealing with disappointment, uncertainty, and conflict.

New agents come into this industry expecting the TV version. They're told they'll make easy money. They're not prepared for the reality.

And buyers come in with similar misconceptions. They think house hunting is fun and easy. They think the process will be smooth. They're not prepared for the complications, the costs, and the emotional rollercoaster.

The Pressure Tactics That Hurt Buyers

Let me walk you through some of the phrases and tactics that should make you question whether your agent actually has your best interests at heart:

"Rates are going up, you need to buy NOW." Maybe rates are going up. Maybe they're not. But using fear of rate increases to pressure you into a decision you're not ready for is manipulation, not guidance.

"This house won't last, you need to make an offer TODAY." Sometimes houses do sell fast. But an agent who consistently creates artificial urgency is prioritizing their commission over your wellbeing.

"You can always refinance later." Maybe. Maybe not. Interest rates are unpredictable. If you can't afford the payment at today's rate, you shouldn't buy the house.

"Everyone else is pre-approved for this much." What other buyers can afford is irrelevant to your situation. Your budget should be based on your life, not on what other people are doing.

"Don't worry about the inspection issues, all old houses have them." Old houses do have issues. But "don't worry" is not a strategy. You need to understand exactly what you're buying and what it will cost to maintain.

A Different Way Forward

I'm not saying all real estate agents are bad. Most are trying to do a good job. But the structure of the industry creates incentives that don't always align with what's best for buyers.

So what's the alternative?

Education Before Action

Before you take any hit on your credit, before you get pre-approved, before you tour a single house, you need to understand the full process. Every step. Every cost. Every realistic expectation.

I'd rather educate people on the process prior to them ever taking a hit on their credit.

A good agent will spend time on this education even though it doesn't directly lead to a commission. A great agent sees it as the foundation of a long-term relationship.

Realistic Financial Planning

Your budget shouldn't be what a lender tells you that you can afford. It should be what you can actually sustain while maintaining financial stability.

That means realistic insurance estimates for your market. That means accounting for maintenance costs, especially on older homes. That means leaving room in your budget for the unexpected.

I don't want people to be in a situation where now they have to decide, can I pay to get my car fixed or pay my mortgage? That's what "house poor" looks like.

Patience Over Pressure

The right house will come. If you miss one, another will appear. Your financial wellbeing is more important than any single property.

An agent who pressures you isn't looking out for you. An agent who helps you wait until you're ready is building a relationship that will last.

Honesty, Even When It Hurts

You deserve an agent who will tell you the truth. About your budget. About the house you love. About whether now is really the right time.

I'm very vocal and direct. I'm going to tell people if I don't feel like I should let them buy right now.

How to Protect Yourself

If you're buying or selling a home, here are the red flags that suggest an agent doesn't have your best interests at heart:

Red Flags: They pressure you to make decisions quickly. They dismiss your concerns about budget or timing. They use fear of missing out as a motivator. They don't explain the full costs involved. They say things like "date the rate, marry the house." They seem more interested in closing than in understanding your needs.

Green Flags: They take time to educate you on the process. They're honest when they think you should wait. They explain realistic costs for your specific market. They ask questions about your life, not just your budget. They're patient with your timeline. They prioritize relationship over transaction.

The Path I've Chosen

I've built my business on doing things differently. On education over assumption. On patience over pressure. On honesty over easy closes.

It's not always the fastest path to a commission. But it's the path that lets me sleep at night. And it's the path that has built a sustainable business based on referrals and repeat clients who trust me.

If you're ready to work with someone who will tell you the truth, even when it's not what you want to hear, I'd love to talk.

Because you deserve better than the industry standard. And better is exactly what I'm trying to provide.

Robyn