If you’re shopping around for a home, you’ll want to steer clear of the many misconceptions and inaccurate information out there. To help out, here is a breakdown of some of the most common home buying myths you’ll want to avoid.

Your Credit Must Be Perfect to Buy a Home – It’s true that buyers now see tighter lending restrictions. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a mortgage without a perfect credit score. Banks take into account a number of factors when deciding whether to approve your application. These include your income, debts, assets and employment history. If you’ve built up a decent emergency fund, paid down your credit cards and been at your job for a while, a lower credit score won’t automatically disqualify you from getting a loan.

A 20% Down Payment Is Mandatory – The more money you’re able to put down on a home, generally the better off you’ll be in the long run. That also means you won’t be spending as much on interest over the life of the loan. While 20 percent is considered the ideal amount to put down, it’s still possible to secure a loan with less.

A 30-Year Loan Is the Best Option – While the majority of first-time buyers opt for a conventional 30-year loan, it’s not the only choice worth considering. A 15- or 20-year loan provides an excellent way to spend less money on interest.

You don’t need a home inspection – You might be tempted to believe this tall tale, especially if your housing market is hot and you’re worried your dream home could be sold in a split second to someone else who waives the home inspection. This will mean that you’ll get the home as is, including any and all problems that come with it. And sometimes those problems aren’t exactly visible. It is always a good idea to have a home inspection. The peace of mind that comes with a successful inspection renders the cost null.

Schools don’t matter if you don’t have kids – You love the house, it’s in your price range, and you want to move fast. But there’s more to it than that.

The neighborhood you choose matters—both now and later when you might consider selling. Even if you don’t have children, good schools are a sign of a good neighborhood. Also, check out the area’s walkability, your commute to work, and any other features that would make the neighborhood a good fit for your lifestyle—now and a decade from now.

Bottom Line – Entering the home buying market and process can be a daunting task. It doesn’t help that misleading information still floats around these circles. You’ll want to make sure that you’re getting the most accurate information. It’s important to always ask questions and make sure that you’re making decisions that are right for you, and not according to what’s popular.