Core Insights - The article highlights the increasing differentiation in the real estate market, moving away from the era of "buying blindly and profiting" to a more cautious approach where certain properties are deemed "trap houses" that are difficult to sell and maintain [1] Group 1: Types of "Trap Houses" - Old and dilapidated small units are characterized by their age, small size, and lack of maintenance, leading to declining value and difficulty in securing loans [2][3] - Properties in the outskirts may appear affordable but suffer from poor transportation and lack of essential amenities, making daily life challenging [4] - Commercial-residential apartments have high utility costs and lack educational benefits, making them unattractive for families [5][6] - Small property rights houses are tempting due to low prices but come with significant legal risks and difficulties in resale [7][8] - High-density tower blocks are overcrowded, leading to poor living conditions and long selling times [9][10] - Non-prestigious school district properties lose their value as educational resources become more balanced, making them less desirable [11] Group 2: Case Study - A family faced significant challenges after purchasing a property in the outskirts, including long commutes and inadequate local services, ultimately leading to a financial loss when trying to sell [12][13] Group 3: Buying Considerations - Prioritize properties in core urban areas with robust infrastructure and services to ensure stable demand and value appreciation [15][16] - Focus on properties with good amenities and quality to avoid being misled by low prices [17][18] - For families, consider the needs of both elderly and children, ensuring access to healthcare, education, and convenient transportation [19] - Avoid speculative buying and focus on long-term value, being cautious of properties that are clearly "trap houses" [20] - If already owning a "trap house," assess the situation and consider selling to invest in higher-quality properties [20] Group 4: Market Trends - The real estate market is increasingly characterized by a divide where "good houses are more expensive, and bad houses are harder to sell," emphasizing the importance of informed purchasing decisions [20]