How to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

No one ever wants to second-guess their choice of home after the contract’s closed, but buyer’s remorse is all too common. 

The good news is that buyer’s remorse is avoidable! It just takes a bit of preparation, intention, and clarity before you fall in love with a house.

Here’s how to make sure you’re choosing the right home that fits you both right now and for the years ahead.

1. Get clear on your non-negotiables before you tour anything: When you’re out touring homes, it’s easy to get caught up in fancy features or clever staging. To avoid regret, you need to know where your real priorities lie. What are your non-negotiables for things like layout, neighborhood, commute time, outdoor space, and number of bedrooms? Write these down and use them as your guide. If a home doesn’t check your must-haves, keep looking–they’re your must-haves for a reason!

2. Think about how your life will look 5+ years from now: The home you’re buying is a long-term investment, and it needs to serve you well both right now and in the future. Keep in mind that you don’t have to make sure the house will fit you perfectly forever, just that it fits your next 5+ years. 

3. Pay attention to how the home makes you feel: You’ll be living in this house, so you need to make sure you vibe with it! Ask yourself if it feels like a place you want to come home to. If you find yourself making excuses for things that don’t feel quite right, trust your gut. It’s usually right!

4. Lean on your agent: You’re not going through the buying process alone, so rely on your agent to help you assess value, spot red flags, compare pros and cons, and keep you focused on your priorities. Your agent is there to help you make a confident, empowered decision you’ll feel good about even after the sale.

A little planning and preparation now can make all the difference in the home you choose and your long-term happiness with your choice.

Thinking about starting your home search? Reply to this email and I’ll help you take the first step!