Look up “remorse” in the dictionary and you’ll learn it means “deep and painful regret for wrongdoing; compunction.” That sounds like something no one should ever experience. Unfortunately, remorse is an all too common feeling among homebuyers. In fact, according to one recent CNN Money article, 80 percent of homebuyers report regretting at least one thing about their new home. If you don’t want to be among them, consider these ways to avoid remorse the next time you make a real estate purchase.
Don’t abandon your must-haves.
While four bedrooms might be nice (defined as a “want”), a family of three must have (or “needs”) at least two bedrooms. When shopping for a home you can look at properties that don’t have all your wants. But if you want to avoid homebuyer remorse, don’t bother with those that lack essential must-haves. There’s no sense in falling in love with something that will make you unhappy in the long run.
Stand up for your feelings.
It’s possible your spouse or partner will pressure you to purchase a property you don’t like. If it’s lacking a few of your wants but has everything you need, you might agree to compromise. However, if you are certain you will be unhappy in the new home—for whatever reason—make sure your feelings are known. You don’t want the purchase to cause resentment down the line.
Don’t act impulsively.
Have you ever bought a handbag you didn’t absolutely love just because all of your friends wanted it? Chances are that impulse buy didn’t make you happy—and an even larger impulsive purchase is even less likely to do so. One of the biggest sources of homebuyer remorse is overpaying on a property because of a bidding war. If you don’t really want the home, or can’t get it for a price within your budget, move on.
Don’t make dangerous concessions.
If your dream house has dry rot, termites or a sinking foundation, pull out of the deal or ask the seller to lower the price to account for the cost of repairs. It’s unlikely your mortgage lender will approve the loan otherwise. Even if they do, turning a blind eye to costly flaws will only reduce your love for the property later on.
Consider the big picture.
Even a “perfect” home might not be the right home for you. Sure, it might have everything you need and even most of the things you want, but if it’s too far from your office, in a crime-ridden area, a little out of your budget, or near a loud highway, it might not be the best choice. Make sure you consider the big picture—from the school system and neighbors to the distance from your favorite restaurants and movie theaters—before you make an offer.
