Home Buyer’s Remorse: Tips on How to to Avoid It

Have you ever felt that pang of regret after making a big purchase? It's known as buyer's remorse, and it can be particularly intense when it comes to something as major as a house. You might start questioning your decision, wondering if there was a better option or wishing you had known certain things earlier. But don't stress! We've collected some solid advice from our expert team at Realm Real Estate to equip you with the confidence to tackle the house hunting process and help avoid home buyer’s remorse.

Here are some tips from our team to help you avoid home buyer's remorse:

Location, Location, Location!

Realm Real Estate agent Deni Curtis, emphasizes the importance of location. Her advice is clear: "Make sure you know what school district the property is located in." This is particularly important for families with school-aged children. “Knowing what schools will be options for your child in the future is key!" 

She also cautions about houses located on main streets. "If the property you’re considering is on a Main Street, weigh the pros and cons of that location. Consider factors like visibility, noise, and traffic." A bustling location might be attractive for its convenience, it might also come with downsides that could lead to regret later.

Deni also suggests considering the commute. “Try a test run of the commute from your potential new home, or use Google Maps to estimate your travel time”.

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Inspect and Reflect

Amber Hom, the Founder of Realm Real Estate, draws our attention to the importance of thorough inspections. She advises, "Make sure you get all inspections, including a roof, general home, termite, and sewer inspection. Roofs and sewers can be very costly to replace if they are in poor condition. "Overlooking this could result in costly future repairs, often leading to buyer's remorse.

In addition, Amber points out the need to be aware of your potential neighbors. She says, "Make sure you are comfortable with the way they maintain their yards, driveways, and general area. Living next door to a hoarder could be your worst nightmare." Consider not just the house itself, but also the surrounding area.

Future Neighbors, Future Developments

Realm Real Estate agent Nicole Harden offers some valuable advice for homebuyers. She recommends, "If you have an opportunity, speak with your potential neighbors to get an idea of the type of neighborhood you're considering." This can give you a more in-depth understanding of the community you might be joining.

She also suggests keeping an eye on future developments. "If there’s an open lot nearby, find out what the city is planning on doing with it." This is a valuable tip to not only focus on the present but to also consider how the neighborhood might evolve in the future.

Feel the Community and Watch Out for Bad Neighbors!

Realm Real Estate Agent Monica Zuniga encourages exploring the community. "Bad neighbors can be a real issue. Make sure to drive the area at night and during the day, especially on weekends when most families are home. Get a feel for the street and neighbors as much as possible. If you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to the neighbors while scouting the area, it's highly recommended." Understanding the community vibe is just as important as the house itself.

Purchasing your home should be filled with joy and satisfaction not regret.  Remember, buyer's remorse can be avoided with the right knowledge and preparation. At Realm Real Estate, we are dedicated to helping you make informed decisions. We're here to guide you beyond just buying a house - we want you to find a home. Wishing you a successful search!

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or legal advice. Consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance based on your specific situation. 

Ready to start the search?  Don't hesitate to reach out to our team at 925-588-1111 or email at [email protected]. We're here to help you navigate your way to your dream home.