Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most of us make in a lifetime. It represents a big and important milestones. It can be exciting and challenging. The sad truth is, in survey after survey, a large number of homebuyers suffer from a least one regret after they have signed the paperwork and moved into their new home. In fact, it might surprise you to know that three out of four homebuyers experience buyer’s remorse.

It’s our goal to help you make a confident decision and to enjoy your new home without all of those second thoughts, Here are the most common causes of buyer's remorse and some tips on how to avoid them.

Underestimating Maintenance Needs

That charming historic home or huge yard can quickly transform your dream into a nightmare if you end up spending every weekend on repairs or landscaping. Even when purchasing a newer home, many people forget to take routine maintenance into consideration. After all, when you rented, all you had to do was call the landlord and everything was taken care of. As a homeowner, that responsibility is not all yours.

Tip: Be realistic about your lifestyle, skills, and maintenance budget. If you're not interested in devoting significant time to maintenance, consider low-maintenance properties, newer construction homes, and a home warranty for those unexpected events.

Choosing a Home That’s Too Small

This is when the pendulum swings too far in the opposite direction! It's easy to be charmed by a cozy space that won’t require a lot of upkeep. But, does it meet your needs? Be careful to not prioritize the aesthetics or ease-of-care over functionality. Limited storage and overcrowded living spaces can make you feel cramped and claustrophobic later on. And if you are planning a family in the near future, make sure you also take that into consideration.

Tip: Consider your daily life and routines, and the size of your family both now, and in the near future. Create a list of must-haves before you schedule that first showing, and be sure to look at it while looking at homes to stay focused on what truly matters to you.

Overlooking Location Concerns

They say the three most important things when it comes to real estate are: 1) location, 2) location and 3) location. And while that’s obviously tongue-in-cheek, location is a huge factor when it comes to buying a home. How far is the commute to work? Is the home in a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle? How close are the neighbors? Does it offer the right amount of privacy for your need? Will it mean changing schools or even school districts for your children? How far is it from your church, stores, activities you usually engage in? Location regret is one of the most common regrets people have after buying a home—and unfortunately, the only way to really fix it, is to move again.

Tip: Visit potential neighborhoods at different times of day and on different days of the week. Test your commute route, find out what schools your children will be attending, do some exploring and ask questions to make the location is right.

Underestimating Repair Costs in Older Homes

Older properties have a lot of character and charm. They can also have a lot of unexpected repair needs. Issues with roofing, plumbing, or foundation can add to not-so-charming expenses that aren’t in your budget.

Tip: Never, ever skip (or skimp!) on a professional, comprehensive home inspection — no matter what age the home is. But we can’t overstress how important it is when you are considering an older home. Be sure to budget for repairs and consider purchasing a home warranty for additional protection.

Skipping Thorough Research

Whether it's a new construction builder's reputation or understanding neighborhood trends, research may not be one of your favorite pastimes, but you don’t want to skip this step. Failing to research can lead to big regrets later. If there are a lot of homes for sale in the neighborhood ask why. Consider safety, schools, amenities, crime rates, and future development plans.  Is the home in a flood zone? Are there any restrictions or fees?

Tip: Do your homework on everything—builders, neighborhoods, schools, homeowners associations, and more. Read reviews, ask for references, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Knowledge is your strongest defense against buyer's remorse.

How to Make a Purchase With Confidence

• Focus on fundamentals: Don't let attractive staging or trendy finishes distract you from evaluating the layout and location—elements that are costly or impossible to change.

• Take breaks when needed: If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's perfectly acceptable to pause your search. Stepping back can help you reassess your priorities and budget more clearly.

• Research the neighborhood thoroughly: Use online tools to check walkability scores, transit access, and travel times to your frequent destinations.

• Balance aspirations with reality: Finding a home that meets every criterion is rare. Know what's absolutely essential versus what would be nice to have.

• Create a detailed checklist: Define your needs versus wants before beginning your search, and if you're buying with a partner, ensure you're aligned on priorities.
  
  

We talk a lot about finding the “perfect home”. The truth is, the “perfect” home probably doesn’t exist. Probably all homebuyers make at least one compromise during their purchase journey. The important thing is to prepare so you avoid major regrets later. Live Love Arkansas is committed to helping you stay focused on your priorities, understand your options, and find a home you'll love for years to come.

Ready to start your homebuying journey with confidence? Contact us today at (479) 747-2466 to discuss your goals and create a personalized strategy for finding your ideal home.