August 1, 2023

7 Common Homebuyer Regrets (And How To Avoid Them)

7 Common Homebuyer Regrets (And How To Avoid Them) 


To avoid buyer's remorse, be sure to consider your future self when shopping for a home. 


Most new homebuyers don't regret becoming homeowners. In fact, according to a survey by LendingTree, 80% of recent buyers who successfully overcame a challenging housing market say they're glad they found their current homes.1 But that doesn't mean newly-minted homeowners don't have any regrets about their buying choices. 


On the contrary, research shows that even the most-satisfied homeowners would change some aspects of their home purchase if given the opportunity. According to a recent survey by Anytime Estimate, nearly 3 out of 4 buyers who purchased a home in 2021 or 2022 still have a few regrets.2 


Some question their decision to move to a neighborhood they still don't love. Others wish they had been less picky about where they lived so they could have paid less. Many are afraid they overspent or think they sacrificed too much in their rush to buy a home. 


Here are some of the most common homebuyer regrets we see, along with our professional advice on how to avoid them.



REGRET #1: Spending More Than Necessary 


No one wants to overpay for their new home purchase (and, luckily, with the right guidance, doing so is avoidable). But even if you've secured a winning purchase price, there are still plenty of ways to accidentally overspend. 


One of the most common ways to overpay? Choose the wrong mortgage. In fact, in today's higher-rate environment, this can be one of the riskiest mistakes a new buyer can make. 


According to a recent survey, for example, nearly three-quarters of homebuyers leave money on the table by not bothering to shop around for the best rate.3 And research by LendingTree suggests that buyers in major metro areas lose an average of $63,151 over the life of their loan just by picking the first mortgage they're offered.4


Lesson Learned: As long as you stick to what you can afford, buying a home can be a boon for your financial health. The longer you live in it, for example, the more your home is likely to appreciate in value and boost your long-term savings. 


But to get the most value from your purchase, it's worth your time to compare financing options and shop around for the best deal. We also recommend getting a mortgage pre-approval before you start your home search so you know what's within reach. We can refer you to one of our trusted lending partners for help.



REGRET #2: Rushing Into a Home Purchase


In a competitive housing market, it's often necessary to act fast to secure a home. But don't let a need for speed tempt you into making an offer before you've thought through or fully vetted a new property. 


Rushing into a home purchase isn’t just risky, it's also one of the most commonly cited sources of homebuyer regret. According to Anytime Estimate, for example, more than 1 in 4 homebuyers felt remorse over how quickly they sped through the home buying process.2 


Getting swept away by your emotions can also lead to buyer's remorse. If you've found a home you love and are competing with other buyers, it can be tempting to overlook key details or bid more than you can afford. That's one reason it helps to have a skilled professional by your side to calmly guide you through the process and ensure you act with reason, rather than emotion.


Lesson Learned: Buying a home is exciting. But if you don't keep your emotions in check or act too impulsively, you could make poor choices in the moment that are hard to undo later. 


To avoid making last-minute decisions that could backfire, know what you want, what you need, and what you can afford before you start your home search. We can help you set priorities so you’ll be able to move forward with confidence when the time is right.



REGRET #3: Miscalculating the Costs of Homeownership


Though real estate is a great long-term investment, it can be pricey in the short-term, often surprising homeowners who aren't prepared for it. According to some estimates, for example, annual maintenance could cost as much as 1% or more of your home's purchase price.5 Some buyers also forget to factor in additional ownership expenses, such as property taxes, insurance, and repairs.


Failing to think through the costs of homeownership is one of the most common sources of homebuyer regret. According to Anytime Estimate, for example, nearly half of the homebuyers who regret their purchase said they underestimated how much they would spend to live in it.2


However, some homes cost more to live in and maintain than others. So even if you're certain that you can afford the average cost of homeownership, that doesn't necessarily mean that every home in your price range will fit neatly into your budget. For example, very old homes with unique maintenance requirements could be extra pricey to keep up. Similarly, homes with high HOA or condo fees could also eat into your monthly budget. 


Lesson Learned: A home should help you build your wealth, not drain it. So it's important to factor in all the potential costs of living in a home—not just obvious ones like your mortgage payment and taxes. To ensure you don't get overextended, add up your estimated maintenance and repair costs, as well as any miscellaneous expenses that are unique to a particular home. 


We can help you with these estimates—and, if needed, present you with some less-costly alternatives.



REGRET #4: Underestimating the Time Required To Maintain or Renovate a Home


One of the most joyful aspects of homeownership is getting to relax in a home that's all your own. But if a home is too high maintenance, then you may not have time to savor it. 


Many homeowners love to spend their weekends puttering in their gardens or undertaking home improvement projects. But if that's not you, then you may not like living in a home with a big yard or with high-maintenance features, like a pool.


According to a survey by Hippo, for example, 47% of homeowners who feel some regret about their home purchase complain that too much maintenance and upkeep is required.6 


Similarly, buyers who purchase fixer-uppers are often surprised by how much time it takes to rehab their new homes. Although buying a fixer-upper is a great way to save on the purchase price, you could come to resent it if it eats up all your free time.


Lesson Learned: Renovation and maintenance projects are often time-consuming and stressful. So beware of committing to a property that requires too much of your attention if you don't have the time or patience for it. With that said, home improvement projects can also bring a lot of joy and satisfaction to owners who like rolling up their sleeves.


We can talk through the realities of homeownership with you and help you choose a property that will fit your personality and schedule.



REGRET #5: Ignoring or Skipping a Home Inspection


It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of buying a home. Sometimes, buyers will agree to skip a home inspection to sweeten their offer in a competitive market. They may also be tempted to pinch pennies since they’re already facing a large outlay. However, if you skip out on a home inspection, you could come to regret it.


When you hire a home inspector, you get a professional, in-depth examination of the property’s structures and systems before you buy it. It’s a worthwhile investment that can save you money in the long run, either by warning you away from a bad purchase or by providing a list of deficiencies you can use to negotiate with the sellers. 


But even the most thorough home inspection isn't going to be worth much if you don't take the time to carefully consider it. If at all possible, make sure you’re on-site during the inspection so you can observe and ask questions. And don’t forget to re-evaluate any repairs that the seller agrees to make to ensure they’ve been properly completed prior to closing.


Lesson Learned: A home inspection can reduce your risk and save you money in the long run. But to maximize its effectiveness, you will need to be an active participant in the process.


We’d be happy to share a list of experienced and trustworthy home inspectors in our area. And when the inspection report is complete, we can help you decide if the purchase is worthwhile and negotiate any relevant seller concessions and repairs.



REGRET #6: Choosing a Home That Doesn't Fit 


Homeownership is often a better investment if you’re willing to stay put for at least five years.7 But if your newly purchased home isn’t a good fit, then you may not want to stick around that long. 


Many homeowner complaints come down to simple lifestyle issues: Although a mismatch may seem small at first, the problems can magnify if you make so many compromises that they interfere with your quality of life.


Or, sometimes homebuyers can fall in love with a beautiful home and forget about practicalities. For example, a stunning kitchen can’t replace a needed bedroom or bathroom. And a sparkling pool may sit empty if the home requires a lengthy commute to your office.


Make sure you set some guardrails during your home purchase so you don’t over-compromise or accidentally prioritize your wants over your needs.


Lesson Learned: When you’re dealing with limited inventory or a fixed budget, it may be necessary to sacrifice some items on your home wish list. But if you fail to secure your must-haves, you could come to regret your home choice.


We can help you avoid an ill-fitting home purchase by working with you to set (and stick to) priorities and parameters before you begin your search. 



REGRET #7: Purchasing Without Professional Help


Another path to homebuyer regret? Foregoing the expert guidance and market insight that you can only get from a licensed real estate agent.


Buying a home without professional representation can be extremely risky. Therefore, it’s no surprise that 86% of buyers enlist the help of an agent when purchasing a home. And the vast majority find their assistance to be invaluable: 89% say they would use their agent again or recommend them to others.8


Real estate is hyperlocal and extremely fluid—especially these days when the market is in constant flux. So it pays to have a knowledgeable expert by your side who can guide you through an often-complicated process. 


We can help you avoid expensive mistakes that could lead to buyer’s remorse, all while making your home purchase as seamless and stress-free as possible. And since the home seller typically pays our commission, there’s no added expense for you!


Lesson Learned: When you work with a real estate agent, you benefit from a wealth of expertise and on-the-ground insight that you can't get anywhere else. We’ll help you steer clear of the missteps that so many homebuyers make, so you can focus on enjoying your new home instead of questioning your choices down the road.


The best part? Since the majority of home sellers pay us a commission at closing, in most cases, we offer our invaluable guidance and assistance at no additional cost to you!



BOTTOMLINE


No one wants to look back on their home purchase and realize they made a big mistake. We can help you avoid the pitfalls so you can buy with confidence. To learn more about how we work to ensure our clients’ satisfaction, reach out today to schedule a free consultation.



The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.


Sources:

LendingTree - 

https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/homebuying-process-survey/

Anytime Estimate - 

https://anytimeestimate.com/research/american-home-buyers-2022/ 

Zillow Home Loans - https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2022-11-18-Prospective-home-buyers-spend-about-as-much-time-researching-new-TVs-as-they-do-mortgage-lenders 

LendingTree - 

https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/mortgage-shopping-study/

CNBC - 

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/01/survey-majority-of-homeowners-have-regrets.html

Hippo - https://www.hippo.com/blog/2022-hippo-housepower-report-how-homeowners-are-responding-essential-maintenance-during

Realtor.com - 

https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/how-soon-can-you-sell-a-house-after-buying/ 

National Association of Realtors - https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers#homebuyers

Is Buying a Home Together Right for Your Family? Here's How to Think It Through

April 1, 2026
For a long time, multigenerational living had a reputation problem. It was the option families turned to when something had gone wrong — a job loss, a divorce, a health crisis. Moving back in with your parents, or having your parents move in with you, meant something hadn't worked out. That story has changed pretty significantly. Today, families are choosing this arrangement on purpose — not as a fallback, but as a deliberate decision to share costs, stay connected, and build something that actually works for how their lives are structured right now. According to NAR, 14% of buyers recently purchased a multigenerational home, and the year before that hit 17%. [1] These aren't people making the best of a bad situation. They're rethinking what "home" needs to do. If this is something you're considering — or something a family member has brought up — here's what's worth knowing before you start the search. Why More Families Are Going This Route The honest answer is: it's rarely just one thing. For most families, cost is somewhere in the mix. Buying together means more income earners on the loan, more people splitting the mortgage, and a monthly payment that's easier to justify. But if you talk to families who've actually done it, the financial piece rarely tells the whole story. Caregiving comes up constantly. Nearly half of multigenerational buyers in NAR's research cited caring for or wanting to be near aging parents as a primary reason for the purchase. [1][4] For older millennials in particular, aging-parent health and caretaking responsibilities were a major driver. That's not a trend that's going away — there are now more than 70 million Americans age 65 or older, and the question of how families want to handle that isn't one most people want to outsource entirely. [2] Remote work has also quietly changed the math. When you're not tethered to an office, living near family becomes less of a sacrifice. You can be close without it costing you professionally, which is a relatively new dynamic. [3] And then there's the harder-to-quantify stuff — the daily support, the shared routines, the sense that you're not navigating things alone. For families with young kids, having grandparents nearby can be transformative. For families with aging parents, so can having adult children close. The point is: if you find yourself drawn to this idea, you're in good company, and your reasons are probably more layered than just the numbers. What to Actually Look for in a Property This is where a lot of families get tripped up. They find a house they love, start imagining how it could work, and convince themselves the layout is more flexible than it really is. Then six months into living together, they realize what they actually needed was a separate entrance, not just a second bathroom. The properties that work best for multigenerational living tend to share a few things in common. They take privacy seriously. Not just in theory, but in the layout. Dual primary suites, separate entrances, a finished basement with its own sitting area, or a detached guest house — these aren't luxury features, they're what make the arrangement actually sustainable. If each household can't fully decompress, host their own guests, and keep their own rhythm, the togetherness part gets old fast. Home design professionals increasingly flag this as the most important feature to get right, and it's easy to see why. [5][6] They're built — or can be converted — for flexibility. ADUs (accessory dwelling units) have become a serious part of this conversation as more cities loosen zoning restrictions. A detached ADU gives you the ultimate setup: close enough to matter, separate enough to breathe. If an ADU isn't already in place, it's worth asking whether the lot and local zoning would allow for one down the road. [5][6] They work for the long game. Think about where everyone in the arrangement will be in ten or fifteen years. First-floor suites, wider hallways, zero-step entries, and rooms that can adapt as needs change aren't just nice to have — they're what make a multigenerational home function well over time rather than just right now. [6][7] The short version: the best multigenerational properties support both togetherness and independence. If a home checks one but not the other, keep looking. The Conversations Most Families Skip Here's the part that tends to get glossed over, because the emotional pull of the idea is strong and the practical details feel like they can wait. They can't. Start with the financial structure early. If multiple people will be on the loan, everyone needs to understand what that actually means. Co-borrowers can combine income and assets to qualify for more — but they also share legal responsibility for the debt and share in whatever equity the home builds. That's meaningfully different from being a co-signer, who carries the liability but doesn't own a piece of the property. Knowing which structure makes sense for your family is a conversation to have with a lender before you fall in love with a house. [8] Define ownership clearly. There are several ways to structure who owns what — joint tenancy, tenancy in common, shared-equity arrangements — and each one affects what happens if someone wants to sell, refinance, or passes away. Equal contributions don't automatically mean equal ownership makes sense, and unequal contributions don't mean anyone is getting a bad deal. But these things need to be spelled out explicitly, not assumed. [8] Get it in writing. A verbal agreement between family members feels fine when everyone is on the same page. It gets complicated when circumstances change — and circumstances always change eventually. A written agreement that covers shared expenses, maintenance responsibilities, common areas, and how exits would be handled gives everyone protection and, honestly, usually makes the conversations easier because you've already had them. [9] Talk through the "what-ifs" before closing. Job relocations, caregiving shifts, a marriage, someone wanting to sell — these aren't worst-case scenarios, they're just life. The way a home is titled can affect everything from Medicaid eligibility to how inheritance plays out. It's worth a conversation with an estate planning attorney or real estate attorney before you close, not after. [9] This stuff isn't fun to work through. But families who do it upfront tend to have far smoother experiences than those who assume it'll all work itself out. Is This Actually the Right Move? That depends on a few honest questions. Is everyone genuinely choosing this, or is someone going along with it? The families who thrive in multigenerational arrangements almost always went in with shared intent — everyone wanted it, everyone understood what they were agreeing to. That's different from one party tolerating it because the math made sense or because it felt like the easier thing to say yes to. Are the financial expectations clear and actually fair? Not just the down payment, but ongoing contributions, equity stakes, and what happens if someone needs to exit. These things are much easier to define before the purchase than to renegotiate afterward. Does everyone have a realistic picture of what shared space feels like day-to-day, long-term? Not on a good weekend when everyone's happy to be together — but on a random Tuesday when someone's had a bad day, the kids are loud, and you just want your house to yourself for an hour. If the answers to those questions are honest and mostly positive, multigenerational living can be genuinely great. The data backs that up. So do plenty of real families who've made it work. BOTTOMLINE Multigenerational living has moved from fallback plan to deliberate strategy for a growing number of families — and it's easy to understand why. The financial upside is real, the caregiving benefits are real, and when it's set up well, the emotional rewards are too. What makes it work is going in with eyes open: the right property, the right legal structure, and honest conversations before anyone signs anything. If this is something your family is exploring — or if it's on the horizon and you're not sure where to start — that's exactly the kind of conversation a good agent can help you think through. Getting the strategy right early makes everything that follows a lot smoother. Reach out anytime — even if you're just starting to think it through. Sources 1. National Association of REALTORS® — Making Extra Room at the Table: Multi-Generational Homes in the United States https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/making-extra-room-at-the-table-multi-generational-homes-in-the-united-states 2. National Association of REALTORS® — The "Silver Tsunami" in Real Estate Is Here: Are You Ready? https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/the-silver-tsunami-in-real-estate-is-here-are-you-ready 3. U.S. Census Bureau — New U.S. Census Bureau Data Show Detailed Characteristics of Home-Based Workers https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2025/01/work-from-home-inequalities.html 4. National Association of REALTORS® — One Big Happy Household: How Families and the Data Are Shaping Multigenerational Living https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/one-big-happy-household-how-families-and-the-data-are-shaping-multigenerational-living 5. Better Homes & Gardens — Multigenerational Living Will Define the Future of Home Design, According to Thumbtack and Redfin https://www.bhg.com/thumbtack-redfin-home-design-report-2026-11869197 6. The House Plan Company — How 2025 Is Redefining Multigenerational Home Design https://www.thehouseplancompany.com/blog/how-2025-is-redefining-multigenerational-home-design/ 7. National Association of REALTORS® — All Under One Roof: Trends in Multigenerational Living https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/home-and-design/all-under-one-roof-trends-in-multigenerational-living 8. The Mortgage Reports — How to Buy a House With Your Parents https://themortgagereports.com/77007/buying-a-home-with-parents-or-child 9. Elder Law Answers — Home Ownership When Parents and Adult Children Live Together https://www.elderlawanswers.com/what-are-the-house-ownership-options-when-parents-and-adult-children-live-together-14484

What Actually Makes a Listing Stand Out in 2026

March 24, 2026
The playbook for selling a home has changed fast. Active housing inventory rose more than 16% year-over-year in 2025, and 62% of homebuyers paid below the original list price—the highest share since 2019. The average discount hit 7.9%, the biggest in over a decade. What does that mean for sellers? The days of putting a home on the MLS, snapping a few photos, and waiting for offers are over. Today's buyers are more informed, more cautious, and more willing to walk away. The listings that win are the ones that eliminate friction at every stage. Here is what that actually looks like. Know What the 2026 Buyer Is Filtering For Today's buyer is thinking about what a home will cost them after they buy it. According to the 2026 Design Trends Report, 86% of buyers say flexible layouts help them see past square footage. Dedicated home offices, walk-in pantries, and multipurpose rooms now outweigh raw size. Nearly half of buyers say they will not buy a home that does not feel right the moment they walk in. Energy efficiency is being evaluated as a financial hedge against utility costs, climate risk, and future insurability. Terms like "zero-energy ready" and "home battery system" are appearing far more frequently in buyer searches. Sellers who position features like updated HVAC systems, new windows, or solar panels as cost-saving assets have a clear advantage. What does it mean for you? Win the Screen Before You Win the Showing The online listing is the first showing. By the time a buyer walks through the front door, they have already decided they are interested—or they have scrolled past. 85% of homebuyers consider listing photos the most critical factor when evaluating a property online. Not the price. Not the description. The photo. Listings with professional photography receive up to 61% more views and sell 32% faster Twilight photos used as the primary listing image average 76% more views Listings with video get 403% more inquiries Listings with 3D virtual tours sell up to 31% faster and for up to 9% more These are not small edges—they are the differences that help a listing generate momentum. What does it mean for you? Remove Every Reason to Say "No" In a slower market, uncertainty creates lower offers—or no offers. Every unanswered question is a reason to negotiate down or walk away. The smartest move is to answer the scary questions before they are asked. That starts with a pre-listing inspection. For $300 to $800, a seller can identify and address issues on their own timeline and terms, before a buyer's inspector turns a minor finding into a deal-killing negotiation. Home inspections are the number one reason deals fall apart today. In mid-2025, 15% of pending sales fell through—above the 12% historical norm—largely because financially stretched buyers will not absorb surprise repair costs. What does it mean for you? Price It Right or Pay the Price Overpriced listings don't just sit longer—they sell for less than if they had been priced correctly from the start. 39% of all listings nationwide had price reductions in 2025. The typical home sold for nearly 4% under its asking price during peak season, the steepest discount in six years. A listing's visibility and buyer interest peak immediately after launch. Pricing high to see what happens is dangerous: Every week of inactivity makes the next correction less effective Multiple small reductions signal desperation and train buyers to wait for the next drop A single strategic correction, aggressive enough to restart the clock, is almost always more effective Pricing correctly from day one is not conservative—it is strategic. What does it mean for you? The New Definition of a Winning Listing The 2026 winner is not the cheapest or the biggest. It is the most ready. The difference between a home that moves and one that sits often comes down to strategy, not the property itself. What does it mean for you? We're Here to Guide You If you are thinking about selling—or if you have a listing that is not performing the way you expected—let's talk. A strategic approach to pricing, presentation, and preparation can make all the difference in today's market. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional real estate advice. Market conditions vary by location and individual circumstances. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before making decisions about buying or selling property.  Sources HousingWire – The U.S. Housing Market in 2025 Redfin – Homebuyers Are Scoring the Biggest Discounts in 13 Years Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate – 2026 Design Trends Report Redfin – Why 15% of Home Sales Are Falling Apart HomeLight – What Buyers Want in a Home Zillow 2026 Home Trends Report PhotoUp – Real Estate Photography Statistics RubyHome – Real Estate Photography Statistics Matterport – 3D Tours Study Matterport – Property Buyers Prefer 3D Tours NAR Magazine – Pre-Listing Inspections CubiCasa – Real Estate Listing Trends in 2026 Redfin – Home Sellers Cutting Prices at Record Rate NAR Magazine – Listing Price Reduction Navigation

You’re Invited to Our Free Community Shredding Event!

February 26, 2026
At the Vickie Landis Rentsel Team of Keller Williams Realty Group, we’re always looking for small ways to say thank you to our amazing clients and community. That’s why we’re excited to host a FREE Community Shredding Event this spring! If you have old tax returns, bank statements, medical paperwork, or other sensitive documents piling up at home, this is the perfect opportunity to safely and securely dispose of them. ⸻ Why Shredding Matters Identity theft continues to be a growing concern, and one of the simplest ways to protect yourself is by properly destroying confidential documents. Items like: • Old tax documents • Credit card statements • Bank records • Medical paperwork • Pre-approved credit offers • Anything containing your Social Security number or account information Shredding these materials helps prevent personal information from falling into the wrong hands.