The 3 Types of Home Buyers Regrets

Buying a home is one of the biggest milestones in life. It’s exciting, emotional, and—let’s be honest—a little overwhelming. With so much riding on the decision, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and overlook potential pitfalls. After walking clients through countless homes, I’ve noticed the same patterns that lead to home buyers regrets.

Here are the three most common types of homes buyers regret—and what you can do differently.

1. The “Too Much Work” Fixer-Upper – A Common Home Buyers Regret

It happens all the time: buyers fall in love with the idea of turning an outdated home into their dream house. On TV it looks fun and fast, but in real life, renovations often mean hidden costs, delays, and stress. Behind that “good deal” price tag could be electrical issues, plumbing that’s past its prime, or even structural problems.

How to avoid it: Always get a full inspection and, if possible, bring a contractor with you before you make an offer. Ask for realistic repair estimates so you know what you’re truly committing to—not just what looks good in a staged photo.

💡Quick Tip: Before you fall in love with a “great deal” talk to your agent about realistic renovation timelines and costs. A little research up front can save you months of frustration and unexpected expenses later.

According to the National Association of Realtors, many home buyers regrets come from skipping inspections or rushing the process.

2. The “Wrong Location, Right House”

The house might be perfect on paper, but if the location doesn’t work for your lifestyle, regret sets in fast. Maybe it’s too far from work, maybe the school district isn’t the right fit, or maybe the neighborhood feels different once you’re actually living there. Many buyers stretch into areas they don’t really know just to get “more house” for the money, only to realize the tradeoff wasn’t worth it.

How to avoid it: Remember—you can remodel a kitchen, but you can’t move a house. Spend time in the neighborhood at different times of day. Talk to a few neighbors. Ask yourself: will this location still make sense for me five or ten years down the road?

💡Quick Tip: Drive the route to work, school, or the grocery store before buying. What seems close on a map might feel far when traffic hits every morning.

3. The “Bigger Isn’t Always Better” House

A large home might feel impressive on day one, but the costs of heating, cooling, taxes, and upkeep can turn it into a burden. It might feel great to walk into a 5,500-square-foot property, but the shine can fade when you’re cleaning rooms you rarely use or paying energy bills that rival a car payment. Many buyers realize too late that they didn’t actually need all that space.

How to avoid it: Be honest about how you really live. How many rooms do you use daily? Could a more efficient layout serve your needs without the extra cost and upkeep? A thoughtfully designed home can feel just as spacious without draining your time and wallet.

💡Quick Tip: Before falling for extra square footage, compare the heating, cooling, and maintenance costs. A smaller well-designed home can feel just as spacious – without draining your time or wallet.

Final Thoughts

Regret rarely comes from buying the “wrong” home—it comes from buying without looking at the whole picture. The good news? With the right guidance, you can sidestep the most common mistakes.

If you’re ready to buy with confidence—and avoid the kinds of homes buyers regret—I’d love to help guide you through the process.

📲 Reach out anytime at KimYourRealtor.com or call/text me at 219-878-3328.