Avoiding Homebuyer’s Remorse | what you need to know

In a hot seller’s market, it’s easy to get so caught up in the home search that you overlook potential deal-breakers. Maybe you ignore a major flaw, or you don’t think about whether the home will truly work for you long-term. Then, after moving in, regret starts creeping in.

According to a recent article published by Zillow, that’s exactly what happened to one buyer when they bought a home in 2021. They loved their home but regretted having all four bedrooms upstairs. They're thinking now they should have taken more time to find a house with a primary bedroom on the main level.

More than 5,000 people shared their biggest homebuying regrets in a Zillow Facebook post. The top regrets? Rushing the process, paying too much, exceeding their budget, and overlooking key features.

Buyer’s remorse is surprisingly common. A 2022 Zillow survey found that 75% of buyers had at least one regret about their home purchase. And 81% had to make at least one compromise to afford their home.

To help future buyers avoid these mistakes, we’ve gathered insights from experienced homeowners. Here are some of the top reasons people regret their home purchase—and how you can avoid making the same missteps.

1. They Took on More Maintenance Than Expected

"If I could do it over, I’d buy a cute condo with a small yard. Maintaining a big house and yard is just too much work."

Nothing kills excitement like realizing your dream home comes with endless yard work and constant repairs. According to Zillow, 32% of buyers regret buying a home that requires more maintenance than expected.

Lesson:

Be honest about your time, energy, and budget for upkeep. If a home needs major work, price out renovations in advance. And if you hate yard work, a huge lawn probably isn’t for you.

2. They Bought a Home That’s Too Small

"We should have waited for a house with a bigger kitchen and dining area. We love entertaining, but it’s hard with such a small space."

Think beyond square footage. How do you want to live in your home? Do you need space for hobbies, hosting, or future family plans?

Lesson:

Don’t let urgency push you into a home that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Keep a checklist of must-haves and stick to it.

3. They Didn’t Love the Location

"I love my house, but we’re on a busy road, and the traffic noise never stops."

A home can be renovated, but you can’t change its surroundings. Noise, commute times, and neighborhood dynamics are major factors buyers sometimes overlook. In fact, 28% of surveyed buyers said they would have chosen a different location.

Lesson:

Visit the home at different times of the day. Check out traffic, noise levels, and local amenities. If you commute, test the drive during rush hour.

4. They Underestimated the Cost of Repairs

"We bought an older home thinking we could fix it up gradually, but in just two years, we’ve replaced the roof, dug up the sewer, and rebuilt the deck."

Homes—especially older ones—come with hidden costs. If major systems (roof, plumbing, electrical) are near the end of their lifespan, you’ll be paying for replacements sooner than later.

Lesson:

Always get a home inspection. If possible, invest in a home warranty. Research repair costs so you’re not caught off guard.

5. They Didn’t Consider the Surroundings

"We focused so much on the house that we didn’t think about the surroundings. Now, after two years of staring at my neighbors’ homes, I wish we had more privacy."

The right home isn’t just about the house itself—it’s about how it fits into its surroundings. If you love natural light, be mindful of tree coverage. If you want privacy, avoid densely packed subdivisions.

Lesson:

Make a list of environmental must-haves. Does the home provide the level of space, light, and privacy you want?

6. They Didn’t Research Enough

"We bought a new-build home but didn’t research the builder. When we moved in, the home wasn’t finished, and we had to chase them down to fix things."

Whether buying new construction or an existing home, thorough research is key. The right agent, lender, and builder make a huge difference.

Lesson:

Read reviews. Talk to past buyers if possible. For new builds, research the builder’s reputation and standard warranties.

How to Avoid Homebuyer’s Remorse

1. Focus on Layout & Location

It’s easy to get distracted by a beautifully staged home or trendy finishes, but those things can be changed. Layout and location? Not so much.

"Buyers should focus on a home’s two biggest factors: layout and location. Both are tough to change," says Lucas Pinto, a Zillow Premier Agent.

2. Take a Break if Needed

If you’re feeling rushed or overwhelmed, step back. Zillow found that 59% of successful buyers and 72% of prospective buyers took breaks during their search.

3. Research Your Neighborhood

Use tools like travel time calculators, walk scores, and transit maps to ensure you’re comfortable with the home’s location.

4. Align Priorities With Your Budget

A good agent will help you match your wish list with what’s realistically available in your market.

5. Use a Checklist

Before starting your search, create a list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” Keep it with you when touring homes to stay focused on what really matters.

Bottom Line

Even in a competitive market, taking your time and doing your research can save you from future regret. Know where you’re willing to compromise—and what’s non-negotiable—before making one of the biggest purchases of your life.  --- JRL