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6 Causes of Buyer's Remorse After Buying a House, According to Homeowners

Dusty Rhodes • June 3, 2024

Three out of four homebuyers in a Zillow survey report having at least one regret about the home they bought. Follow these tips to avoid buyer's remorse.


In a hot seller’s market, it’s easy to get so caught up in the search for a home that you overlook the home’s shortcomings. Or, you may fail to consider whether it’s going to work for you in the long run. What follows tends to be some form of buyer's remorse after a period of living in your house.


That’s what happened with Mary Germany Gibson when she bought her home Columbia, Tennessee, in 2021.


We love our home,’’ Gibson said, “but regret having all four bedrooms upstairs. We should have looked longer for a (primary bedroom) on the main level.


Gibson was among more than 5,000 people who shared their biggest sources of regret regarding their house in a Zillow post on Facebook. Not taking enough time to find the right home was one of the themes that emerged, as was paying too much, exceeding their budget and a host of other particulars.


Turns out, buyer’s remorse after purchasing a house is common. In a Zillow survey published in February 2022, 75% of those who successfully purchased a home in the past two years say they have at least one regret about the home they bought. And 81% of successful buyers say they had to make at least one compromise in order to afford their home, according to the survey of recent buyers.


We combed through the Facebook post on top home buyer regrets to glean nuggets of wisdom from the trials and troubles of experienced buyers. Keep reading to learn how to avoid some of the pitfalls that come with moving too quickly or losing sight of the things you need to make a happy home.


Reasons people feel buyer's remorse after getting a house


1. They bought a home that requires too much maintenance

If I could do it over, I’d buy a cute condo with a small yard. Tending to a house with a big yard is just so much work.


Few things can match the disappointment of finally getting your own yard only to watch the previous owner’s gloriously curated garden devolve into an overgrown, weed-infested tangle due to your own neglect.


About 32% of buyers surveyed by Zillow expressed having buyer's remorse after purchasing a house that needs more work or maintenance than expected.


Lesson for buyers: Know your physical, psychological and financial limits and what you’re able and willing to take on.


2. They bought a home that’s too small

I wish we had given more thought to how we wanted to live in our home. We could have waited until we found one with a large kitchen and dining room. We love to entertain, and it’s hard to do when the kitchen is so small.


Think deeply about what makes you happy about your current home, and the kinds of things that bring you joy. Do you like building things? You might want to put a garage or basement work space on your must-have list. How about entertaining? Consider homes with enough space for cooking and hosting.


Lesson for buyers: Don’t get so fixated on buying any available home that you lose sight of what makes a home livable and comfortable for you. Keep a list with you when you’re shopping of the characteristics that are “must haves” and continue looking until you find one that hits the sweet spots.


3. They bought a home in the wrong location

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


Imagine buying a home for the peace and quiet it offers only to discover there’s a busy bus stop out front. Or maybe there's a nearby business district that draws throngs of people late into the night. Or, if you’re someone who likes to shop daily for fresh food, imagine what a chore that could become if the nearest grocery store is 15 miles away.


About a quarter (28%) of surveyed buyers say they would have shopped for and purchased a home in a different area.


Lesson for buyers: Visit the home at different times and different days to get a sense of the rhythm of life that surrounds it. Shopping in a specific neighborhood and planning to commute to work? Take a few test drives during rush hours to see what your commute is like, or take the bus or train to your destination.


4. They bought an older home that needs a lot of repairs

We bought an older home, thinking we could fix it up over time. But some things can’t wait. In just two years, we’ve had to replace the roof, dig up the side sewer, install a new water heater and rebuild the deck.


There’s one constant with homeownership: If it breaks, it’s your problem.


Lesson for buyers: Be sure to get an inspection or even a home warranty. Price out renovations ahead of time to leave room for the unexpected.


5. They didn't consider the total environment

When we were looking, we were so focused on the house that we didn’t give enough consideration to the surroundings. After two years of staring at my neighbors’ homes, I find myself craving privacy and acreage.

Think about what makes you happy about your current home. What’s missing that you’d pay a premium to have? Make a list of those things and check the home you’re considering against the list. Do you need a lot of light during the day? Make sure that you’re not in the shadow of large trees. Hate yard work? Consider the size of the yard and its composition.


Lesson for buyers: There are a lot of things you can change about a home. However, any structural change such as removing walls, adding windows or space is likely to be an expensive fix. Look for homes that have the qualities that are most important to you.


6. Not doing more research can cause home buyer regrets

We bought a newly built home, but didn’t do enough research on the builder or what we should expect when we moved in. The home wasn’t finished, and we had to spend a lot of time chasing after the builder to fix and finish things.


If you’re buying new construction, research the builder. If you’re buying an existing home, research agents and lenders to make sure you’re getting the best representation and the best value.


Lesson for buyers: Taking the time to research issues upfront can save you from home buyer's remorse. It’s worth spending the time to build your knowledge so you can make more informed decisions. This is especially the case if you're buying for the first time.


Other ways to help minimize home buyer regrets


Avoid distractions to avoid home buyer discontent down the road


“Buyers can get distracted by a pretty kitchen or great staging when they should concentrate instead on a home’s two biggest factors: its layout and location. It’s very tough to change both,” according to Seattle-based Zillow Premier Agent Lucas Pinto, team lead at the Lucas Pinto Real Estate Group, Compass. “A great agent can reframe a buyer’s home search and keep them focused on their priorities, helping them make a confident, informed purchase decision.”


Take a break


If you’re feeling stressed or burnt out from home shopping, take a break. Zillow’s buyer survey found that 59% of successful buyers and 72% of prospective buyers say they took a break from their home search. Both prospective and successful buyers who paused their search were most likely to do so because the type of home they wanted to buy became too expensive. Nearly three-quarters of successful buyers wish they had done at least one thing differently. And nearly 40% wish they had taken more time searching for a home or weighing their options.


Make sure you love your neighborhood


Shoppers also can use tools on all Zillow for-sale listings to calculate travel time to any location from the home. Listings also include walk scores and transit scores to help choose a location you’ll love.


Line up your priorities with your budget and stay realistic


Use a checklist to help establish your needs versus wants. Draft it ahead of diving into a home search, and keep it handy while you shop. When shopping with a partner, the right home should meet the needs of both people. This will help you avoid resentment and buyer's remorse after buying your house.


“It’s important to remember that even in a balanced market, most buyers have to make compromises to stay within their budget,’’ said Garcia, the population scientist at Zillow who conducted the survey. “However, to minimize home buyer regrets, aspiring buyers would be wise to establish where they’re willing to compromise and what’s a deal-breaker before shopping.”





Source: Zillow Blog


Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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Myrtle Beach OKs extension for halting new long-term rentals near ocean

By Dusty Rhodes • November 18, 2024
Myrtle Beach City Council on Tuesday approved first reading to extend the temporary moratorium established in the spring that halted converting short-term rentals into long-term ones. The original ordinance passed first reading on April 9 and second reading on May 14. It imposed a 270-day halt on “acceptance, review and approval of applications to convert multi-family short-term rental properties to multi-family long-term rental properties within an area spanning from the east or seaward side of Ocean Boulevard to Kings Highway, and from Grand Dunes Boulevard to the point where Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway intersect near the south city limits,” the ordinance reads. The 270-day halt was set to expire in January, according to the ordinance. The extension adds another 60 days to the moratorium. The council also approved a motion to declare certain vehicles abandoned or derelict in an effort to improve the appearance of both commercial and residential neighborhoods. “This report includes vehicles staff tagged as abandoned or derelict. Council’s approval allows these vehicles to be towed from their private property locations to a tow yard where they may be reclaimed by the current owner upon payment of the applicable towing and storage fees,” the motion reads. “If the vehicles are not claimed by the owner within 30 days of the required notice, then the tow company may sell the vehicle and keep the proceeds as compensation.” All four items on the consent agenda passed, including three grants of $110,262, $84,825 and $300,000. The $110,262 grant comes from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and is for continuation of Myrtle Beach police’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program. According to the motion, the funds will be used “to support the full-time NIBIN detective dedicated to the acquisition, correlation, analysis, investigation, and prosecution of gun and gun-related crimes.” The $84,825 grant comes from the South Carolina Attorney General for the Violence Against Women Act. Those funds will be used “to support the hiring of a Police Victim Advocate dedicated to immediately responding to the safety needs of victims of violent crime. This position will allow Myrtle Beach police to provide, enhance, and expand its direct services to primary and secondary victims.” The $300,000 grant comes from the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services and will allow Myrtle Beach police to establish a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. “LEAD is a pre-booking diversion program that allows law enforcement that allows law enforcement to redirect low-level offenders to community services, including mental health services and drug rehabilitation,” the motion reads. “MBPD will use this funding for two Health Outreach Coordinators and scholarships for participants.” Before the meeting, proclamations were also made recognizing former Horry County Police Chief Joe Hill, who retired last month, as well as Horry County Administrator Steve Gosnell, who will retire in December. Gosnell was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in September.

Ways to Thank Service Members and Veterans

By Dusty Rhodes • November 11, 2024
While any time is a good time to thank military members for their service, some military-related holidays and observances are an especially great time to recognize those who took the oath to serve and protect our country. Looking to show your appreciation for service members and veterans beyond just words? Here are a few ideas. Acts of Service Buy a meal. If you see a service member in uniform or recognize someone is a veteran while dining out, picking up the tab for their meal is a nice gesture – and an even better surprise. Lend a hand. Are you good at carpentry, plumbing, or landscaping? Do you enjoy sewing, cooking, or cleaning? Offer your skills to help a military family in need, especially if a service member is deployed. Using these skills to show your support could ] brighten someone’s day and make life a little easier for military families juggling responsibilities. Volunteer at a VA hospital or veterans’ shelter. Not every veteran has someone checking up on them, so seeing a friendly face, especially during times of struggle, could mean more than you know. VA medical facilities depend on volunteers to help with various services, including visiting patients, running errands, or helping facilitate recreational activities. In addition, serving meals at a veterans’ shelter or donating goods to food pantries and shelters that serve veterans helps ensure basic needs are being cared for. Connect With Veteran Networks Participate in parades and other veteran events. Many cities hold parades and celebration events during military-related holidays, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. By attending the events, you can show your gratitude in person. Consider joining wreath-laying ceremonies for Memorial Day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, or take your family to one of the many Veterans Day events across the country to show your support. Check-in with military families. If you know someone or have neighbors with a service member in the family who is stationed away from their loved ones, take time to check in and let them know you’re there to help if needed. The simple gesture will help the family know they have support and give the service member more peace of mind, knowing there is someone nearby to look in on their family members . Listen to veterans’ stories. If you meet a veteran, take time to connect and learn more about their time in service. You’ll likely be amazed and inspired by their stories. If you’re a company or organization seeking a veteran speaker for an event or fundraiser, programs like Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors Speak® give warriors and military caregivers a platform to share their stories and raise awareness of the needs of injured veterans. Donate to a veterans’ charity. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to honor service members and veterans is to donate to a veterans service organization (VSO). Wounded Warrior Project is dedicated to serving veterans and their families by providing a holistic approach to care, including mental wellness , physical health and wellness , peer support , financial education , and much more. Supporting VSOs is a meaningful way to empower veterans to thrive and live their lives to the fullest. Send a Military Care Package Another way to thank active-duty service members is to send a military care package. Even during peacetime, there are things service members stationed in the U.S. and abroad can use and enjoy. It also doesn’t hurt to get an unexpected gift and reminder of home when you’re away from family. Here are some ideas on what to send in a military care package: Toiletries: Items like deodorant, soap, shampoo, and razors are always needed and appreciated. Costs for these little things can add up, and they are necessary, whether in the field, deployed overseas, or even at home. Deck of cards, puzzles, books. Even with all our modern technology, a deck of playing cards is a classic care package item. Books, puzzles, and games can also be a fun way to pass the time on deployment, in the field (if allowed), or at the barracks. Feminine-hygiene products. Women are the fastest-growing demographic of veterans, and more and more are serving in the Armed Forces. Sending items specifically to women warriors shows them they’re being seen for their service and helps provide much-needed supplies that are often an extra expense for servicewomen. Snacks. Consider portable snacks like beef jerky, trail mix, or energy bars for warriors in combat zones. For those in basic training or stationed away from home, send local treats or popular snacks that are easy to share. Add comfort items like soup cups, instant coffee, flavored drink mixes, or cookies. A card or letter. It’s always nice to hear that what you’re doing is appreciated. When sending a note or card in a military care package, include how important the service member’s sacrifice is to you why it matters. Reading these words of support and appreciation can go a long way in brightening someone’s day. Regardless of how you decide to show your appreciation to service members and veterans, we must never forget the sacrifice members of the U.S. Armed Forces are willing to make for us. Find out other ways you can help wounded veterans. Contact: — Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910 About Wounded Warrior Project Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more . 

Why Home Sales Historically Bounce Back After Presidential Elections

By Dusty Rhodes • October 28, 2024
With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market. Let’s break it down. Election Years Bring a Temporary Slowdown In any given year, home sales slow down slightly in the fall. It’s a typical, seasonal trend. However, according to data from BTIG , in election years there’s usually a slightly larger dip in home sales in the month leading up to Election Day ( see graph below ): 
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