06/24/25

Purchasing a home is an important milestone – one that should be especially celebrated during National Homeownership Month. While buyers generally love their homes, there are some common regrets, or at least things people wish they would’ve done differently.

Here are three things all of us should keep in mind, according to a 2024 Clever Real Estate survey that found that more than 8 out of 10 buyers had at least one regret about buying their home.

Not planning for unexpected repairs. Many homeowners encountered unforeseen issues shortly after moving in, ranging from cosmetic fixes (45%) to more serious plumbing or electrical problems (26%), and even structural defects (13%). These repairs aren’t just inconvenient. They’re expensive, too, with average expenses ranging from $3,765 to over $10,800. In many cases, buyers do not budget for these post-purchase surprises, which can add financial stress (more on that in a second).

To avoid this pitfall, experts recommend setting aside at least 1–3% of the home’s purchase price each year for maintenance and repairs. A thorough home inspection, combined with a home warranty in the first year, can help mitigate some of these risks, regardless of how transparent you believe the seller is throughout the process.

Rushing a decision. More than 30% of first-time buyers reported experiencing buyer’s remorse, often due to feeling pressured into making quick decisions. Limited inventory and fast-moving listings can create a fear of missing out (FOMO), pushing buyers to compromise on location, condition or features. The pressure to act quickly may be lessening now, but it’s always a good idea to weigh your options before taking action (in fact, another top regret, according to homebuyers, is buying a house that’s too small).  It’s also why working with a trusted REALTOR® to help you differentiate between your must-haves and nice-to-haves can be totally worth it.

Going beyond their house budget. We get it. The market is competitive, and home affordability is a significant issue everywhere. However, that study from Clever found that 40% of recent homebuyers are struggling to make their mortgage payments. Remember, even if you’re approved for more, the general rule is to aim for a monthly payment that is less than 30% of your monthly income. Plus, don’t forget about taxes, fees, insurance and closing costs on top of the aforementioned maintenance and repairs.

Here’s some good news: A similar Bankrate survey found that most American homeowners (70 percent) would buy their current home again if they had to do it over again (despite acknowledging a list of regrets similar to what we wrote above). The bottom line is that homeownership is still totally worth it, but there’s no reason to sugarcoat it – it’s not always the perfect journey.   

However, our teams, as well as many other real estate professionals, are here to help guide you along the way. Reach out to us anytime, and we’d be glad to provide you with title and escrow services you’ll never regret!