07/21/26

As much as we love using this space to celebrate the joys of homeownership, it’s time to address a less-than-fun topic: buyer’s remorse. Why? We want everyone to be happy with their real estate purchase when they use one of our branches — not just on Closing Day, but for years to come!

That’s why we’re breaking down some of the most common reasons for buyer’s remorse and how to avoid them. 

Underestimating costs beyond the mortgage. While the mortgage is a big part of your monthly expenses, it’s certainly not the only cost buyers should keep in mind. Extra costs like energy bills, HOA fees and routine upkeep can all shape what homeownership feels like month to month.

Not budgeting enough for maintenance. While this ties closely to our first point, it deserves its own section. Why? It was the top “regret” in an annual survey released earlier this year. A main driver behind that regret was anxiety over severe weather preparedness. According to the findings, “In 2024, just over half of homeowners felt very prepared for extreme weather. By 2025, that number fell nearly 20 percentage points — underscoring the need for more emergency planning and supplemental coverage.”   

Choosing the wrong people to guide you home. We say this often, because it’s true: working with the right team builds a strong foundation for a successful transaction. Your REALTOR®, loan officer and title company each play an important role in keeping your transaction on track. From protecting your property rights to ensuring every document is handled accurately, our team is here to help you cross the finish line.

We’ll end this piece on a high note. Research has found that homeowner regret has been diminishing and changing over the last few years. In 2024, the top regrets were compromising on desired features and locking in a higher-than-desired mortgage rate. Stabilizing mortgage rates and growing inventory have since given buyers more opportunities to find a home that fits both their needs and budget.

Thank you for trusting our teams to deliver a closing experience you and your clients will never regret. Reach out to your local branch anytime!