Have you ever bought a new car and the next day started to question whether or not you made the right decision? Have you ever bought a new, expensive TV only to find great deals in the paper the next day?
It happens to many homeowners too. You find the right home, go through the process, sign the closing paper, get your keys, and you're finally a homeowner! How exciting. But later that day, some troubling questions creep into your mind: Did I make the right decision? What if I paid too much? What if a better house for me is out there and I'll never know it?
Buyer's remorse is a common, and unsettling, feeling for new home buyers. Your home is likely the most expensive purchase you'll ever make, so it makes sense if you start to wonder whether you made the right choice. But if the feeling is getting you down, follow these dos and don'ts to manage your mindset.
Do revisit your home wish list. Whether you wrote a short list detailing every dream you have ever had in a home, or you just had a few ideas stored in your head, you had a specific home in mind while you were house hunting. If you're feeling regretful about your purchase, compare your initial home wish list to the home you bought. Does it have all or most of the features you wanted? If so, your buyer's remorse is likely a fleeting feeling that will subside once you start getting settled in. If your home is different from your list, remind yourself why you made those compromises.
Don't look at other houses. It's tempting to continue perusing real estate listings or slowing down every time you drive by a "For Sale" sign, but please refrain. Looking at other houses is bound to make you wonder what you missed out on. Instead, focus on the features you love about your new home.
Do start decorating. If your new house is still empty, it might not feel like "home" to you yet. So start making it your own. Paint the walls, display your favorite artwork and hang stylish window treatments.
Don't let others bring you down. While some people in your life will be eager to celebrate your new home, others might not be so enthusiastic. Let's face it: We all have those people in our lives that can take the excitement out of even our happiest moments. If they start to criticize your home's location, the crown molding or the price you paid for it, don't let them get to you. Instead, surround yourself with positive people who will reinforce your decision.
Do take a break. From the time you start searching for a home online to the moment you sign your closing papers, the home-buying process can feel like it's taken over your life. If your normal routines were disrupted by house hunting
and loan applications, take a break and get back on track. Whether you went for nightly walks or read to the kids before bed, start getting back into your pre-home-purchase habits to subdue your stress. You may even want to take a weekend getaway to clear your head. When you get back, you'll be ready to start moving in!
Have questions? Email me at evelyn@homeslascruces.com or download our free in-depth home buyers guide!
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