Home Buyer’s Remorse and How to Avoid It

The 2020 spring market is about to ramp up and the Jennifer Queen Team (JQT) wants to help protect you and your investments. We pride ourselves on helping people find their dream home, whether it be your first home, or you’re downsizing or upgrading. Whatever situation you’re in, we don’t want you to fall victim to the dreaded home buyer’s remorse. So this month Agent Amy has come up with 8 ways to help avoid home buyer’s remorse.

Let’s start at the beginning… What is Buyer’s Remorse?

Buyer’s remorse is the sense of regret after having made a purchase. We usually see regret more frequently after making a significant purchase, such as a home or vehicle.  Sometimes we find buyers experience remorse because they have purchased something they can’t really afford, including finding themselves in a significant amount of debt to cover the cost of an item. However you can be responsibly managed with a modest mortgage that properly suits your budget. Keep in mind that buying a house is an exciting decision and is nothing to be afraid of if you are well informed and have the proper support where needed.

Understanding the Buying Process

The first step in avoiding buyer’s remorse is understanding the home buying process. The more information you know before committing to a purchase, the less chance of you finding out something you don’t agree with after closing. Knowing what to look for, questions that should be asked and common technical oversights can be addressed with experience. This is where the JQT comes in….

• FIND A GOOD REALTOR. If you are reading this blog (which you are) then look no further. You have found the best real estate team in Manitoba (that’s our opinion anyways). We go above and beyond for our clients. We have put together a detailed home buyer’s guide to help inform buyers of the process. Want one? Just ask. We’d be happy to provide you one. We have hard copies as well as digital copies.
• Once you have found a Realtor, ask to set up a meeting. It doesn’t have to be formal just an afternoon coffee will do. At the JQT we truly enjoy our jobs and we would love nothing more than for you to join us for a cup of coffee, where we can talk about something we are passionate about, real estate, and we’re sure you’ll learn a thing or two! It’s a win win!

Examining the Financials

The second step is another important one. It is imperative that you obtain a trusted mortgage broker. This can be a bit daunting because just like Realtors, there are lots of mortgage brokers out there. The JQT has compiled a short list of mortgage brokers we have worked with in the past and would recommend to all our new clients. These mortgage brokers are trusted, reliable people who will work hard for you and will do their very best to help you turn the key on a house you love. If you’ve found a mortgage broker you trust, we have no problem working with them as well. Finding the right mortgage broker brings confidence and comfort during a crucial time of the home buying process. Arranging a pre-approval prior to starting your home search will alleviate stress and anxiety during the process.

Patience and support

If you’re anything like me, maintaining patience is a struggle. Once I commit to do something, I want it done now!! As mentioned previously, buying real estate is an exciting time, it’s important that you are able to keep your composure and stay patient. Personally, I found support to maintain my patients in my husband. We are very opposite in this respect. If you can relate with my lack of patients, you might consider bringing someone else along. Whether it be a parent, trusted friend, boyfriend/girlfriend etc. Someone that is willing to see properties (preferably all of them) and have an unbiased opinion, might be a great option for you. If you need someone like this but don’t have anyone in the city, as your Realtor we can play that role, just say the word! Remember that buying a house is a major decision even though there are times the process may seem rushed, take your time and ensure that you are ready and comfortable with the decision, and keep in mind sometimes this can take a while. The JQT is here to wait with you.

The List - Want vs. Need

A great way to start your home buying search is to come up with a wants and needs list. This one is pretty self-explanatory, but shouldn’t be taken lightly. Write out a list of things you can’t live without -NEEDS- and things you would like to have but could live without -WANTS. If the patience step gives you anxiety you may want to bring your list with you to showings or reference it on a regular bias. As you view houses, you may become inspired to add to your list, be sure to reflect back on your Needs vs. Wants. This will help prioritize the important items to consider in the house.

Home Inspection

A home inspection is a great resource in helping minimize buyer’s remorse. It allows you to gain loads of knowledge about your future home before you have completely committed to it. Including a home inspection as a condition within your offer will help you get a thorough view of the property, but also allows you to terminate the contract if you need to. I usually tell my clients a home inspection is a great way to become acquainted and well informed about the property and also helps you make a “to do list” that every homeowner has. Whether deficiencies need to be address ASAP or it is something you need to budget for in the future, home inspection can help prioritize the “to-do’s”. If you are finding yourself in competition with another buyer and feel that writing in a home inspection hinders your chances of getting the property, I would suggest you request to conduct a home inspection prior to writing an offer. Yes, it cost money and the owner my not accept your offer, but I feel a home inspection is worth the risk.

Need a great home inspector? We have a short list of great home inspectors we use regularly. Just ask us for our Recommend Service Supplier List. We’d be happy to share.

Stick to Your Budget

Once you have taken the time to meet and commit to a mortgage broker. Make sure you take some time and go over your expenses and decide what an appropriate budget is for you, and stick to it! Just because the bank says they will give you a mortgage for $400,000, doesn’t mean that’s what you’re comfortable spending. Sit down and thoroughly go through your expenses and come up with a mortgage payment you are comfortable with (considering other bills…) and stick to it.

ASK QUESTIONS!

I truly believe there is no such thing as a stupid question and if you know me at all, you will know that I follow this mantra as well. I ask a lot of questions. If I don’t know something I ask. And that’s what you need to do as well, no judgement here. If you don’t know something about the buying process, ASK! If you don’t know something about the house, ASK! Don’t feel embarrassed that you don’t know something – real estate is what I do for a living, take advantage of experience and expert advice. I am a modest person and recognise I don’t know everything, however I have access to my team, colleagues and other experts in the industry and I will find out. Be reassured that knowledge will give you confidence to buy, the JQT is here to help you through this process every step of the way. 

The spring market is going to be heating up very soon (excuse the pun) and we are trying to make sure clients are ready and educated. Our job is to assist you. The last thing we want is for you to regret the major purchase we just helped you through. So take your time, go step by step and enjoy the process. While the process of buying a home can be stressful, it’s a very exciting time and we want you to remember it as such.

Happy Hunting!

#AgentAmy

Amy McDermid

Sales Associate

Phone: (204) 470-5356
Email: Amy@JenniferQueen.com