No Buyer’s Remorse: Tips for House Hunting
A recent study about buyer’s remorse showed that 75% of homebuyers in 2022 were unhappy with their purchase. This was mostly due to price and interest rates. Issues discovered in the home following closing was the second highest reason for these feelings.
When beginning a home search, most folks have a ‘must have’ and a ‘would like to have’ list. This often includes some basics such as neighborhood, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a two-car garage, a fenced yard, etc. There are a number of things people often overlook when viewing homes and open houses.
So how do you prepare and hopefully avoid this?
Simple repairs to drywall, stained carpets, and esthetics are usually inexpensive upgrades and easy to see and assess quickly. However, a number of issues are often overlooked. Some of the simple things to check are cabinetry and all appliances. Ask if there is an HOA for the community. Do a drive by to notice noise levels, schools, and sidewalks and access ways.
Cabinetry
All cabinets are not created equal. Many homebuyers feel awkward looking too closely at opening drawers etc. as they may feel like this is an invasion of privacy to the seller. However, if not checked buyers can be unaware of workmanship quality and details such as soft close, slide outs, lazy Susan options, and organizational storage. These details may not break a deal, but they are definitely features which signal building quality. We provide a “Features List” in our listings for potential buyers. If a home you are interested in does not; bring a notepad of a pre-made check list to note as you view or attend an open house.
Appliances
Obviously, as we are here in Florida, air conditioning units must be fully functional. Ideally, before a buyer even submits an offer they will be made aware of the age of the units. That way when going under contract there are no surprises during inspection. Not every agent provides sellers disclosures covering previous repairs, issues and ages of appliances (we do with all our listings), so make sure you ask for them. This also applies to roofs, pools, and irrigation systems.
Neighborhood
Ask people in the neighborhood you are considering what they like, love and dislike about the area. If there is one, inquire about HOA management, noise levels and how the community is as a whole. Most residents are happy to tell you their thoughts on what it is like living there and often would like to check out who their future neighbors will be as well. Visit the area at different times of the day as well to note traffic sounds, pets, children etc. Although not all neighborhoods have HOA’s, it’s good to have an idea of what to expect. Here’s a great article to give you a head start: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/08/homeowners-associations-tips.asp
Partner in Your Due Diligence
Although it is up to home buyers to do their due diligence in home search, a good agent representing them will have this information upon interest. Great agents (like me), will have as much of this information before you schedule a viewing 😉 saving everyone time and energy finding ‘the one’! Start your search by contacting me today.
Your Caring Realtor®,
Amber
