Avoid the Oops: 6 Common Homebuyer Regrets (and How You Can Dodge Them)

Avoid the Oops: 6 Common Homebuyer Regrets (and How You Can Dodge Them)

Buying a home is a huge milestone—whether it’s your first purchase or your “upgrade to a better school district and a bigger backyard” move. It’s exciting, emotional, and honestly, a little overwhelming.

You start with Pinterest boards and weekend open houses, and before long, you’re scrolling listings late into the night and picturing where the Christmas tree would go. But amid the excitement, many buyers rush into decisions that they end up regretting after the dust settles and the boxes are unpacked.

So let’s talk about it.

I’ve coached dozens of families through the homebuying process here in Eugene—and I’ve also heard the “wish we would have known” comments. The good news? These regrets are usually preventable with the right plan, mindset, and local guidance.

Here are six of the most common homebuyer regrets I hear—and how to avoid them like a pro.

1. “We didn’t think enough about the neighborhood.”
   It’s tempting to fall in love with the house itself—the vaulted ceilings, the soaking tub, or the new quartz countertops. But if you’re not equally in love with where the house is, you may find yourself daydreaming about moving all over again way too soon.

I’ve had buyers fall in love with a home in a quiet cul-de-sac… only to realize later that it backs up to a major street and rush hour noise makes relaxing in the backyard impossible. Or they buy near parks and trails but discover the local school doesn’t align with their educational goals.

How to avoid it:
Get hyper-local. Walk the block. Drive through during school pickup or Friday night traffic. Visit the nearby coffee shop or grocery store. Ask yourself: Can I picture doing life here for the next few years?

And don’t be afraid to ask me for the real story—I live here, I work here, and I keep tabs on all the little quirks that don’t show up in the listing description.

2. “We underestimated the cost of ownership.”
   This one hits a few months after move-in, when the water bill spikes, the heating bill arrives, and the fence needs repair. Buying the home is just the beginning—owning it comes with its own price tag.

In Eugene, I often hear surprise around utility costs for older homes, especially those with baseboard heat or single-pane windows. Not to mention property taxes and insurance, which can vary quite a bit by neighborhood and home style.

How to avoid it:
During the buying process, I’ll help you estimate total monthly costs—not just the mortgage. We’ll talk utilities, maintenance, seasonal yard work (hello, leaves in the gutters), and even longer-term upgrades. If you’re considering a home with an aging roof or outdated HVAC system, we’ll factor that in early and plan accordingly.

3. “We compromised too much just to win the offer.”
   This regret shows up when buyers feel pressured by a competitive market—and end up saying yes to a home (or terms) that weren’t the right fit. Whether it’s skipping inspections, stretching the budget, or ignoring red flags, the “win” doesn’t always feel worth it later.

Especially in a market like Eugene’s, where homes in certain neighborhoods (think: Ferry Street Bridge, Southeast Eugene) can attract multiple offers, the pressure is real.

How to avoid it:
Before we tour anything, we’ll clearly define what matters most to you. That way, you’re not making decisions in the heat of the moment. I’ll also coach you through offer strategies that protect your best interest—because winning the home should feel like a win, not a regret.

4. “We didn’t think long-term.”
   It’s easy to fall in love with a house that meets your current needs. But what about a year from now? Or five?

Maybe you’re planning to grow your family, or your remote job isn’t going anywhere. Maybe aging parents could move in down the road. I’ve had buyers say, “We just need something small for now”—only to outgrow it within two years.

How to avoid it:
I’ll ask the kinds of questions that help you think ahead: Will this layout still work if your family grows? Would the garage make a decent home gym or office if needed? Is the yard manageable now and in 10 years?

If you’re planning to stay in Eugene for the long haul, let’s make sure the house fits more than just this season of life.

5. “We didn’t ask enough questions.”
   Sometimes, buyers feel like they should know everything already—or they don’t want to seem like they’re being too picky. So they stay quiet about something that later becomes a real issue.

I’ve had clients say, “I didn’t know I could ask about that” after closing—whether it was the age of the sewer line or how the HOA actually works.

How to avoid it:
I’ll encourage you to ask all the questions. I’d rather dig into an issue now than have you discover something frustrating later. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll track it down or refer you to a professional who does.

Your peace of mind is more important than pretending everything’s perfect.

6. “We weren’t prepared for the emotional rollercoaster.”
   This might be the most underrated regret of all.

Buying a home isn’t just a financial investment—it’s a deeply personal, emotional experience. It’s completely normal to feel stress, doubt, or even fear that you’re making the wrong decision.

I’ve had clients second-guess themselves the night before closing, cry at the final walkthrough, or panic about packing everything into a moving truck. It’s all part of the ride.

How to avoid it:
Expect it. I’m not just here to unlock doors and write contracts—I’m also your sounding board and support system. Whether you need someone to reassure you that it’s okay to feel anxious, or just need a break from decision-making, I’ve got you.

Let’s Make Sure You Love Where You Land
Regret-proofing your next home starts with clarity, strategy, and a trusted guide who’s in your corner. I help clients like Mark and Emily make smart, confident decisions—without sacrificing their sanity in the process.

If you’re starting to feel like your current home just isn’t working anymore—whether it’s space, schools, or just that gut feeling—I’d love to hear what’s on your mind.

Let’s talk about what’s next, and make your move with no regrets.