Twenty-two percent of homeowners regret buying their current home and 8% strongly regret the purchase. Location choices affect both cost and long-term satisfaction; factors like busy streets, ambient noise, poor infrastructure, empty lots and poorly maintained neighboring properties can erode enjoyment. Visit a property multiple times at varied days and times to assess parking, noise patterns and neighborhood composition. Never waive a pre-purchase home inspection, even in competitive markets or for new construction, because inspections can reveal major problems and help avoid costly surprises and buyer regret.
Buying a home is a dream for many Americans, and one plenty of them have successfully realized. But what happens if that dream becomes a nightmare? For some homeowners, it may be: 22% of homeowners regret buying their current home, according to a June 2025 NerdWallet survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll. And 8% of homeowners say they strongly regret the purchase. Want to avoid this? If you're in the market to buy a home, here are some ways to regret-proof your purchase.
Where you buy can dramatically impact both the cost of your home and your satisfaction living there. Factors that can make a difference over time include busy streets, ambient noise, poorly maintained infrastructure, empty lots and whether nearby properties are well maintained. While no particular problem is a deal breaker for every buyer, think about what that "little annoyance" will mean to you when you have to contend with it every single day.
While some buyers may choose to skip a pre-purchase home inspection to make an offer seem more attractive to sellers, it is an opportunity for nasty surprises. Seattle real estate agent Kari Haas says nobody should ever buy a house - even new construction - without knowing what they're getting into. "I do not allow my clients to do it," Haas said. "Even when there's multiple offers and other people have waived their inspections."
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