Everyone has experienced buyers remorse at some point in their lives. A recent Chase Bank survey found that some Metro Atlanta homebuyers would change some things about their home purchase if they had a second chance.
Chase's survey, "What I Wish I Knew About the Homebuying Process," asked 807 recent homebuyers about their attitudes following the purchase of a home, taking the pulse of how people are living with their decision to become Metro Atlanta homebuyers. Here's what some say they would do differently if they could make the decision over again.
Things Metro Atlanta Homebuyers Would Do Differently
Get Smarter About Financing
While 9 out of 10 buyers surveyed say they felt prepared at the time they bought their home, 56 percent say that in hindsight, they should have known more about financing.
Specifically:
- 22 percent say they weren't as educated about the ins and outs of closings as they should have been.
- 19 percent say they weren't as well-versed on making an offer and negotiating.
- 15 percent say they needed more guidance on the overall financing of a home.
Pick a Different-Size House/Area
Sometimes you don't know whether a house fits your needs until you start living in it. That would seem to be the case for 39 percent of Metro Atlanta homebuyers who say they would choose a different size house or a different price — or even in a different neighborhood — if they could get a do-over on their home purchase.
Adjust Expectations
A good chunk of buyers weren't expecting the home-buying process to take as long as it did, with 40 percent saying it took longer than they thought it would. Sixteen percent say they got a "pleasant surprise on timing," according to the survey.
Be Better Prepared to Spend on Maintenance
Eventually, we all have to face the cold, hard facts of home ownership: It can be expensive. Thirty-four percent of respondents say that home-maintenance costs ended up being more than they expected. Among first-time home buyers, 51 percent say they "got that sinking feeling" when faced with maintenance costs. Furthermore, 80 percent of survey respondents say they considered their home move-in ready when they bought it, but 76 percent have since completed or planned renovations.
Check out some of our other articles on Metro Atlanta home buying tips by clicking the Atlanta Home Buying Tips link to your right under our Atlanta Real Estate Categories.