Thinking
Ahead About "Buyer’s Remorse"
If you are thinking of buying your first home, you should
take out a pen and paper right now and draw a line down the
center of the paper. Calmly and logically, think of all possible
advantages to buying a home and write them down on one side
of the page. Afterwards, you should list all the disadvantages
on the other side of the line.
Then save the list in a place you will be certain to remember.
Sound silly?
Of course it sounds silly. Who needs to write down their reasons
for buying a home? After all, home ownership is the central
theme to living the "American Dream."
Naturally, while in hot pursuit of this dream you are going
to be excited about the future -- researching neighborhoods,
searching MLS sites on the internet, viewing homebuyer’s
magazines full of appealing homes that are just "minutes
from the beach" with "fantastic views" and
"cozy family rooms."
Next comes the really good stuff – looking at houses.
Full of imagination and optimism for the future, you wander
about each home envisioning a happy and contented life for
you and your family. The first house may be "too big,"
and another may be "too small," but you are certain
to find one that seems "just right." So you make
an offer and wait anxiously and excitedly for the counter-offer.
Finally, you and the seller agree on terms and you have bought
yourself a brand new home!
Congratulations! Break out the champagne and celebrate!
However…
Later that night or perhaps the next day, you start to worry
about whether you made the right decision. Doubtful thoughts
will intrude. Can you afford it? Is it the right time? Should
you have waited? What if you lose your job? What if this happens?
What if that happens? Anxiety and stress set in. Sleep may
be hours in coming.
This is a normal response to buying a home and is called
"Buyer’s Remorse." You have just made the
single biggest purchase you have ever made in your life and
it can be downright scary. Logic deserts you. Worry takes
over.
Remember your list?
Back when you were thinking semi-logically, you were fairly
rational about home ownership. You catalogued the good and
the bad, weighed them against each other, and decided that
buying a home was the smart thing to do. Reviewing the list
will help resolve your buyer’s remorse.
You will not be totally stress-free, but it will help.
Of course, in spite of this advice you will probably not
take the time to make that list now – before you buy
a home. Hardly anyone ever does.
So when buyer’s remorse sets in and you remember reading
this column, here is what you do...
...get a piece of paper and draw a line down the center. Then…
You know the rest.
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About Blaine Morris, Marin Properties
As a top-producing licensed REALTOR with
Frank Howard Allen in Greenbrae, California, Blaine Morris
specializes in Central and Southern Marin County. Always just
a phone call or email away, Blaine works seven days a week
for his clients, providing them with the utmost in fast and
efficient service and follow through. Whether you are searching
for the home of your dreams, or thinking of selling it, Blaine
can turn your dreams into reality! Behind Blaine is the strength
and stability of the Central Marin office of Frank Howard
Allen, the #1 office of the #1 Brokerage in Marin County.
Contact him today at 415.925.3279 or
click here.
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