By: Karen Boyd, Long & Foster Real Estate
Buying a new home is exciting — but it can also come with surprises you didn’t expect. After the keys are in hand and the boxes unpacked, new homeowners can often find themselves saying, “I wish I had known that earlier!”
But you can avoid those pitfalls! Here’s a list of the Top 10 Things Buyers Regret Not Doing — and how you can avoid making the same mistakes.
And for a FREE “Home Buyer Survival Kit” OR “Home Seller Survival Kit” contact me at Karen.Boyd@LNF.com or text 484-716-4647.
Top 10 Things Buyers Regret Not Doing
- Not Budgeting for Move-In Costs: Many buyers plan for the down payment and closing costs — but forget about moving expenses, furniture, paint, blinds, or that first grocery trip. These add up fast.
Tip: Build in a cushion “move-in fund” depending on the size of the home and your lifestyle. - Skipping a Final Walkthrough: Some buyers opt out of the final walkthrough, assuming everything will be fine. Then they discover broken appliances, missing fixtures, or last-minute surprises.
Tip: Always do a walkthrough with your real estate agent — even if it’s the day of settlement. - Not Researching the Neighborhood at Different Times: That peaceful cul-de-sac may become a noisy cut-through after 5 PM. Or that quiet area may lack streetlights or sidewalks.
Tip: Visit the area during rush hour, weekends, and evenings. Talk to neighbors! - Assuming Everything Will Work Perfectly: Just because it “looked good” during a showing doesn’t mean there aren’t issues. HVAC, plumbing, or electrical problems can appear right after move-in.
Tip: Get a detailed home inspection — and budget for immediate fixes. - Not Measuring Furniture Ahead of Time: That gorgeous sectional? It might not fit through the door — or in the room.
Tip: Get room dimensions and measure all important furniture before moving day. - Forgetting to Forward Mail & Update Utilities: Many buyers don’t realize mail forwarding can take time. Or they forget to transfer electric, gas, and internet before they move in.
Tip: Start the process at least two weeks before closing. - Underestimating the Commute: Some buyers fall in love with a home, only to realize their daily drive to work, school, or errands is longer (and more frustrating) than expected.
Tip: Test the commute during peak hours — not just on a Sunday afternoon. - Not Asking Enough Questions During Settlement/Closing: Settlement paperwork can be overwhelming. Many buyers later realize they didn’t fully understand fees, taxes, or warranty details.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A great real estate agent or title clerk will walk you through everything. - Skipping a Deep Clean Before Move-In: Even if the home looks clean, moving into someone else’s dust and grime can be disappointing.
Tip: Schedule a professional clean right before you move your stuff in. - Not Making a Maintenance Plan: Once the keys are yours, so are the gutters, the HVAC filters, and the weeds in the flower bed.
Tip: Make a seasonal maintenance checklist to keep your new investment in top shape.
What would you add to the list? If you’ve already moved recently — what do you wish you had done differently?
And if you’re planning a move soon, contact me today — I’m happy to help make sure your experience is smooth and surprise-free.
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