How to overcome buyer’s post-purchase anxiety
Of course you want to avoid the ultimate buyer’s remorse – the later regret over making likely the largest purchase of your life when you buy a home. So, how do you do that? Well, start by taking a deep breath. The mounds of paperwork and massive intrusion into your personal life are now over. Sure, moving is inconvenient, but hopefully you are getting to live in a home you have been looking for, even if there are things that you may not find overly desirable (oh, if you could have been the builder) or things needing repair.
So, again take that deep breath, let it out and relax. Though you may be temporarily inconvenienced and unsettled, the future should appear very bright. Either you are now a home owner for the first time or moving up into something larger or more desirable. In both cases, whatever repairs and improvements you make are ultimately building equity in the property you now reside in. Simply meaning, eventually you are putting money into your own pocket – though that may seem a fleeting idea when you are watching a vast amount of dollars fly out of your checkbook while making the transition.
The following tips are meant to put your mind at ease and help you enjoy your new purchase, not fret over the thought of endless tasks, chores and arising details that need to be addressed.
1. If you must worry, worry about the things you can control.
Just as the prayer of serenity shares, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” In the case of avoiding buyer’s remorse, the prayer could not be more apropos. Change what you need to or want to all in good time. Do not try to solve every perceived problem at once. And most importantly, tell yourself not to worry about the things you cannot control (easy for me to say, right). Remember, you bought the home for several reasons – financial investment? Value appreciation? Moving away from crappy neighbors?
2. Make a to-do list and check items off.
Nothing should make you feel better than the satisfaction that is derived from checking off things from a list of repairs or upgrades. Pick a project that can be accomplished in a relatively short time with minimal amounts of expense – say, hanging temporary window coverings or painting a room to your liking – and when completed, check it off your list. You will no doubt feel pride in your work and satisfaction from making improvements to your new home. Save larger, more expensive projects for later dates when the list can be prioritized according to time, cost and required skill to complete.
3. Establish your inner sanctum.
Even in the midst of chaos, most assuredly a lack of rest, and financial uncertainty during the early stages of your recent purchase, you can still find inner peace by establishing a place of comfort and serenity. Despite all that may be going on around, search for a place to offer a respite from noise and distraction – even if only for a few brief moments. Perhaps the den or office door can be closed momentarily or the master suite could be situated before other rooms so that you can feel even a fleeting sense of calm – and keep potential buyer’s remorse at bay. Ultimately, look at small successes as big improvements to your new residence. And remember to inhale and exhale calmly to help control emotional impulses.