Buyer’s remorse and when to stop looking

Deedoodee

Had an offer accepted 3weeks ago, 5% over asking, which felt in line with the market (based on offers I had rejected). Now mortgage offer received and waiting for a survey. 

It feels like in the past two weeks house have come up that are a similar price, or up to 4% more, that are much bigger (an extra room and back extension etc). I expected these to have viewings last week and last weekend and be sold, which was the trend before. But they’re currently not. 

My partner thinks I should just stop looking and get on with this one so we can move. 

When do you stop looking for ‘something better’?

TheJP

There's always going to be something bigger or better. You need to have a point in your head where you are happy and leave it at that otherwise you'll just eat, sleep, wake, repeat.

Snookie12cat

Well, I look everyday since I put my offer in 5 months ago and I have found no house I like better or even wanted to view. My husband says not to torture myself but I cant help it lol.

If you are finding you like another house more or are not certain on your house it might be worth viewing these to see if you like them better. If its just down to it being more expensive than others that are similar, then it might cost you more to start again?
I think though as above you need to know when to stop, otherwise you will not be able to commit to anything.  

GentleGiant01

I know how you feel! I am currently doing this but the house I have offered on is perfect and move in condition with plenty of space. If you liked it enough to put an offer on it over asking you obviously like it. But If you’re regretting it now don’t leave yourself in a situation where you are regretting buying when it’s too late! 

Sunsaru

I understand how you feel but look at it this way.

The house you are currently buying is all going relatively smoothly right?  What are the chances that you go for a 'bigger and better' house and it all goes the way of the pear? Where would that leave you?

Sometimes it's better to appreciate what you've got rather than what you might have.

TripleH

When we offered, we stopped looking at other properties (but this is as much to do with focusing on the purchase).

I have looked in the last 2 months but mainly to see if ant properties we looked at came back on the market. I'm not interested in moving.

There is always a 'what-if?' Scenario and if you live like that you'll never move forward.

The time to start looking is if this purchase begins to falter and not sooner.

The grass is only greener if you use spray paint.

benson1980

I would stop looking on rightmove at point of exchange of contracts, and this is what we have always done with our 4 house purchases. Even if it is to have a saved property list should our purchase fall through for whatever reason. If I was as concerned as you clearly are regarding potentially better properties for the same money, I would be going to have a look at them- even if it is just to satisfy yourself that you are paying the right price and making the right decision.

Need to look after your own interests at the end of the day regarding the biggest purchase you will make.

comeandgo

If you are looking for something better then you don’t like your property enough.  Maybe you should keep looking and step back from this purchase.  

Sistergold

You really need to be absolutely sure about the house that you are purchasing. You need to get the best you can for that money. Don’t be under pressure to carry on with this particular house if you are having serious second thoughts. Having said that you can not then want every better house that comes along. Once all boxes have been ticked it should be that even if you look nothing should be soo tempting that you would want to offer on it. 

RogerBareford

Deedoodee said:

Had an offer accepted 3weeks ago, 5% over asking, which felt in line with the market (based on offers I had rejected). Now mortgage offer received and waiting for a survey. 

It feels like in the past two weeks house have come up that are a similar price, or up to 4% more, that are much bigger (an extra room and back extension etc). I expected these to have viewings last week and last weekend and be sold, which was the trend before. But they’re currently not. 

My partner thinks I should just stop looking and get on with this one so we can move. 

When do you stop looking for ‘something better’?

You only had the offer accepted 3 weeks ago so in your position i would definetly still be looking.

A house purchase is usually the most expensive thing people buy in life so it's important you are happy with it.

I would be actively looking up until exchange as that is when your locked in.

I moved over a year ago and i still have Rightmove alerts on to see what houses come up for sale out of interest.

Deedoodee

Thanks for all the comments. There’s a good mix. Most of the others I haven’t liked as much so haven’t bothered going to look. There’s just one that’s an extended version of the one I ‘have’ and a much nicer kitchen and asking price similar to what I’ve offered.