Buying a home is a significant milestone in anyone’s life, but carelessness and lack of information can lead to numerous disappointments. According to recent 2025 data, 65% of buyers regret their choice, with the situation even worse among younger buyers — 73% of first-time buyers and 94% of Gen Z regret their purchase.

The numbers are alarming: the average homeowner spends over $21,000 annually on «surprises» they didn’t account for during the purchase. 66% of first-time buyers face issues costing an average of $5,356. And that’s just the beginning.

We’ve compiled the top critical mistakes that real homebuyers regret most often.

Contents:

  1. Mistake #1: Ignoring Neighborhood Crime Statistics
  2. Mistake #2: Skipping Specialized Septic System Inspections
  3. Mistake #3: Skimming the HOA Agreement
  4. Mistake #4: Not Meeting the Neighbors
  5. Mistake #5: Underestimating the Importance of School Ratings
  6. Mistake #6: Trusting Included Appliances
  7. Mistake #7: Ignoring Noise Sources
  8. Mistake #8: Overlooking Property Hazards
  9. Mistake #9: Underestimating Hidden Ownership Costs
  10. Mistake #10: Not Preparing for Rising Property Taxes
  11. How to Protect Yourself: A Mindful Buyer’s Checklist

Mistake #1: Ignoring Neighborhood Crime Statistics

Why it’s critical: buyers often fall in love with a house without researching the surrounding area. One in four millennial buyers is disappointed with their neighborhood choice, which directly impacts family safety and property value.

Financial consequences: Homes in high-crime areas can depreciate by 5–10% annually, and security system costs can reach $2,000–5,000.

How to avoid:

  • Check crime statistics via services like CrimeReports, SpotCrime, or NeighborhoodScout.
  • Review the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) database.
  • Visit the neighborhood at different times of day and days of the week.
  • Talk to potential neighbors and local residents.
  • Check neighborhood social media groups for complaints about crime.

Mistake #2: Skipping Specialized Septic System Inspections

$25,000 for not checking the septic system

General inspectors lack the qualifications to assess septic systems. The system could be on the verge of failure, too small for the family, or in violation of environmental regulations. Relying solely on a general inspection is risky.

Professional inspection includes:

  • Reviewing maintenance records and system age.
  • Measuring sludge and scum levels (should not exceed 1/3 of the tank’s volume).
  • Assessing the integrity of the tank, pipes, and drain field.
  • Testing the distribution box and mechanical components.
  • Verifying the system size matches the home’s needs.

Lifehack: Hire a separate septic specialist. A $300–500 inspection can save you tens of thousands.

Mistake #3: Skimming the HOA Agreement

When $125 turns into $500+

51% of HOA members face rising fees, with the median monthly fee increasing from $110 to $125 in 2024. 9% of homeowners already pay over $500 monthly to their HOA. Fees can rise 5–15% annually without warning.

Hidden restrictions: HOAs may prohibit certain vehicle parking, limit repairs, painting, or even pets.

What to review:

  • HOA financial reports for the past 3 years.
  • History of fee changes.
  • Planned major repairs for common areas.
  • Full list of rules and restrictions.
  • Decision-making and voting procedures.

Remember: the devil is in the details of an HOA contract.

Mistake #4: Not Meeting the Neighbors

Conflicts with neighbors can make life unbearable and reduce property value by 5–10%.

How to get to know the neighborhood:

  • Visit on weekdays and weekends.
  • Chat with neighbors during walks.
  • Visit local establishments and ask staff for insights.
  • Check online reviews of the neighborhood.
  • Observe the condition of neighboring homes.

Golden rule: you’re buying not just a house but also your neighbors. Choose both carefully.

Mistake #5: Underestimating the Importance of School Ratings

Think about it, even if you don’t have kids.

School quality affects property value for everyone, not just families. Homes in areas with top-rated schools appreciate more steadily, by 2–5% annually.

What to check:

  • School ratings on GreatSchools.org.
  • Student test results.
  • Student-to-teacher ratios.
  • Extracurricular programs.
  • School district rezoning plans.

Important: even without kids, future buyers will care about schools when you sell.

Mistake #6: Trusting Included Appliances

Replacing major appliances can cost $5,000–15,000.

What to check:

  • Appliance functionality and age.
  • Availability of warranties and service records.
  • Energy efficiency (older appliances inflate utility bills).
  • Whether appliance sizes meet your needs.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Noise Sources

Constant noise can reduce property value by 8–15% and significantly impact quality of life.

Problem sources:

  • Railways (noise up to 85 dB).
  • Airports and flight paths.
  • Major highways.
  • Industrial facilities.
  • Early delivery zones (starting as early as 5–6 AM).

Solution: visit the property at different times, including early morning and late evening.

Mistake #8: Overlooking Property Hazards

Older homes may hide abandoned wells, septic tanks, underground storage tanks with unknown contents, or contaminated soil.

What to watch for:

  • Ground subsidence or uneven terrain.
  • Unusual vegetation (may indicate leaks).
  • Old structures or foundations.
  • Asbestos or lead paint in homes built before 1978.
  • Property history through city archives.

Real story: a family bought a home built in 1862 and discovered an old well in the yard, which they had to fill with sand and concrete at their own expense.

Mistake #9: Underestimating Hidden Ownership Costs

$21,000 a year on «small things»

42% of homeowners cite unexpected maintenance costs as their biggest issue. 38% of buyers exceed their initial budget.

Real annual expense structure (hidden costs beyond mortgage):

  • Utilities: $7,319.
  • Maintenance and repairs: $6,087.
  • Renovations: $5,672.
  • Property taxes: $3,057.
  • Insurance: $2,304.
  • HOA fees: $3,077.

Harsh truth: 59% of homeowners can’t cover a $5,000 emergency repair without credit cards.

Advice: add at least $1,500–2,000 monthly to your mortgage payment for home maintenance.

Mistake #10: Not Preparing for Rising Property Taxes

33% of new home buyers are shocked by property tax amounts. Median property taxes rose by 26.3% from 2019 to 2023.

Why does this happen:

  • Reassessments after a sale can significantly increase taxes.
  • New constructions are initially taxed based on land value, then reassessed at full value post-construction.
  • Neighborhood development requires new infrastructure, raising taxes.

How to protect yourself:

  • Review tax history for the past 5–10 years.
  • Check the reassessment frequency in your area.
  • Budget for annual tax increases of 3–5%.
  • Consider appealing the property assessment.

How to Protect Yourself: A Mindful Buyer’s Checklist

Before starting your search:

  • Secure mortgage pre-approval with a 20% buffer.
  • Create an emergency repair fund ($10,000–25,000).
  • Define true needs vs. wants.

During the search:

  • Thoroughly research 3–5 neighborhoods.
  • Visit properties at different times of day.
  • Conduct a full inspection for every serious option.

During the transaction:

  • Never skip the home inspection.
  • Demand additional checks for older homes.
  • Budget for expense increases of 5–7% annually.

Bottom line: each of these mistakes can cost tens of thousands of dollars and years of regret. Spend a month on due diligence to save years fixing errors.