Buying a home is a dream for many Americans, and one plenty of them have successfully realized.

But what happens if that dream becomes a nightmare? For some homeowners, it may be: 22% of homeowners regret buying their current home, according to a June 2025 NerdWallet survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll. And 8% of homeowners say they strongly regret the purchase.

Want to avoid this? If you’re in the market to buy a home, here are some ways to regret-proof your purchase.

Be choosy when it comes to location

Where you buy can dramatically impact both the cost of your home and your satisfaction living there.

Factors that can make a difference over time include busy streets, ambient noise, poorly maintained infrastructure, empty lots and whether nearby properties are well maintained

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