3 Steps To Make Shared Home-Buying Decisions Without Regret

By William “Bill” Boswell

Bill is widely known as one of New Jersey’s most sought after real estate agents and is a sales associate of Keller Williams Prosperity Realty.

Are you planning to buy a home with someone this spring? What I’m about to share could make the difference between finding the right house and regretting your purchase for years.

Here in New Jersey, we’re heading into a strong seller’s market with low inventory and plenty of motivated buyers taking advantage of relatively low interest rates. That combination creates a frenzy, and in that kind of environment, it’s easy to make decisions based on emotion instead of facts.

Buyer’s remorse usually comes from letting excitement take control. In a competitive spring market, it’s easy to feel pressured to act fast, and that’s when people make choices they later regret. Without a clear plan, you could overpay, compromise on what’s most important, or end up unhappy with your purchase.

The way to avoid that is by knowing exactly what matters most to you and your partner, if you’re buying together. Here’s a strategic process to make those decisions simple and clear before you begin your home search.

First, each person writes down the 10 things that matter most in a home. Do this separately, without discussion, so it’s a true reflection of what you care about. This simple step ensures you’re aligned at the start, before compromises or trade-offs come into play. For some extra fun, a glass of wine during this step can make it more enjoyable.

Once your lists are ready, rank each item from 1 to 10, with one being the most important. What I see often is that even buyers who think they’re on the same page actually rank things very differently. Figuring this out ahead of time prevents confusion or disagreement when you’re actually walking through homes.

After ranking individually, come together, compare your lists, and negotiate a shared top 10, ranking features from most to least important. This step is critical because it forces honest conversations about priorities and trade-offs. For instance, one person might want a man cave in the basement while the other wants a big fenced yard.

By negotiating ahead of time, you know exactly how to weigh those preferences when evaluating homes. The final list becomes your anchor, so when you see a house, you can quickly decide whether it meets your top priorities or not. Make decisions based on facts instead of feelings.

Start this process early, so you’re ready before the market heats up. Stick to your priorities, rely on your experience, and make decisions that are grounded in facts. Follow this process, and you’ll be ready to navigate this spring market like a pro, making smart decisions without regret.

If you’re planning to buy a home this spring and want to avoid buyer’s remorse, reach out at 973-224-4605 or email bill@northjerseyluxury.com. I’ll help you rank your priorities, make smart decisions, and act quickly in the 2026 spring market.