Getting Cold Feet After Making an Offer on a Home?
In recent weeks, I have received a wave of messages from buyers who are under contract to purchase a home and are suddenly experiencing cold feet. These are not casual inquiries. These are real people with accepted offers who are now second-guessing everything about their purchase.
One buyer told me they returned for a second showing and realized the bedrooms were smaller than expected. Now they are worried their furniture will not fit. Another wondered why, in such a competitive market, nobody else made an offer on the home and it is now leading to suspicion that something must be wrong with the house.
Others are feeling anxious about affordability, even after being pre-approved. Some are concerned about job security or reacting to overall negativity in the news about the economy and political landscape. One person said they had a bad dream about the house and woke up questioning everything.
These scenarios may sound different, but they all stem from the same place: anxiety. Buying a home is a major emotional and financial decision, and it is easy to become overwhelmed. If you are in this position, here is what I recommend.
Revisit Your Why
Start by going back to your original list of wants and needs. Ask yourself: Does the home you are buying still meet most of your criteria? Is the concern you are feeling a new, deal-breaking discovery, or are you reacting to outside pressures?
Sometimes the anxiety is external. Take a moment to ask yourself: Is your job really at risk, or are you simply absorbing fear from the broader economy? Is your financial situation stable? Are you hearing scary headlines and projecting those fears onto your own situation? If your personal circumstances have not changed, you might just be feeling the weight of a big decision and that is normal.
Know Your Exit Options
If you do determine that this is not the right home for you, the next step is understanding how to exit the deal with minimal consequences. Every contract is different, but most include an inspection period. That window is usually your best opportunity to cancel the contract and receive a refund of your earnest money deposit.
Think of the inspection period as the drying stage of concrete. It is still moldable and not yet locked in. This is when most real estate deals fall apart, and for good reason, it is designed to give buyers time to finalize their decision after a deeper look.
If you are beyond the inspection period, review your contract closely. Talk with your real estate agent or an attorney to understand the potential consequences. You may still have options, but they are more limited and may involve forfeiting part of your deposit. The key is to act quickly and with the guidance of professionals who understand your specific agreement.
Understand What You Signed
If you are reading this and have not yet made an offer, use this as a reminder to fully understand the purchase agreement before signing. Slow down before you sign that contract. Ask questions. Know your outs. Make sure you are clear on the timelines and what happens if you need to walk away later.
This is not just about protecting your money. It is about making confident, informed decisions in one of the biggest purchases of your life.
Pause Before You Panic
In most cases, cold feet come from fear, not facts. Before making a big decision, take a moment to pause. Breathe. Talk through your concerns with someone you trust. Go back to your original goals and ask yourself if this home still fits into that vision.
If it does not, it is okay to get cold feet and step away. If it does, you may just be experiencing the natural nerves that come with a big life change.
Buying a home is exciting, but it is also emotional. Give yourself the space to sort out which is which.
Need guidance or want to talk to a trusted real estate agent about your options? I am happy to connect you with someone in your area who can walk you through your contract and next steps.
