You Blew It: How to Recover When You Bought the Wrong House

You can tackle even a problem house and turn it into a long-lasting investment.

One-third of first-time homebuyers say they had buyer’s remorse – and nearly one in 10 say they regret buying their home at all, according to a recent survey by Guardian Service, a company that helps consumers shop for several types of insurance

Unfortunately, a house can’t be returned like a pair of pants you wish you hadn’t purchased. You can’t put a Band-Aid on it, either. A short-term fix to whatever ails your house could turn out to mask problems that only deepen with time.

A better solution: map out a plan to ease the pain of ending up with a house you never wanted.

“Recovering from buying the wrong house should begin with a clear strategy and a good attitude,” says Mary Gordon, co-founder of InSite Builders Remodeling in Bethesda, Md. “The first step is to identify those critical problems that need immediate attention while also developing a long-term plan that reflects your needs, goals and budget.”

You may need to do a bit of self-analysis along with a review of the house itself.

“Start by identifying the reasons you think you bought the wrong house,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi , a resource to find home improvement pros and advice. “Make a list of all the issues or things you want to change and then order the list from most pressing to least pressing. Safety issues, structural imperfections and electrical problems should be at the top of the list, while aesthetic changes and elective projects should be lower on the list.”

Bring in Support

Unless you are a contractor yourself or have extensive DIY experience, a good place to begin is with some professional advice.

“Walk the house with a pro. Often this can happen over the phone while reviewing pictures from real estate websites for time efficiency before an in-person inspection,” says JP Ward, director of business development for Anthony Wilder Design/Build in Cabin John, Md. “It’s ideal to have a floor plan, if possible, to spot urgent potential issues like leaks and get them under control first.”

In other words, if you’ve noticed damp spots or smell mold, a pro can look at images and a floor plan and locate a possible source of moisture even before they visit in person. That way, you can get a broad idea of what could be going on in your house.

“If your home has several pressing issues, I recommend bringing in a general contractor to help you prioritize your projects and create the ideal timeline for your renovations,” Hicks says. “Remember that not all issues are pressing. The key is building a budget and a list, and then tackling the issues based on priority. Having a solid budget and plan can help take away some of the stress of remodeling.”

While some problems in your house can be obvious, it can be easy to get blindsided by the aesthetic issues that are bothering you. Painting your cabinets or redoing your floors may be the quick fix you crave, but that may not be the wisest use of your budget, especially if you plan to stay in your home for the long term.

“Start by evaluating the structural integrity and mechanical systems of the home,” Gordon says. “Safety and functionality should come before any cosmetic changes or layout reconfigurations. This basic assessment allows you to prioritize intelligently and to build a roadmap for repairs and renovations that can be executed over time.”

Skip the Small Stuff

Always prioritize safety issues, Hicks says, which can include problems with your fire detection system, gas lines or electrical wiring.

Fix anything that’s wrecking the house - like a leaky roof or termites - before it gets worse and costs more, Ward says.

“Skip the small stuff until the big threats are handled; structural stuff always comes first,” he says.

Among the other early priorities to address in addition to a leaky roof or termites are rotten windowsills, Gordon says. All of these can escalate into major structural issues if you ignore them.

“Electrical or plumbing issues, outdated HVAC systems, and water problems should also be addressed early, as these impact the health, safety and livability of the home,” she says. “Fixing these issues first will prevent further deterioration and create a solid base for future improvements.”

Plan to Stay? Do More Than Bandage Your Broken House

If you’re thinking “should I stay or should I go?” the answer may depend on what’s wrong with your house and what it will take to fix it. Still, it pays to think about that choice seriously before spending more money on the property.

“If the owners see themselves living there long-term — if they like the neighborhood, schools, commute to work, etc.— then it makes sense to invest in fixes that match that commitment, not quick cheats that’ll fail fast,” Ward says. “Don’t just patch — replace a bad roof or window with something solid that’ll last decades.”

It's important to avoid quick fixes that temporarily mask problems, Gordon says.

“Focus instead on upgrades that will extend the life of the home,” she says. “Replacing worn-out systems, reinforcing the structure and foundation of the home, and updating insulation are all investments that will pay off over time.”

When you map out a plan with immediate priorities that saves bigger upgrades for later, you can phase in improvements gradually based on what you can afford, Ward says.

If you purchased an older home, making big investments in plumbing and wiring could be worth the expense, particularly if you have recurring leaks or need to upgrade your wiring to accommodate increased demand from an all-electric house. Ward suggests tackling wiring and plumbing when you’re already gutting your kitchen or bathroom since everything will be accessible.

“Chronic leaks and outdated systems can lead to safety hazards, inefficient energy use and frequent repairs,” Gordon says. “Taking the time to upgrade these systems during a remodel can reduce long-term costs and improve the home’s safety. Even if a full overhaul isn’t possible, targeting sections as part of a larger phased plan will allow you to modernize incrementally.”

Improve While you Repair

While you might feel overwhelmed when you realize your house isn’t the treasure you thought you bought, you can also look at your situation as an opportunity to improve both function and aesthetics, Gordon says.

“Working with a professional to create a comprehensive renovation plan ensures today’s improvements won’t conflict with or limit tomorrow’s goals,” she says. “This approach leads to a cohesive transformation of your home rather than a patchwork of disconnected updates. If windows need replacing, you can consider installing larger ones to increase natural light.”

Other possibilities include changing your layout during kitchen renovation, upgrading lighting or adding smart home capabilities when walls are open, Gordon says.

“Thinking critically about how each repair can support your broader goals will make the home more livable in the long run,” Gordon says. “This is also a perfect time to collaborate with professionals who can help you identify opportunities for improvement that you may have overlooked. The key is to think strategically and use every repair as a chance to move the home closer to your ultimate vision.”

A great contractor can help you incorporate the smaller, optional projects into the more important projects, making the most of your remodel, Hicks says.

“Planning your short-term and long-term projects can help them coincide when it makes sense and lead to more well-thought-out projects,” she says. “For example, if you are replacing the flooring in one room of your home, think about what flooring you would like down the road for the entire floor. It might make sense to buy the materials now to ensure the floors match, even if you’re holding off on the full installation.”

If you start to feel overwhelmed, Gordon suggests taking a step back to get advice from other homeowners and professionals who can share lessons they learned during similar experiences. She also recommends that you look online for renovation success stories as a reminder that even the most daunting projects are possible with time, a solid plan and persistence.

Publisher’s Note: This content is made possible by our Today’s Homeowner Campaign Sponsors: Whirlpool Corporation. Whirlpool Corporation takes sustainability seriously, in both their products and their operations. Learn more about building and buying homes that are more affordable and less resource intensive.