Study Finds That People Have a Lot of Regrets… But Moving Isn’t One of Them

Deciding whether or not to move to a new area is a huge decision. Whether it’s to a new country, a new state, or even fairly local, one thing that stops many people from taking the leap is the fear of regret.

If you’re considering a move, it’s completely natural to feel a little hesitant or even anxious about making such a big change. At its heart, moving is about leaving something behind and facing the unknown, so of course you may be concerned that you’ll regret making the wrong decision.

On one hand, there’s the fear that where you’re moving, and the reasons behind it, won’t live up to your hopes and expectations. On the other, you’re likely leaving behind people, familiar surroundings, and way of life. Either way you may have regrets.

The easier decision is often to just stay put. But if you’re looking for solid reasons to tip the scale in favor of moving, you’re in luck…

Staying put can easily lead to a nagging sense of missed opportunity, a “what if” that lingers in the back of the mind for decades to come, while moving to a new area is something you most likely won’t regret!

Most People Don’t Regret Moving Somewhere New

In a recent study on regret, nearly one-third (32%) of baby boomers shared that they have regrets stretching back more than three decades, and still think about them three times per month. Meanwhile, millennials reported their oldest regret averaged around 11 years, haunting them once a week on average. The most common regrets people had were:

• Spending money or purchasing something they later regret (49%)
• Fighting with friends or family (43%)
• Not speaking up for themselves (40%)
• Making an unnecessary comment (36%)
• Not visiting family or friends enough (36%)
• Not pursuing their dreams (35%)

Those are all regrets most people can relate to, and would prefer to avoid if possible, judging by how long those memories pop back up on a regular basis.

What’s interesting from a real estate perspective is that most people didn’t regret moving! Only 17% of those surveyed expressed regret moving to a new area. That says a lot with nearly half of people saying they regretted spending money or purchasing something, considering moving to a new area and buying (or even renting) a home is one of the largest purchases a person makes. But it also makes total sense when you consider that many people say that not following their dreams is a huge regret.

So if you’re thinking about moving but are worried you’ll regret doing so, you might want to flip that around and worry more about how you’ll feel in the future if you don’t.

How a Real Estate Agent Can Help You Avoid Regret

If you’re considering a move, working with a real estate agent even in the decision-making stage can make a huge difference and help you reduce the chances that you’ll make decisions you regret.

Agents are well-versed in everything from pricing trends to neighborhood nuances, making them essential allies in the decision-making process. But their guidance often goes beyond their understanding of the real estate market; they can also help you understand yourself and balance your emotions.

Here are some ways an agent can help you make a decision you won’t regret:

• Market insights: Agents know how to spot trends in pricing, availability, and demand, ensuring you buy at the right price for long-term value.
• Negotiation skills: A skilled agent helps secure terms that benefit you, reducing the risk of “buyer’s remorse.”
• Local knowledge: Agents are typically familiar with different neighborhoods and the lifestyle they offer, helping you find the right fit.
• Emotional support: It doesn’t matter if you’re moving across the country, or across the street, moving can take an emotional toll on people. Your agent can be an empathetic listener, and help you cope with any feelings you’re wrestling with.
• They can help you make connections: When moving to an entirely new area, your real estate agent often feels like the first friend you meet at a new school, until you find your true crowd. You may find that your agent becomes a lifelong friend, but they could also be the person who introduces you to people who have similar interests. Sometimes they can even help you make business connections that lead to a job.

While it’s an extremely personal decision to make on many levels, an agent can be helpful beyond the ways you might think, so get one involved well before you start looking for a place to buy or rent. With the right agent by your side, you’re less likely to second-guess your decision and more likely to find a place that truly feels like home.

The Takeaway:

If you’re thinking about moving, a little fear of regret is normal, but studies show most people don’t end up regretting their decision to move. In fact, the risk of not moving and wondering “what if” can lead to longer-lasting regrets than the decision to take the leap.

With one of life’s biggest decisions on the line, a knowledgeable real estate agent can be your best guide. From pricing expertise to emotional support, they’ll help you assess options, understand new areas, and feel confident about making a move that aligns with your goals. With the right agent by your side, you can avoid buyer’s remorse and find a home that fits your lifestyle and future plans.