Buyer’s Remorse: Can You Guess What Homeowners Regret Most?

Ray Cogan

These stainless steel appliances show EVERY fingerprint!
Is that how much it’ll cost to refinish our hardwood floors!?
I thought I’d love these granite countertops… but I’m so over them!

Ever experience a homebuyer’s hangover? You’re not alone. What seemed like a great feature during that walk-through gradually loses its sparkle when you’re living with it every day.

Our latest national survey asked 500 U.S. homeowners what they would – and wouldn’t – choose again if they were buying a home today.

Here’s what we found out.

WHAT DO HOMEOWNERS REGRET MOST?

By a slight margin, the majority of homeowners said they wouldn’t change anything. More than half of U.S. homeowners (53%) said they’re happy with the features they chose. The rest (47%), however, admitted to some regrets.

Infographic: See More Results From Our Homeowner Hindsight Survey

The survey asked homeowners about features they wanted and got when they bought their home, but wouldn’t get again if they were buying a home today. It also asked about features homeowners did not get but now wish they had.

Overall, homeowners are much more likely to regret not having something than getting it. For example, when asked what they wouldn’t get again, the biggest percentage (9%) of survey respondents said they’d pass on hardwood floors.

However, when asked about what features top their wish list for their next home – a much larger percentage (16%) say they wished they had gotten hardwood floors.

Below are the top five features homeowners wanted and got, but would not choose again:

Feature	Percentage of homeowners who would not choose it again
1. Hardwood flooring	9.2%
2. Granite countertops	7.8%
3. Stainless steel appliances	7.6%
4. Fireplace	7.4%
5. Deck	7.2%

Features like fireplaces and decks add character, but they also require routine upkeep and cleaning. Learn more about why you need to schedule an annual chimney inspection or how to get your deck ready for summer.

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS: A ROCKY RELATIONSHIP

The granite always gleams brighter when it’s in someone else’s house – at least according to our survey.

Granite countertops were second on the list of features homeowners wanted and got but wouldn’t choose again, with nearly 8% of homeowners saying they regret it. Curiously, more than twice as many homeowners (18%) without granite countertops said this feature is a must-have for their next home.

Is granite right for you? It’s a big investment that can last for decades – for better or for worse. Learn more in our blog post about the pros and cons of granite countertops.

OTHER SURPRISING FINDINGS

So, let’s dig deeper into those regrets. Why did homeowners say they wouldn’t get a certain feature again? Here are a few explanations we heard through the survey:

Feature isn’t worth the money
It’s outdated
Just tired of it
Too hard to keep clean (white kitchen cabinets, whirlpool tubs and stainless steel appliances were big culprits here)

Some homeowners even regret getting plush features people might assume everyone would want, such as two sinks in the master bathroom. Four percent of homeowners said they regret that layout, saying they just don’t need or use separate sinks. A few respondents added that they’d prefer to have more countertop or cupboard space.

SO, WHAT TOPS THE WISH LIST?

In terms of features homeowners regret not getting, a walk-in pantry topped the list, with just under a third (30%) saying they wish they had one.

A fair number of people regret not getting green features in their homes, such as tankless water heaters (16% wish they had one) and solar panels (15%).

A few also wish they’d gotten a dedicated space to bathe Fido – 5% wish they had a dog washing station, though this feature is three times as coveted in the South as in the Northeast. A total of 7% of Southern homeowners regret not having a dog washing station, while only 2% of Northeasterners do.

Here are the top five features homeowners didn’t get but wish they had:

Feature	Percentage of homeowners who now wish they had it
1. Walk-in pantry	30.2%
2. Granite countertops	17.8%
3. Kitchen island	16.8%
4. Tankless water heater	16.4%
5. Finished basement	16.2%

Want more home design inspo? Check out these other blog stories on 7 smart and stylish ideas for your mudroom or 8 easy and affordable ways to upgrade your kitchen.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME… SO, PROTECT IT WITH THE RIGHT INSURANCE

Regardless of how they feel about specific home features, an overwhelming number of people reported that they feel positively about their homes as a whole. In fact, 94.6% of homeowners said they like or love their home just as it is.

“It’s heartwarming to see that the vast majority of people have very positive feelings about their homes,” said Bob Buckel, vice president and product manager at Erie Insurance. “It feels good to know that we’re protecting something that really matters to them.”

The survey also asked questions to gauge people’s knowledge about their homeowners insurance. Do they understand how their coverage works and what they need?

“One of the most important coverages a homeowner can have is what’s called ‘guaranteed replacement cost,’ which would pay to replace a home regardless of what it would cost in today’s dollars,” Buckel said. “Unfortunately, more than four in 10 homeowners say they don’t know whether their policy has this coverage or not. That tells us that we, and the industry at large, need to do a better job of educating consumers about the important coverages that are available to them.”

At ERIE, every homeowners insurance policy comes with a local agent who’s there to help you understand and feel confident about your policy. And, yes – we offer 100% guaranteed replacement cost* for worry-free coverage that protects you without surprises.

Find a local agent in your neighborhood to request a quote and get the conversation started.

Methodology: This survey of 500 U.S. homeowners ages 28 – 60 was conducted by Falls Communications on behalf of Erie Insurance from March 22 through March 26, 2019. While different sample sizes have different statistical margins of error, the estimated margin of error for any question with a sample size of 500 is +/-4.5%. Additional survey results, including breakdowns by age, gender, and geographic region, are available upon request.

*Guaranteed Replacement Cost applies to dwelling and requires home improvements over $5,000 to be reported within 90 days - not available with all policies and in all states. Coverage of costs to comply with laws or ordinances is subject to limits. Depreciation will be deducted until repair or replacement is made. Talk to an ERIE agent for more information.

The post Buyer’s Remorse: Can You Guess What Homeowners Regret Most? appeared first on Lindquist Insurance.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Preparing for Spring Storms: How Business Insurance Can Shield You From Seasonal Risks

By Ray Cogan • June 10, 2025

Whether you're grilling in the backyard in Annapolis or planning a mountain getaway from Frederick, our team is just a phone call or email away. Let’s have that conversation now, so your summer, and every season after, is secure. Contact us today for an appointment with our experienced insurance specialists. Serving Annapolis and Frederick, MD

Spring Business Growth: Make Sure Your Insurance Company Has You Covered

By Ray Cogan • May 26, 2025

At Lindquist Insurance, we offer personal, proactive service that keeps you focused on growth, not guesswork. Whether you're expanding, hiring, or just refreshing for the season, we’re here to ensure your business is covered from every angle. Call us today at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com to schedule your Spring Business Insurance Checkup. We serve the Annapolis and Frederick, MD area.

Preparing for Spring Storms: How Business Insurance Can Shield You From Seasonal Risks

By Ray Cogan • May 12, 2025

Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .

How to Switch Car Insurance with Help from an Insurance Agent

By Ray Cogan • April 28, 2025

At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you with your car insurance now and in the future. If you're thinking about switching your car insurance and live in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to reach out. At Lindquist Insurance, our friendly local agents make the process simple, fast, and tailored to you. We’ll compare top providers, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way. Call Lindquist Insurance today at (301) 694-3008 or visit www.lindquisinsurance.com to request a free, no-obligation quote. We serve the Frederick, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, D.C. areas.