Why Staying on the Apps After Buying Is a Recipe for Disaster
You've found the perfect home. The keys are in your hand, the mortgage is settled, and you're ready to start your new life in a space that's entirely your own. But there's a lingering temptation that can derail your newfound domestic bliss: staying glued to real estate websites like RealEstate.com.au or Domain.com.au. This habit can be surprisingly detrimental, much like staying on dating apps after finding "the one."
The Real Estate Obsession
The excitement of the search for your perfect property can be all consuming.. Refreshing realestate.com.au every day hoping for the house you've been looking for. So many people tell us this is their favourite part. Looking at homes on the apps and then walking through them. We of course have a real estate obsession, especially us Melburnians.. However, continuing to peruse real estate websites after you’ve bought your property can lead to several pitfalls.
Buyer's Remorse: Constantly viewing new listings and comparing them to your purchase can trigger doubts and second-guessing. You might start to feel like you missed out on a better deal or a more perfect home.
Unrealistic Expectations: Just as dating apps can create a skewed sense of endless possibilities, real estate websites can make you believe there’s always a better option out there. This can prevent you from fully appreciating and settling into your new home.
Financial Anxiety: Seeing fluctuating prices and market trends can lead to unnecessary stress about your investment. It’s easy to get caught up in what-ifs and hypothetical scenarios that undermine your peace of mind.
The Dating App Analogy
Imagine you’re in a committed, fulfilling relationship, but you keep scrolling through dating apps. Here’s how the analogy holds up:
Eroding Satisfaction: Just as constantly looking at potential matches on dating apps can make you question your relationship, browsing real estate sites can make you question your property choice. You might wonder if there's someone—or in this case, some place—better out there, even when you’re happy with what you have.
Distracted Focus: Staying active on dating apps diverts attention from nurturing your relationship. Similarly, obsessing over real estate listings can distract you from making your new house a home. Instead of focusing on decorating, renovating, or simply enjoying your space, you’re stuck in a cycle of what could have been.
Emotional Rollercoaster: Both scenarios keep you on an emotional rollercoaster, driven by comparisons and hypothetical possibilities. This ongoing search for “better” prevents you from finding contentment in your current situation.
Embrace Your Decision
Once you’ve found the right property, it’s crucial to embrace your decision and invest emotionally and physically in your new home. Here’s how to do that:
Settle In: Take time to make your house feel like home. Personalise it with décor, furniture, and improvements that reflect your tastes and needs. The more effort you put into making the space your own, the less likely you’ll feel the need to keep looking elsewhere.
Stay Informed, Not Obsessed: It’s okay to stay informed about the real estate market, especially if you’re considering future investments. However, set boundaries. Limit your time on real estate websites and focus on broader market trends rather than individual listings.
Celebrate Your Choices: Remind yourself of the reasons you chose your home. Reflect on the positives: location, amenities, future potential, and the memories you’re creating. Celebrate the milestone of homeownership rather than undermining it with doubts.
Staying on real estate apps after buying your property can lead to unnecessary stress and dissatisfaction, much like staying on dating apps can harm a committed relationship. It’s important to shift your focus from what’s out there to what you have. Embrace your new home, invest in it, and allow yourself to fully enjoy this new chapter of your life. By doing so, you'll find contentment and happiness in the space you've chosen to call home.