Related topics
Most house sellers and homebuyers suffer, to greater or lesser degrees, the ravages of a peculiarly debilitating distress during their transactions and for up to six months after their deals close. This masochistic form of self-reproach has a name. Depending on which side of the contract you happen to be on, it's either called seller's remorse or buyer's remorse.
Seller's remorse is a stupendously strong conviction on your part that you're about to sell your house for way less than it's really worth. The fact that your sale price established a new high for the neighborhood is secondary to your perception that you're giving your house away. When you're in the cruel grip of seller's remorse, facts take a back seat to perceptions.
Don't feel like the Lone Ranger. You're not alone. The buyers of your house probably have an equally strong conviction that they're paying you way more than your house is worth. Their doubts began when they signed the purchase contract. Factually speaking, your house could be well worth every cent they're paying. That doesn't matter. Once again, the only thing that counts is their perception that they're overpaying.
If you're selling your old house and at the same time buying a new home, you are most likely being devastated by the dreaded double whammy - simultaneous buyer's and seller's remorse. In the worst-case remorse scenario, you suspect that you're getting financially creamed when you sell and when you purchase.
All too often these concerns are ignored or ridiculed by agents, friends, and family. You're patted on the head and told, 'Don't worry. Everyone goes through this. Tough it out. Take two aspirin and get a good night's sleep. You'll be fine tomorrow.' Not true. Unless you get remorse out in the open, it can tear you and your deals apart.
