Question: Why are fewer homebuyers today experiencing post‑purchase regret, and what does that mean for you in the Wildwoods?

Short answer: As the real estate market cools, more buyers in areas like Wildwood, West Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood  Crest and Diamond Beach are making informed decisions - so regrets are down, and you can take advantage of that trend with the right support.

Why buyer remorse is dropping

According to the Realtor.com  2025  Consumer  Attitudes  &  Usage  Study, 37% of recent homebuyers reported no regrets about their purchase - up from 31% in 2023.
With homes on the market for a median of 63  days in October 2025 - about two weeks longer than in October 2023 - buyers have more breathing room to be deliberate. 

For those who did feel some regrets, the top issues were:

• Unexpected maintenance (16 %)
• Higher‑than‑expected household costs (15 %)
• Depleted savings after purchase (14 %)

There are also generational differences: 60 % of Baby Boomers reported no regrets, compared to 45 % of Gen  X, 34 % of Millennials and 27 % of Gen  Z. 

What this means for the real estate market in the Wildwoods

In the scenic communities of North Wildwood, Wildwood, West Wildwood, Wildwood  Crest and Diamond Beach, the market has enjoyed high buyer demand for years. But now with slightly more inventory and a more measured pace, you’re in a stronger position—whether you’re buying or planning to buy.

Since fewer buyers are finding themselves with immediate regret, it tells us three things:

1. You have time to weigh your options. With longer time on market nationally, buyers locally are likewise benefiting from a slightly less frantic pace - which means better decisions.
2. Affordability still matters. The drop in regret is partly because buyers are better preparing financially and matching homes to their true budget and lifestyle. This is key in a region where seasonal use, vacation homes or investment properties often complicate purchase decisions.
3. Working with expertise makes a difference. In a micro market like Cape May County and the Wildwoods area, having someone who understands local nuances can help you avoid the typical regret traps - like unexpected maintenance, higher household costs or savings drains.

Buyer tips for avoiding regrets here in the Wildwoods

If you’re in the market for a home in the 08260 zip code, keep these tips in mind:

• Set clear priorities. What matters most to you - a beach block location, rental income potential, year round use, or resale value? Understanding this helps avoid choices you’ll second guess.
• Budget beyond the purchase price. Given that unexpected maintenance and household costs remain top regret drivers, make sure your budget includes ongoing costs - especially for coastal homes in the Wildwoods, where weather and maintenance matter.
• Work with someone who knows the Wildwoods. Local market knowledge means you’ll have a partner who understands vacation rentals, seasonal demand, nuances you should be considering but may not have even thought about, property upkeep and resale dynamics.
• Take your time (even if the market feels hot). The national trend shows that less rushed decisions lead to fewer regrets. You should apply the same principle in our market - even with competition.

My Take: Don’t you want to be the one that said “I’m glad we did?”

As your trusted real estate advisor serving the Wildwoods and Cape  May  County, I’m seeing that the drop in home buyer regret is a positive signal. It means buyers are making smarter, more confident choices - and you can too. When you combine prudent planning with local insight, the likelihood of “I wish I hadn’t” becomes “I’m glad we did.”

Stay ahead of the local real‑estate game - follow The Jessica Lees Team on social media and sign up for our weekly newsletter to get the latest insights, trends and homes in North Wildwood, Wildwood, West Wildwood, Diamond Beach and Wildwood  Crest. Let’s make sure your purchase is one you’ll feel great about for years to come.