Causes | Avoiding seller's remorse | Don't want to sell your house anymore? | FAQs
Seller’s remorse is the emotional regret or second-guessing that can happen before, during, or after you sell your home. Whether it’s due to a sentimental attachment, concern over finances, or pressure from life circumstances, it’s a common — and very real — experience.
In fact, 69% of recent home sellers worry about getting the right price, and 66% are anxious about having enough time to move, according to a survey by Clever Real Estate.[1]
If you’re having doubts about selling, you’re not alone. A trusted real estate agent can help you evaluate your situation, protect your interests, and potentially avoid legal or financial fallout if you decide not to move forward.
Connect with top local agents who can help you sell on time and for top dollar. You'll pay just a 1.5% listing fee (half the typical rate), helping you save thousands!
How a real estate agent can help prevent seller's remorse
A great agent isn’t just a salesperson — they’re a sounding board, advisor, and strategist who can:
- Provide local market context, pricing insights, and prep checklists
- Helping you decide whether you're truly ready to sell
- Draft purchase agreements that reflect your concerns and maximizes your home's price
- Maximize your sale price and minimize regrets
As a potential seller, talk to multiple real estate agents to find one right for you. This will boost your own understanding about the sale and give you a wider array of advice.
🤔 You are NOT obligated to work with an agent unless you sign a listing agreement!
A listing agreement is a contract between the seller and their agent that outlines payment for marketing the property and commission on the sale. Take time to interview multiple agents, and be upfront about your doubts before committing.
Don't sign a listing agreement unless you've found an agent who's right for you!
» READ: How to Find a Real Estate Agent
Understanding the market
Before you list your home, an agent can provide key data to help you feel more grounded in your decision:
📊 A comparative market analysis (CMA) shows how your home stacks up to similar homes recently sold nearby. A CMA helps you price competitively — and realistically.
💰 A seller net sheet outlines what you’d likely walk away with after deducting fees, commissions, and closing costs.
🗓 Local selling timelines provide insight into how long homes typically sit on the market in your area, so you can plan your move accordingly.
Assessing your finances
If your decision to sell is financially motivated, an agent can walk you through all your options — including alternatives to selling.
Consider refinancing
If you’re struggling with monthly payments, refinancing could reduce your interest rate or eliminate private mortgage insurance, making your mortgage more manageable.
Avoid foreclosure through a short sale
In extreme cases, a short sale may be better than foreclosure. With a short sale:
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You sell for less than what you owe, with lender approval.
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You avoid foreclosure’s harsh credit hit.
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You may walk away with some control over the process — and even some cash.
🚨 Short sales can be complex and time-consuming. Work with an agent who’s experienced in short sales to improve your chances of approval.
» MORE: Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: Which One Should You Choose?
Including seller-friendly contingencies
A real estate agent can include contingencies in a purchase agreement that could provide a way out of the sale if you get cold feet.
Contingencies are common in purchase agreements, though most favor the buyer — but in some cases, a seller can add protections, too.
Home of choice clause
This allows you to back out of the sale if you can’t find a new home to move into. However, buyers often push back on this clause due to its uncertainty.
Always discuss your concerns and goals with your agent before you finalize a purchase agreement.
Want to make the most money from your sale?
Some sellers consider listing their home without a realtor (known as FSBO — for sale by owner) to save on commission. But FSBO sellers often leave money on the table. On average, a FSBO home actually sells for 26% less than a home sold with an agent!
Unless you have real estate experience or a pre-arranged buyer, a FSBO sale can be stressful, risky, and ultimately less profitable.
And if you're unsure whether or not you want to sell, the FSBO route means going without the advice and institutional knowledge that a real estate agent brings to the table. Paying a bit more for an advocate like this could be worth every penny.
If you're looking to walk away from your sale with the most money possible, selling your house by owner may not be the right fit.
Data shows that FSBO homes often sell for less — after all that hard work sellers put in, they end up with less profit, on average, than if they'd paid standard commission rates!
A better option for most sellers is hiring a low commission realtor. Clever pre-negotiates 1.5% listing fees with agents at top companies like Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX.
You'll avoid the hassle of a FSBO sale, and walk away from your sale with the most money possible. With Clever, sellers save an average of $7,000 per transaction and get offers 2.8x faster than the national average.
It pays to consider your options! Clever's agent matching service is free, and there's ZERO obligation — you can walk away at any time.
Can I back out of a sale?
Yes, you can back out of a sale, but it isn't easy and can come with significant financial implications. If it's not done properly, the buyer AND the listing agent can sue the seller.
🖋 It's best to walk away from selling your home BEFORE signing a purchase agreement.
Making this decision before signing a contract protects you from serious financial and legal consequences. It's also much fairer to the buyer and your agent!
Whether or not you can legally cancel the sale depends on where you are in the process:
- If you've signed a listing agreement, you can probably back out of this and only have to pay a cancellation fee or some of the commission your agent is forfeiting.
- If you've signed a purchase agreement, walking away from the sale can be very difficult and incur severe penalties.
» READ: Backing out of an accepted offer on your home
Can I back out of a home sale?
Yes — but the ease (and consequences) of backing out depend on where you are in the process.
Before signing a listing agreement
You can walk away with no legal consequences. Once signed, you may owe your agent a cancellation fee or partial commission.
» MORE: How to Terminate a Real Estate Listing Agreement
After signing a purchase agreement
A purchase agreement is a contract between the seller and buyer outlining the terms of the sale. Backing out after this is signed becomes legally complicated.
Buyers and agents can sue for:
- Earnest money
- Temporary housing costs
- Realtor commissions
- Additional damages
⏳ Use the attorney review period if available
In attorney review states, you may have a short window after signing the contract to change your mind. States that allow this include:
| Alabama Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Kansas Kentucky Maine |
Maryland Massachusetts Mississippi New Hampshire New Jersey New York North Dakota |
Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Vermont Virginia Washington, DC West Virginia |
If you're reconsidering the sale, this attorney review period (which is typically just a few days) could give you time to further mull this over — or pull out altogether.
» MORE: Can a seller back out of a purchase agreement?
Common causes of seller's remorse (and how to deal with them)
Emotional attachment to your home
You’ve made memories in your home — letting go can be hard. To ease the process:
- Make small upgrades to start “detaching” emotionally
- Focus on what’s next (new home, travel, downsizing, etc.)
- Talk to your agent about your goals and fears
» JUMP: How your agent can protect you from seller's remorse
Fear of underselling
Worried about pricing too low? You’re not alone — 69% of sellers feel the same. Get a CMA, appraisal, or broker price opinion to validate your expectations.
» JUMP: Understanding the market
Forced sale due to life change
If you’re selling due to job relocation, debt, or family needs, your options may feel limited. An agent can help you evaluate:
- Refinancing instead of selling
- Postponing your move
- Short sale alternatives
» JUMP: How a realtor can help you assess your finances
Clever offers top-rated local agents, full service, pre-negotiated low rates for sellers, and cash back for eligible buyers.
Frequently asked questions about seller's remorse
What is seller's remorse?
Seller's remorse is the regret or anxiety you feel when second-guessing a home sale — often due to emotional ties, financial uncertainty, or pressure to sell.
Can I back out of selling my house?
Yes — but your ability to cancel depends on whether you’ve signed a listing or purchase agreement. The sooner you make the decision, the easier (and cheaper) it is to cancel.
How can I avoid seller's remorse?
- Be honest with yourself (and your agent) about your goals.
- Review all financial options, including refinancing.
- Work with an experienced agent who understands your concerns.
- Avoid signing contracts until you’re fully committed.
Can you change your mind after closing on a house?
Backing out of a sale can have major consequences for the seller.
If the seller gets cold feet before signing a purchase agreement, they'll have little trouble canceling the sale. However, they likely need to pay cancellation fees or realtor commission to the agent or broker, per the listing agreement.
If the seller backs out after signing the purchase agreement, they could be sued by the buyer or agent for damages, commission, and other penalties.
