Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, but for many California buyers in 2024, it also came with serious regrets. From unexpected costs to location disappointments, plenty of homebuyers in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, and Calabasas found themselves wishing they had planned better. If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, learning from their mistakes can save you thousands and help you make a confident investment.

1. Underestimating the Total Cost of Homeownership

Many buyers focus only on their mortgage payment, forgetting about property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, and ongoing maintenance costs. Especially in areas like Westlake Village and Agoura Hills, where property values are high, these expenses add up quickly. If you're buying a home in Conejo Valley, make sure to budget for unexpected repairs, landscaping, and rising utility costs so you’re not caught off guard.

✅ How to avoid it: Work with a real estate expert who understands the market and can help you estimate all costs before making an offer.

2. Skipping the Home Inspection

The competitive market in Thousand Oaks and Calabasas led some buyers to waive inspections just to secure a deal. While it may have sped up the process, it also left homeowners with hidden repairs, foundation issues, and costly renovations.

✅ How to avoid it: Never skip an inspection, even in a multiple-offer situation. Investing in a detailed home inspection in Oak Park or Agoura Hills can save you tens of thousands in future repairs.

3. Overextending Financially

Interest rates fluctuated throughout 2024, and some buyers stretched their budget too thin to get into their dream home. With higher home prices in Calabasas and Westlake Village, many found themselves “house poor,” struggling to afford daily expenses.

✅ How to avoid it: Get pre-approved for a mortgage, but don’t feel pressured to borrow the full amount. Work with a local real estate expert in Thousand Oaks or Agoura Hills to find homes that fit your lifestyle and budget.

4. Choosing the Wrong Location

Some homebuyers rushed into a purchase and later regretted their neighborhood choice. Long commutes, lack of amenities, and poor school ratings led to dissatisfaction. This was especially true for those moving from Los Angeles to suburban areas like Conejo Valley, without fully exploring their new surroundings.

✅ How to avoid it: Spend time in the neighborhood before buying. Drive the commute, visit schools, and talk to locals in Westlake Village, Oak Park, and Thousand Oaks to make sure it’s the right fit.

5. Not Having Adequate Insurance for Natural Disasters

With wildfires, floods, and landslides being a major concern in California, many homebuyers didn’t realize their standard homeowners insurance didn’t cover everything. Unfortunately, some learned the hard way when disaster struck.

✅ How to avoid it: Check with a local insurance expert to ensure your home in Agoura Hills or Calabasas has full coverage, including fire, flood, and earthquake insurance.

Buying a Home in Conejo Valley? Work With Local Experts!

The good news? These regrets are completely avoidable when you have the right team guiding you through the process. At Lydia Gable Realty Group, we specialize in helping buyers find the perfect home in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, and Calabasas—without costly mistakes.

📞 Thinking about buying a home? Let’s make sure you do it the right way. Contact us today for expert guidance!

FAQs About Buying a Home in Conejo Valley

1. What should I budget for besides my mortgage payment?
Homeowners should plan for property taxes, insurance, maintenance, HOA fees, and potential repairs. In areas like Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village, these costs can add up quickly.

2. Is it ever okay to waive a home inspection?
We strongly advise against it. Even in competitive markets like Calabasas and Oak Park, a home inspection protects you from unexpected repair costs.

3. How do I know if a neighborhood is right for me?
Visit the area at different times of the day, check commute times, talk to residents, and explore local amenities in Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, and beyond.

4. Do I really need extra insurance for wildfires and floods?
Yes! Standard homeowners insurance does not always cover wildfires, floods, or earthquakes. If you're buying in Calabasas or Agoura Hills, double-check your policy to avoid costly surprises.

5. How can I avoid overpaying for a home?
Work with an experienced Conejo Valley real estate agent who understands pricing trends and can negotiate the best deal for you.

Ready to buy a home in Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, or Calabasas? Let’s find you the perfect home—without regrets. Contact Lydia Gable Realty Group today!