This post comes to us from the Market Leader blog:

Just like brides and grooms can freak out and leave one another standing at the altar, those involved in a real estate transaction can also be guilty of jilting or – heaven forbid – at risk of being jilted. It's called "cold feet" when you leave your fiancée at the altar; in sales, the phenomenon is known as "buyer's remorse."

It is symptomized by that sick feeling the buyer of a big-ticket item might get, accompanied by a voice inside that says, "What did I just do?" Sellers can experience this reaction as well, and for a variety of reasons.

Seller's Remorse

The doubt, apprehension, and stress brought on by seller's remorse can make a seller panic and lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed. The causes of seller's remorse vary. Sometimes the seller has simply failed to consider whether or not she really needs to sell.

A tough buyer's market can also lead to a case of cold feet for homeowners. After the hot and heavy multiple-offer scenarios of a few months back, it can be discouraging for a homeowner to think of letting his investment go for a deflated price. The flip side is true as well; in a seller's market homeowners may get the feeling that they let the home go for a price that is too low.