11 Tips to Reduce the Stress of Buying a Home

If you’ve felt stressed while buying a home, you’re not alone. A 2023 Redfin survey found that most people find home buying to be more stressful than other common high-anxiety experiences like dating, potty training a toddler, and even getting into college.  

It’s easy to understand why buying a home ranks so high on the stress scale. Home buying combines intense emotions, a complex and often unfamiliar process, and high financial stakes.  First-time buyers in particular can feel overwhelmed by the transition from renting to homeownership. 

The good news is you don’t have to feel this way. By educating yourself and making a game plan, you can significantly reduce the stress of buying a home. 

Here are 11 actionable tips to avoid stress when buying a home: 

1. Lay the groundwork for the home-buying process

The first step in reducing stress from buying a house is to ask: Is buying and owning a home truly right for you? The answer could depend on whether your motivations are driven by internal or external forces. When we feel the need to act on external pressure rather than our own desires, anxiety can set in. 

External pressure can come from family, friends, colleagues, and even social media. Perhaps your parents keep asking when you’re going to buy a house. Or maybe some of your friends are taking the leap into homeownership. Regardless of what’s driving you, do your best to filter out external pressures and make sure your motivation for buying a home is genuinely your own.

Once you’re fully committed, you can begin to lay the groundwork for the home-buying process — including what type of home loan is best for you.

2. Establish financial guardrails

Buying and owning a home requires a long-term financial commitment. So, having a firm grasp of your financial capacity and limitations can help you move through the process with less stress.  

Disciplined home buyers calculate how much house they can afford. They make a budget and stick to it while shopping within their desired real estate markets. Meanwhile, they also create and follow a budget for ongoing expenses — including monthly mortgage, home insurance, and taxes — while setting aside a fund for emergencies. 

And speaking of your mortgage, the lender you chose will look for evidence of your financial stability and discipline, requiring you to demonstrate the following:

• A steady income 

• A manageable amount of debt 

• A good credit score 

• Money for a down payment (especially if you’re applying for a conventional mortgage) 

 

Remember that the lender will evaluate your ability to take on both immediate and long-term costs. They will want to know that you can afford the upfront expenses of buying a home (i.e., a down payment, closing costs, and a home inspection) as well as the ongoing costs of ownership (i.e., taxes, maintenance and repairs, and insurance). 

3. Know your credit history

Applying for a mortgage loan when you know your credit report is clean and accurate can help quell your home-buying anxiety. Check your credit report from time to time for errors that may impact your final score.  

Research completed by Consumer Reports and WorkMoney in 2024 found that 44% of all credit reports contained errors. These errors can impact the interest rate, terms, and loan approval amount of your mortgage. 
 
So before applying for a mortgage, request a free copy of your credit report from the three major bureaus. Review them carefully and dispute any errors you find. This can help ensure you can get the lowest possible interest rate when you apply for a loan. 
 
Learn more about how credit impacts mortgage rates. 

4. Get your documentation in order

Besides looking at credit scores, mortgage lenders will also review a wide range of documentation to determine if you can pay back your home loan. Rather than scramble to pull everything together when requested, you can reduce the stress of buying a home by tracking down all relevant documents before you talk to lenders.  

While the specific documents requested may vary by lender, they typically include the following:  

• Your two most recent tax returns (You may be asked to sign Form 4506-T, which gives the lender permission to request your tax information from the IRS) 

• Recent paystubs or your most recent W-2 statement 

• If self-employed, proof of income such as 1099 statements 

• Bank statements 

• Retirement and/or investment account statements 

• If you’ve received a significant amount of money as a gift, a letter explaining your relationship to the giver and confirming that the money is not a loan 

• A written statement explaining any negative marks on your credit report 

 

Collecting and saving this documentation digitally (including scanning and saving hard copies as PDF documents) can help save time and effort as you prepare to apply for mortgage loans.  

5. Get pre-approved

A pre-approval from your mortgage lender enables you to start the home-buying process. It also helps guide you toward homes within a price range that you can afford, providing peace of mind that helps reduce the stress of buying a home.

What is mortgage loan pre-approval? In the simplest sense, it’s an initial assessment that determines how much money you will likely qualify to borrow based on financial considerations like your income, credit score, and debt. It also indicates to both your real estate agent and sellers that you’re a serious buyer, which typically makes the home shopping process flow a bit more smoothly. This is especially helpful in a competitive housing market.

While faster and less complicated than the final mortgage approval process, pre-approval still involves a credit check and completion of a preliminary mortgage application. If pre-approved, you’ll receive a letter stating the amount you can access for a loan. 

With AmeriSave, you can get pre-approved in minutes for a mortgage loan to buy your home. 

6. Build your dream team

You probably wouldn’t want to trek through the wilderness without an experienced guide. So why go into the “wilderness” of home buying alone? 
 
When shopping for a home, having the right professionals in your corner can make a big difference in reducing house-buying anxiety. Each member of your team can play an essential role, from helping you find the perfect property to ensuring every detail of the transaction is handled with care. 
 
While your real estate agent often plays a central role in the process, their work is supported by other key players such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors, appraisers, attorneys, insurance agents, and escrow officers. Working together, this team will guide you through the process, ensuring you’re informed, protected, and set up for success. 

Visit AmeriSave Realty  to find a trusted real estate agent near you and start building your team.

7. Create and follow your game plan

Before you attend a showing, visit an open house, or even start to look at online listings, consider what it’s going to take for your home-buying process to be successful. Prioritizing your needs can help lower the stress of buying a home.  

Start by making two lists: the first a list of “must-haves” and the second a list of “nice to haves.” If you’re buying with a spouse or partner, do this exercise together. And, be sure to be both thorough and honest about what’s important to you. 

Must-haves may include things such as: 

• Ideal price range (i.e., priced under $350,000) 

• Square footage needs (i.e., minimum 2,500 sq.ft.) 

• Location (i.e., within a 30-minute drive from work) 

• Layout (i.e., 4 bedrooms / 3 baths) 

• Miscellaneous (i.e., highly rated school district, low tax rate, etc.) 

Nice-to-haves may include things such as: 

• Hardwood floors 

• Finished basement 

• Deck or patio 

• Attached garage 

• Walk-in closets 

• Big backyard 

As the category implies, stay firm on your list of must-haves. These are your hard-lined non-negotiables. In contrast, be a little more open-minded with your nice-to-haves. As you explore homes, familiarize yourself with new neighborhoods, and see how previous homeowners have made the most of unique features. You may find this becomes an evolving list. 

For more details, checkout our home buyers guide for finding the right home. 

8. Understand negotiations

One of the most stressful points in buying a home is making the offer, awaiting a response, and handling negotiations. This can be especially true in a seller’s market, where eager buyers are more likely to get caught up in bidding wars that cause prices to soar. 

While you need to stay true to your budget, you also want to make a competitive offer. This conflict can cause a lot of stress. The key is to realize that money is not the only bargaining chip.

While alternative tactics can carry some risks, buyers in competitive markets may sweeten their offer by foregoing contingencies, such as the home inspection or appraisal. Another option is to make a personal appeal in your offer letter that may help sway the seller’s final decision.

The bottom line is that, while certainly important, money isn’t the only consideration a seller may make when reviewing offers.  A little flexibility and creativity may go a long way in helping you gain a leg up on the competition while avoiding a bidding war.  

9. Stay on top of your closing tasks

Your bid was accepted for a home you love — congratulations! It doesn’t necessarily mean your house-buying anxiety is over.  

Remember, you’ve put together a solid team of professionals to help you. Let them guide you through the closing process, which begins with applying for the mortgage (your pre-approval is no longer enough), connecting with your title company, and arranging a home inspection. 

You’ll find there’s also a lot of waiting during this stage — waiting for the loan approval, for the inspection results, for the appraisal, and for the results of the title search. While waiting just gives you more time to stress and worry, this is perfectly normal.

Ask questions until you understand

Uncertainty and misunderstanding can generate a lot of stress. And according to a recent survey, only 26% of Americans feel they understand the home-buying process well. So if you have a few questions about it, you’re not alone.

The good news? The answers usually aren’t far away. Your real estate agent can be your first stop. As your advocate in the process, part of their job is to make sure you understand the many steps of buying a home. Your agent can also be an intermediary for any questions you have for the seller.

Your AmeriSave mortgage banker can also be a source of information, particularly about your mortgage application, the underwriting process, or your preapproval and final approval.

Finally, check out AmeriSave’s Knowledge Center. This helpful site includes answers to frequently asked questions, mortgage calculators and tools, and a wide range of articles on home financing.

To help alleviate stress, make sure you’re handling all your closing tasks as they come. Don’t delay if your mortgage lender has a question or requests additional documentation. Keep a working to-do list (once again, your real estate agent can help) and complete each task with no delay. 
 
If you still find yourself struggling with this stage of “hurry up and wait,” follow some tried and true stress management tips like exercising, eating a healthy diet, meeting friends for an evening out, or taking a yoga class. At the very least, feel free to take a deep breath because the end is in sight. 

10. Ask questions until you understand

Uncertainty and misunderstanding can generate a lot of stress. And according to a recent ConsumerAffairs report 42% of Americans say they don’t know enough about the homebuying process, with 30% of current homeowners saying they wish they’d had more knowledge before hunting for houses. 

So if you have a few questions about buying a home, you’re not alone.

The good news? Answers to your questions are typically just a call or a click away. Your real estate agent can be your first resource. As your advocate in the process, part of their job is to make sure you understand the many steps of buying a home. Your agent can also be an intermediary for any questions you have for the seller.

Your AmeriSave mortgage banker can also be a source of information, particularly about your mortgage application, the underwriting process, or your preapproval and final approval.

Finally, visit AmeriSave’s Knowledge Center. This helpful site includes answers to frequently asked questions, mortgage calculators and tools, and a wide range of articles on home financing. 

11. Manage any post-purchase stress

Even after closing on your home, the stress from buying a house can linger. Try the following tips to manage post-purchase anxiety and settle into homeownership with confidence: 

• Plan your move: Organize your belongings, hire reliable movers (if needed), and create a timeline to avoid last-minute chaos.  

• Create a home maintenance checklist: Make plans to change locks, test smoke detectors, service the heating and cooling systems, and address any immediate repairs. 

• Build an emergency fund for home-related expenses: Set aside funds for unexpected costs such as broken appliances, loose electrical outlets, and other minor repairs. 

• Set a realistic home improvement timeline: If your home requires updates or renovations, prioritize finding reliable contractors and avoid the urge to tackle everything at once.  

• Make connections in the community: Introduce yourself to neighbors, participate in local events, and join neighborhood groups. 

Finally, it’s normal to experience buyers’ remorse after such a significant purchase. During these moments, focus on the positives around why you chose this home over the others. Over time, as you personalize your space and make it your own, these feelings are likely to fade. 

FAQ

Why is buying a home stressful?

Buying a home is a big emotional (and financial) investment that can become overwhelming. It’s common for buyers to start the process with high hopes of finding their dream home, only to face the realities of compromises, bidding wars, and general market competition.  In addition, the documentation requirements involved with buying a house can feel daunting. Gathering and submitting financial records, meeting lender demands, and understanding legal contracts all contribute to the stress of buying a home.  

How can I minimize stress when buying a house?

Some tips to avoid stress when buying a home:  

• Assess your budget 

• Save for a down payment 

• Build an emergency fund for unexpected costs 

• Improve your credit score to secure better mortgage rates 

• Get pre-approved to understand your borrowing limit 

• Plan for closing costs — typically 2% to 5% of the home’s price  

• Avoid major financial changes during the process 

How do I manage stress if I can’t find a home I like?

Reassess your list of must-haves and deal-breakers. Be patient and expand your search criteria, if you can. Working with agents and lenders to explore alternative options, such as fixer-uppers (and mortgage options that best support these types of properties), can also help. 

How do I keep my emotions in check during the homebuying process?

Stay focused on your long-term goals and financial limits to minimize house–buying anxiety. You put a lot of effort into establishing these guardrails, so let them guide you through the difficult times. Also, avoid getting emotionally attached to a single property or house. Practice mindfulness to manage anxiety when making decisions and negotiating.