Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real – it can also feel a little overwhelming. It’s a big step, and it’s normal to have questions like: Am I making the right choice? Can I actually afford this? What if something breaks unexpectedly? What if I lose my job?

The truth is, every first-time homebuyer has these thoughts.

The process is always a mix of excitement and nerves, and that’s totally fine. Here’s a little perspective to help ease some of those worries.

Focus on What You Can Control

As a first-time homebuyer, you’re probably wondering what all you need to budget for, and that can feel intimidating. There’s the mortgage, home insurance, maintenance – maybe even lawn care or HOA fees. It’s easy to get lost in the numbers. But remember, as Zillow puts it:

“Buying a house is a big decision, and you might feel confused and indecisive as you assess your financial situation and decide if the timing is right. Big life choices come with self-doubt, but crunching the numbers and thinking about what you want your life to look like will help guide you in the right direction.”

The key is focusing on what you can control. Work with a local agent and a trusted lender to understand what you can borrow, what your monthly payment will be, and how your mortgage rate affects it. Since your mortgage will probably be your biggest monthly expense, make sure that number works for your budget.

Don’t Stress About Repairs

Maintenance and repairs can be tricky to predict, but remember, you’ll get an inspection during the homebuying process, so you’ll know what condition the house is in. If there’s anything that needs work, you can start saving up for it. And if it’s really worrying you, talk to your agent about asking the seller for a home warranty. These usually cover repairs for major systems like the HVAC if they break within a certain time frame. It’s not a huge ask for the seller, but whether they agree depends on the market and how competitive it is.

It’s Okay to Stretch – Just Don’t Go Overboard

When you buy your first home, money can be a bit tight at first – and that’s totally normal. Many first-time buyers cut back on things like shopping or eating out until they get a feel for their new expenses. But if you’re doing the math and realize you won’t have enough for essentials like gas or groceries, that’s a red flag. You don’t want to stretch yourself too thin. A little stretching is okay, though – it’s part of the process.

Your Income Will Probably Grow – And That’s Fine

Keep in mind, you’re likely going to earn more as your career progresses, so that initial stretch won’t feel as tough later on. As your income goes up, so will your ability to handle those payments. Renting is temporary – buying a home is a long-term goal. And if you’re worried about what happens if you lose your job, there are options like forbearance that can help you pause your mortgage payments temporarily.

Bottom Line

Buying your first home is a huge decision, and it’s normal to feel a little anxious about it. But if you’re financially ready, don’t let fear hold you back. Those nerves are a part of the process, and a great agent will be there to guide you every step of the way.

What makes you nervous about buying your first home?

Let’s chat so you have an expert by your side to walk you through it all!