By Sally Tansill, March 12, 2025
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and it’s completely normal to feel anxious about it. Many prospective buyers worry about affordability, market conditions, and the long-term commitment of homeownership. However, by understanding common concerns and learning strategies to overcome them, you can confidently invest in a home that will build wealth over time.
Common Fears When Buying a Home
1. Fear of Financial Commitment
One of the most common concerns is whether you can truly afford a home. Mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs can feel overwhelming.
How to Overcome It:
Work with a financial advisor or mortgage lender to get a clear picture of what you can afford.
Create a budget that factors in homeownership costs beyond just the mortgage.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your buying power and prevent surprises.
2. Fear of Market Conditions
Many buyers hesitate because they worry about purchasing at the wrong time. Market fluctuations can make it seem like there’s never a “perfect” time to buy.
How to Overcome It:
Remember that real estate is a long-term investment. While markets rise and fall, home values tend to appreciate over time.
If interest rates are high, consider refinancing later when they drop.
Focus on finding a home that meets your needs rather than trying to time the market perfectly.
3. Fear of Hidden Costs
Unexpected expenses such as repairs, HOA fees, or closing costs can be daunting.
How to Overcome It:
Get a thorough home inspection before purchasing.
Set aside an emergency fund for repairs and unexpected expenses.
Factor in all costs before committing to ensure your budget can handle them.
4. Fear of Making the Wrong Choice
Many buyers worry about buyer’s remorse—what if the home isn’t right for them?
How to Overcome It:
Make a list of must-haves and deal-breakers before house hunting.
Visit multiple properties and compare their pros and cons.
Take your time and seek advice from trusted real estate professionals, like me:)
How Homeownership Builds Wealth
Despite these fears, investing in real estate is one of the most reliable ways to build wealth over a lifetime. Here’s how:
1. Home Equity Growth
Each mortgage payment contributes to building equity, which is essentially a forced savings account. Over time, as you pay down your mortgage and home values appreciate, your net worth increases.
2. Stability and Predictability
Unlike rent, which can rise over time, a fixed-rate mortgage locks in your housing payment, making it easier to budget long-term.
3. Tax Advantages
Homeowners often benefit from tax deductions on mortgage interest and property taxes, reducing overall tax burdens.
4. Potential for Passive Income
Owning property opens the door to rental opportunities, which can generate additional income and further increase wealth.
5. Retirement Security
Owning a home outright by retirement eliminates housing expenses, allowing for financial freedom in later years.
Final Thoughts
Fear is natural when making a significant life investment, but knowledge and preparation can help you make informed decisions. Homeownership is a powerful tool for building long-term financial security, and while no purchase is without risks, strategic planning can turn your dream home into a smart wealth-building investment.
Are you considering buying a home but feeling unsure? Connect with me or a financial advisor to discuss your concerns and take the first step toward confident homeownership.
Sally Tansill
Broker | ABR® | HFR | OR
She/Her
Sally moved to Portland with her family in 2012 from Brooklyn, NY, seeking an improved quality of life and a change of pace from her busy career in the sports industry.
Moving with very little personal connection to the city was difficult and at times overwhelming, but she knew it would suit her lifestyle and be a place that reinforced the values she wanted for her children, and she was right! A mother of three (four, including her dog Eli), she has navigated new neighborhoods, schools, and other city resources and looks forward to sharing that knowledge with people looking to create or renew their own sense of place.
The idea of "home" means something different to everyone and Sally's goal for her clients is to find the place where that word resonates for them. Every stage of life provides an element of transition and that often comes with a desire to change your surroundings. For some, it could be a question of space while for others it is changing scenery between the city and the country. Sally has lived in apartments, condominiums, teepees (long story), studios, rented houses, and now owns a home as well as a few rental properties with her husband in Portland.
Sally is an avid skier and music fan and loves that this city provides the opportunity to pursue all of those interests in such an accessible way. Her sports loyalties still lie on the east coast, but she has caught the Portland Timbers bug and loves going to games with her family: the camaraderie is contagious! Ever the optimist, she believes that positive relationships and people are the key to personal and professional success, especially when it comes to real estate! She loves sharing her experience and wants to guide her clients to the place they call home.
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- T: 917-797-2776
- sally@livingroomre.com
