The Home Buying Traps: How to Avoid the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of financial success or stability? Buying your own home likely crossed your mind for many good reasons. A home symbolizes success, security, and stability; most Americans save for it when they start working. But could you be rushing to buy your home to avoid missing out? The fear of missing out (FOMO) plays a big part in how many people live and invest. 

Psychologists refer to FOMO as “a perception that others are having more fun, living better lives, or experiencing better things than you, which can lead to envy and low self-esteem.” So how does this affect home buying? Now that everyone is planning a home purchase, you might jump on the bandwagon without thinking this is true. 

This is the home-buying trap and one of the biggest scams in housing. But, unfortunately, it is also one of the reasons home prices continually rise and fall in cycles. Home buyers rush to invest in their first homes based on market sentiment (what everyone else feels) rather than acts, figures, and insight. Does this sound familiar? 

So, while you are understandably excited about buying that first home, we want to help you avoid making a sentimental decision. 

Understanding the home-buying process is one of the easiest ways to avoid this pitfall. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned pro, this information could save you thousands of dollars and relieve stress and frustration. So, let’s dive in and explore the dark side of the home-buying process.

Learn the Psychology of Home-Buying

Owning a piece of property and having a place to call your own is fascinating. But, unfortunately, this excitement can cloud your judgment and lead you down the path of the home-buying trap. 

One of the biggest psychological traps of home-buying is the fear of missing out. You may have to buy a home now, or you’ll miss out on the opportunity to buy one. This fear can lead you to make impulsive decisions and rush through the home-buying process, which can be detrimental in the long run.

• The Property Cycle 

To better understand the psychology of home-buying, look at these four main parts of the

 property cycle:

1. Boom: Property prices are rising at this stage, and you might feel this is a great time to be in the market. Every other property owner thinks the same way, and prices start rising. If you buy your first home late in the boom phase, you will most likely pay higher than the home is worth.
2. Peak: Homebuyers are happy that they nabbed their dream home, but prices keep rising, and buying slows down. FOOP (the fear of overpaying) now sets in. Still, some first-time home buyers think prices will always stay strong and pay an arm and a leg for a property. With high prices, people hold back, which decreases demand, and eventually, prices stop rising. 
3. Downturn: FOMO is gone, and FOOP is firmly in place, which causes prices to tumble. Like in the boom phase, the herd mentality sets in, with most homebuyers selling in panic. No one wants to buy though prices are falling. The smartest investors cash in and bargain hard. 
4. Trough: Prices now bottom out and are still low. Most property owners don’t cash in because they consider this the worst time to move. Again, emotions play a role in such decisions, making potential home buyers lose out on bargain first homes. 

•  A Home Is an Investment

Another psychological trap of home-buying is the idea that a home is an investment. While it’s 

true that a home can appreciate in value over time, it’s not always a guarantee. If you’re buying 

a home solely to make a profit, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment.

• Everyone Has to Buy

Everyone dreams of owning a home, right? It is at the heart of the American Dream. But does

this mean you must buy a house now? Is homeownership the best option for you now? 

Consider these factors:

1. In some areas, it is cheaper to rent than buy
2. You might be living in an area for only a few years
3. You’ve got weak credit and piles of debt 
4. Your family situation may change soon
5. You’re living in an area that’s not “the perfect location”

Understand the Home-Buying Process

Before you jump into the home-buying process, take time to learn how this works. Here’s a breakdown of the home-buying process:

1. Pre-approval: Before you start looking for a home, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much you can spend on a home.
2. Finding a home: Once pre-approved, you can start looking for a home. You can work with a real estate agent or search for homes independently.
3. Making an offer: When you find a home you like, you must make an offer. Your bid should consider the home’s condition, the asking price, and the current market conditions.
4. Closing: If your offer is accepted, you must go through the closing process. This involves signing a lot of paperwork and paying closing costs.

Understanding the home-buying process is crucial to avoid falling into the trap. By knowing what to expect, you can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

How to Avoid the Home-Buying Trap

Now that you understand the home-buying trap and the hidden costs associated with home-buying, here’s how you can avoid falling into the trap:

1. Do your research: Before looking for a home, do your research. Understand the local housing market, and know what you can afford.
2. Query the property cycle: Identify which part of the property cycle you’re in and understand the emotions around the market. For instance, if the property market is in a downturn, most investors are jittery and feel it is the wrong time to buy an investment property. But is it?
3. Find a reputable real estate agent: Work with a reputable real estate agent who has your best interests in mind. Ask them about the market cycle and get professional advice. 
4. Get pre-approved: Get pre-approved for a mortgage before looking for a home. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend.
5. Don’t rush: Take your time, and don’t rush through the home-buying process. Making an impulsive decision can lead to costly mistakes.
6. Factor in hidden costs: Factor in the hidden costs associated with home-buying when considering buying a home.

With the right information and guidance from your agent, you can avoid the home-buying trap and make informed decisions when buying a home.

Consider Alternatives to Home-Buying

If you’re not ready to buy a home, there are alternatives to consider. Here are some options to home-buying:

1. Renting: Renting can be more affordable than buying a home, especially if you’re not planning on staying in one place for a long time.
2. Co-buying: Co-buying a home with friends or family can be a way to share the costs and responsibilities of homeownership.
3. Tiny homes: Tiny homes are becoming more popular as a way to downsize and save money on housing costs.

Considering these alternatives, you can find a housing solution that fits your needs and budget.

Final Thoughts: Making Informed Decisions When Buying a Home

If you are considering buying your first home, you appreciate that this is a huge investment. The first question is; have you thought this is a suitable investment at this point in your life? The greatest scam in home buying is that you have to own your home NOW. The fear of missing out (FOMO) drives the psychology of home buying, leading to crazy price fluctuations and poor investments. With these tips, you can make an informed decision based on facts, not emotions. You can avoid costly mistakes by researching, working with a reputable real estate agent, and asking the right questions. 

Learn the secrets only the top 1% of realtors know with our Ultimate Home Buying Guide and confidently buy your dream home within your budget!