What buyers are stressed about — and how agents can help 

As agents head into the spring market, a recent survey from Clever Real Estate offers a timely reminder: Along with affordability challenges, economic uncertainty and fluctuating inventory, buyers are navigating intense emotional pressures.

Many would-be purchasers end up ignoring red flags or busting their budgets, leaving some to wonder if they've made a big financial mistake — but agents can help mitigate some of the stress.

Emotions drive the bus

According to the survey of 1,000 Americans who bought homes between 2023 and 2025, emotions caused more than a third (36%) to act against their better judgment during the process. For many, urgency and "FOMO" were powerful forces, especially in competitive markets with limited inventory.

As a result, most buyers (76%) overlooked or downplayed red flags in a home, with 42% convincing themselves it was "worth it" to ignore those concerns. First-time buyers and Gen Zers — who are more likely to view homeownership as a status symbol compared to older buyers — were especially susceptible to this mindset.

But that youngest group of buyers is also practical, placing more importance on resale value than baby boomer or millennial buyers. 

While agents need to create momentum, they should also be providing clients with a clear-eyed perspective on issues like repairs and price, which buyers ranked as their top post-purchase pain points.

First-time buyers feel like they're failing

Roughly half of the first-time buyers surveyed said they felt like they lost control at some point in the homebuying process or that the purchase decision was risky, and 44% said the experience made them feel like a "failure."

That may be due in part to moving too quickly: 37% bought the first home they toured, compared with 25% of repeat buyers. Factors like tight inventory and concerns about the economy weighed more heavily on first-time buyers, contributing to their faster decision-making.

For agents, clear timelines, written next steps and proactive education around inspections, negotiations and contingency options can help restore a sense of control.

Regret is common

Following one's heart instead of one's head has consequences: Of all the buyers surveyed, two in three expressed regret. 

About 60% of repeat buyers reported some level of regret, and that figure jumped to more than three-quarters for first-time buyers. Many felt they paid too much, didn't negotiate aggressively enough and rushed into a decision.

Those regrets could be due to unclear expectations around value and long-term affordability. Talking about pricing early, playing out multiple negotiation scenarios and providing a detailed strategy behind offers may minimize second-guessing.