Sunday, August 17, 2025
First-time buyers share the shocks of homeownership
Buying a home for the first time is a major milestone, but for many, it is also an overwhelming and unfamiliar process.
A new survey from Nationwide reveals that recent first-time buyers found the experience more stressful than landing their first job, planning a wedding or even finding a long-term partner.
Despite the hurdles, they did it. Now, they are offering advice for those up next. Their insights offer practical, candid advice for new buyers. From surprise expenses to the pride that comes with finally having a place to call their own, these stories give renters and aspiring homeowners a clearer view of what is ahead.
“Buying your first home is a big transition,” said Casey Kempton, president of P&C Personal Lines at Nationwide. “When making this type of decision, it’s natural for new homebuyers to start second guessing themselves. However, having a trusted advisor, like your agent, can help take some of the guesswork from that process. These findings show just how much guidance buyers are looking for — not just during the transaction, but after the keys are in hand.”
STRESS OF BUYING A HOME BEATS WEDDING PLANNING AND JOB HUNTING
According to the survey, 71% of firsttime buyers said the process was more stressful than finding their first job. Others said it ranked above planning a wedding (59%) or finding a long-term romantic partner (56%).
Some of the other most common challenges included:
• Understanding the full scope of what buying a home entails (48%).
• Finding trusted resources for first time buyers (48%).
• Finding affordable home insurance (47%).
• Unexpected costs and fees (47%).
Many also had to make tough compromises to afford their home, including:
• Commuting further to work or other daily destinations (32%).
• Buying a home in a location that was not their first choice or ideal preference (31%).
• Buying a home with fewer amenities (e.g., no backyard, no garage, no pool) (28%).
• Living in a home that needs/needed significant repairs or renovations (27%).
• Living in a smaller home than originally wanted (26%).
The biggest surprise for many? How dramatically their lives changed after moving in. One in three buyers agreed that owning a home changes everything about how you spend your time and money.
WHAT MOTIVATED THEM AND SURPRISED THEM
For many couples surveyed by Nationwide, renting was not just a placeholder. It was a smart way to stay flexible, build savings and figure out what they wanted long term; however, once the idea of buying became real, it was hard to ignore. Top reasons for making the leap included:
• Finding a home in a preferred area (36%).
• Starting or growing a family (35%).
• Escaping rising rent (28%).
Nearly 90% of respondents said owning a home made them feel more like an adult. But the transition brought a steep learning curve. About two-thirds said they quickly understood the reality of “unexpected repairs,” with many turning to the internet for help when something broke.
To understand those surprises better, Nationwide asked first-time homebuyers to pick a warning label that should have been on their house. They wish they knew:
• “There’s always a hidden cost lurking around the corner” (28%).
• “The internet will suddenly become your best friend for ‘how-to’ videos” (28%).
• “Your weekends are now dedicated to yard work and home improvement projects” (27%).
• “Something expensive will break within six months” (24%).
• “A home warranty will not cover your emotional breakdowns” (21%).
“We heard from buyers who found their dream home and found themselves panicsearching ‘how to fix a leaking water heater’ at 2 a.m.,” said Kempton. “That’s the reality of first-time homeownership. Our job is to make that transition easier, so they spend less time worrying and more time settling in.”
REDEFINING WHAT
SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Despite the emotional ups and downs, more than 80% said the experience gave them a greater sense of control and boosted their financial confidence. They cite stability (33%), personalization (28%), and long-term wealth-building (22%) as the most empowering aspects of ownership.
While eight in 10 still believe homeownership is one of life’s most important achievements and central to the American Dream, over half said they now view success differently. For this generation of buyers, success means living within their means, growing retirement savings and achieving independence; not just paying off a mortgage. They are redefining wealth on their own terms, focused less on square footage and more on freedom, flexibility and security.
FIRST-TIME BUYERS WANT PEACE OF MIND, NOT JUST A POLICY
Today’s buyers are planning for the long term. Nearly two-thirds (63%) view their
first home as their “forever home,” not just a steppingstone. That level of commitment makes it even more important to protect what they have worked for.
From navigating unexpected repairs and DIY upgrades to choosing the right insurance policy, new homeowners are looking for practical tools that reduce stress, not add to it. The right coverage offers peace of mind, turning what could be future headaches into manageable moments.
“Buying your first home is both exciting and exhausting. We want first-time buyers to know they’re not alone,” said Kempton.
“First-time buyers aren’t just looking for a place to live; they’re building the foundation of their financial future. With the right coverage and guidance, they can move forward with confidence and spend more time enjoying their new home.”
Methodology: Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data and Intelligence to conduct a national online survey, fielded from January 17 to January 28, of 1,009 U.S. adults, age 18+, who have purchased their first home (no prior homeownership) within the past 12 months.
Tips for buying major home appliances online
Nowadays, you
heat pumps and water heaters.
However, making a large purchase without inspecting the product or planning for installation comes with its own challenges. To ensure a smooth shopping experience, consider these tips for buying major home appliances online.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Set a budget and determine what features are necessities and which are nice to have. When you start searching, you will be able to compare product features and reviews. Look for customer feedback, especially regarding durability, performance and features.
For large and installed appliances like water heaters and heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, research system requirements, including size, capacity and system type (like gas or electric) and compatibility with your current home infrastructure like ductwork. Another consideration is if your state or municipality has local code compliances you must meet, like emissions or energy-efficiency standards. This can be time-consuming and difficult for some homeowners.
When shopping online, look for retailers that have partnerships with professional and licensed contractors to help determine the appropriate equipment for your home, make the installation process easy and help you tap into local utility rebates and tax credits.
CONSIDER THE SELLER
On some online marketplaces, products may be listed by third-party sellers who are not affiliated with the original manufacturer, meaning the
product may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Third-party sellers may not have relationships with local dealers or contractors, and most contractors will not install or repair products not purchased directly from a manufacturer.
EXAMINE THE RETURN AND WARRANTY POLICIES
It is easy to get excited about a product and not think what happens if it malfunctions, so it is important to look for a manufacturer’s warranty and if extended protection plans are available. When you find warranty information, read the fine print. Most manufacturers require the equipment to be registered after it is installed to realize the full warranty benefits.
LOOK FOR DISCOUNTS AND FINANCING
Many online retailers offer financing for big purchases, including zerointerest promotions or “buy now, pay later” options. These monthly payment options allow you to fit large purchases into your budget rather than dipping into savings. Watch for hidden fees or high interest rates after promotional periods end. For installed systems, check if you can bundle financing with installation and extended warranties for convenience. Some appliance manufacturers offer discounts on products if purchased through specific retailers.
CONFIRM PRODUCT DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION
Products are easy to purchase online, but poor planning on delivery and installation can turn the process into a hassle. For larger and installed appliances, make sure delivery includes unboxing, setup and removal of old units, if needed.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING AND KEEP A PAPER TRAIL
Documentation of higher priced items, especially those with installation next steps and extended warranties, can be helpful if you run into issues. Some of the documents you should keep (in paper and digital versions, if possible) include a final
invoice, permits (if applicable), warranty terms and information, delivery and installation scope of work and timelines. Take photos before and after installation. Buying large home appliances and installed appliances online can save time and money, provided you approach it thoughtfully. This is part of a broader trend toward digital convenience in home services that makes online tools, virtual consultations and price transparency more accessible. With a little research, comparison and attention to detail, you can find the right appliances to fit your home, lifestyle and budget — without ever stepping into a store.
What is your love language? Cleaning, according to Seventh Generation survey
Seventh Generation recently revealed sex and relationship advice can come from the most unexpected source: a leader in effective biobased household cleaning products. Forget words of affirmation. The brand released findings from a survey conducted in partnership with market research and data analytics firm National Research Group and found that more than half of Americans (54%) say cleaning is their love language. What is more, 85% of Americans say that cleaning up for someone is an act of love. But cleaning can also cause friction in relationships. Nearly two out of three Americans have been turned off by someone because their home was messy, and one in three have ended a relationship due to a partner’s cleanliness. Other key survey findings include:
• Cleaning together heats things up. Seventy-five percent of Americans say that sharing chores is more romantic than giving gifts.
• Doing the dishes unprompted brings the spice from the kitchen to the bedroom. Two-thirds of Americans say that a partner doing the dishes without being asked is more romantic than delivering a dozen roses.
• Who needs glistening abs or a hot rod when bae keeps their house sparkling clean? A date is four times more likely (78%) to appreciate a clean home than a companion who goes to the gym regularly (22%). They are also eight times more likely (89%) to prefer someone with a clean home than one with a nice car (11%).
• Cleaning is a sign of respect and a point of frustration in relationships. Nearly eight in 10 Americans believe a clean home reflects how much you respect your boo. Six in 10 say they get frustrated with their other half when the house is not clean.
“Cleaning is a major part of one’s daily routine — it’s something we use to create individual harmony and control. But it’s clear from these findings that this activity isn’t just about checking items off your own to-do list,” said relationship and online dating expert Jess Carbino, Ph.D. “According to Seventh Generation’s new survey, cleaning has the power to shift your to-dos from the kitchen sink to between the sheets! As an expert in what turns us on, I’m fascinated to see the impact cleaning can have in driving collective harmony and in kindling romance.”
Seventh Generation analyzed the results of a survey conducted by market research and data analytics firm National Research Group of 1,000 Americans. The findings reflect the data collected from survey respondents — which were weighted by gender, age and U.S. regions to accurately represent national public opinion.
