We just closed on our first home. Hooray for us! But let me be real for a moment… The planning, the emotional rollercoaster, the excitement, the anxiety. Even though it was our first experience buying a home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had been through this before. Five times, in fact. Why? Because buying a home is strikingly similar to having a baby. Confused? Let me clarify.
The Dream Begins
It all kicks off with dreams. You see others enjoying homeownership, and suddenly the desire to have your own place ignites. Current homeowners may empathize with your aspirations, yet they’re also quick to remind you that it comes with major responsibilities. The all-knowing gaze from seasoned homeowners is just like the reaction we got when we first shared our baby news! “Once you’re a homeowner, everything changes,” they warned.
The Unpredictable Journey
Pregnancy can be smooth sailing for some, while others experience a chaotic whirlwind of challenges. You can take steps to ease the journey, but ultimately, some things are beyond your control. The same applies to buying a home. Regardless of whether you’re looking at a charming fixer-upper or a shiny new build, you’ll encounter obstacles that can feel overwhelming. You might even find yourself going a little nuts—consider yourself warned. Thankfully, a good real estate agent, much like a skilled doctor, can help navigate the turbulence.
The Endless Wait
The waiting period feels eternal. For me, awaiting the approval of our loan was reminiscent of the “I’m so ready to have this baby” feeling in the final weeks of pregnancy. Each day without closure felt like an eternity, weighed down by an urgency that was completely out of my hands. I worried, I cried, and yes, I gained emotional baggage—just like during pregnancy.
The Delivery Process
Now, let’s talk about my personal experiences. With all five of my “births,” the pattern was the same: The last weeks were spent anxiously hoping for an early arrival, only to be frustrated when baby didn’t come. Due dates passed, tears were shed, and I stopped answering calls from family asking, “Any news?” I convinced myself I’d never give birth. Then, out of the blue, I’d go into labor and have a baby in record time!
So, it comes as no surprise that the final stretch of my home-buying experience mirrored this perfectly: I anxiously awaited that call saying, “Great news! We processed your loan early! Come sign on the dotted line!” I was frustrated when it didn’t come. The closing date arrived, and once again, I faced another setback. I cried daily, convinced I’d never own this new home. Then, suddenly, I received the call, signed a mountain of paperwork, and became a homeowner in under four hours!
The Weight of Responsibility
Reality hits hard. As a new mother, I was hyper-aware of every sound my baby made. In my first week as a homeowner, I sprang awake at the faintest noise from the AC unit. “Did you hear that?” my husband asked, mirroring my concern. We paused, both of us wide-eyed and on edge. I was convinced it sounded like my bank balance dwindling. “Maybe we’ve just never noticed it before,” I reassured him, though I was also worried about that quirky sound. My husband went to check, just like I used to hover over my baby’s crib, holding my breath to ensure everything was okay.
I find myself chatting about my new home to anyone who will listen. And honestly, just like I would tell any new parent, the whole experience is worth it. Once the excitement wears off, who knows? I might even start dreaming about the next one.