Homebuyers

Cold Feet Before Closing? 6 Ways Homebuyers Can Overcome Their Fears

You’ve finally found a home that checks most of your boxes. You’ve run the numbers, walked the neighborhood, and maybe even mentally figured out where the couch will go. But right before it’s time to make an offer or close the deal, it happens: you get cold feet.

Feeling anxious about a big purchase isn’t a sign that something’s wrong. Often, it’s an acknowledgment that you’re taking a substantial financial and emotional decision seriously.

“Having momentary cold feet is a normal part of the buying process, especially for first-time homebuyers,” said Hannah Powell, a real estate agent at District Roots in Annapolis, Md.

While doubt in the homestretch can feel overwhelming, there are ways to push through or see if your instinct to pump the brakes is right.

1. Figure out what’s causing second-guessing

“Cold feet” is a catch-all phrase, but it’s rarely just one feeling. Maybe you’re scared of locking yourself into a long-term mortgage. Perhaps you’re worried the market will dip right after you buy. Or maybe it’s that nagging voice asking if the home you put an offer in for is the one.

So, take some time to write down what’s causing your hesitation. Specific is better than vague: “I’m nervous about taking care of a property,” or “I’m worried I’ll miss out on a better home.”

Once you name the fear, you can fact-check it. Research common maintenance costs. Ask your agent about home price trends. Do the math to figure out how much your monthly costs will be.

Then you will have a better idea if your reaction is emotional or something based on more concrete concerns.

2. Stop searching for the “perfect” home

Some buyers hesitate after putting in an offer because they think a better home is just around the corner.

Here’s the truth: Every home has trade-offs. That dream kitchen might come with a longer commute. The yard you love might mean giving up the extra half-bath you hoped to have.

Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on what matters most to you, whether that’s location, natural light, layout, local amenities, or long-term value. If a home hits your top priorities and fits your budget, it’s probably a solid choice.

Still can’t shake the feeling you might be settling? Picture yourself still home-hunting six months from now. Would you regret letting the home you've already found slip away?

“Having a conversation with their future self can crystallize whether a buyer is having fleeting concerns or more substantive issues with the purchase,” said Powell.

3. Re-check the numbers

Money is often where the cold feet come in strongest. Beyond the sale price, there are additional costs, including closing costs, monthly payments, taxes, and insurance. And that’s not even factoring in maintenance and repair expenses once the home is yours.

This is the perfect time to pull up your loan estimate and look at your budget. Ask your lender to walk you through the payment breakdown again and confirm how much cushion you’ll have left after closing.

If the numbers work and you’re still nervous, that’s normal. Buying a home is a big financial step.

But if the numbers are tight enough that you’d have trouble covering the inevitable surprise repairs or expenses of homeownership, it may be worth pausing.

4. Remind yourself nothing’s permanent

One of the biggest myths about homebuying is that the property you purchase must be forever. That’s often not true.

If your life changes due to job opportunities, a growing family, or unexpected plans—you have options. You can rent your home out—or sell it. You may even remodel the home using a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

For some buyers, it’s helpful to expect to live in it for five to seven years (so you don’t lose money on a sale) but not permanently. That period allows the market to appreciate, giving you time to build equity.

5. Ask for a gut check

Still unsure? Loop in your real estate agent, who has likely seen buyers hit the brakes before, and can walk you through whether this is standard nerves or a valid reason to walk away.

They can also help you revisit your original priorities. Sometimes, just seeing how closely a property aligns with what you said you wanted can be the confirmation you need.

“I like to walk my clients through how to determine if a home is right,” said Powell. “I ask them to get back to why they were looking to purchase a home in the first place. Does this home address the fundamental reasons they desired a home? Or have they gotten swept up into the purchasing process and lost sight of what they wanted?”

You can also talk to someone who recently bought a home. Hearing how they got through their last-minute doubts can be surprisingly reassuring.

6. Trust that you’ve done the work

By the time most buyers reach the point of getting cold feet, they’ve already done the research, asked the questions, and ruled out the homes that weren’t right. Cold feet don’t mean you’re making the wrong choice. They tell you you’re about to make a real one.

So, instead of getting trapped in indecision, do one next-step thing. For instance, it may be beneficial to obtain a second opinion on the inspection report.

“Or take a day to yourself and request another showing of the home,” said real estate professional  Zach Fertig, the co-owner of Property Leads in Sheridan, Wyo. “Spend some quiet time in it and try to take the walkthrough slowly so you can get a sense of what it’s like living in it.”

This helps you turn vague feelings into something more tangible.

“You might either realize the doubts you have are justified, or you might see they were mostly just in your head,” said Fertig. “Either way, you’ll be making a decision with clarity.”