Financial wellness and homeownership are two sides of the same coin. A recent study from Opendoor found that 56% of current + prospective homeowners think about their finances for at least 30 minutes every day. (We feel that. 💸)

Homeownership is a major milestone of financial security that many aspire to — but it can be just as stressful financially as other ultimate goals like saving for retirement and saving for a child’s education.

Fast facts:

37% of prospective homebuyers believe that homeownership will improve their quality of life.
More than 78% are considering buying their first home in the next five years.
53% want to buy within the next two years.

If you’re a part of these percentages, join us as we take a look at how Kansas Citians are tackling their finances + homeownership and how it affects their stress levels. (Read: You’re not alone if you’re sweating over downpayments. 😅)

Boasting generous counter space, a center island, tile backsplash (and some included appliances), this home is complete with an abundance of well-placed windows for natural light — plus a walk-out deck. | Photo provided by Opendoor

KC real estate stressors by the numbers

Midwest states like Missouri have a greater focus on savings (88%; 12% above the national average). At 69%, residents of the combined Midwestern states of Kansas + Missouri feel much more financially secure than the national average (46%).

Midwesterners are less likely to consider buying a home as an individual. The 34% of Midwesterners who would purchase a home alone see the most stress of the transaction in working with real estate agents or lenders on their own (i.e. without a partner or a parent).

Regardless of region, consumers are less likely to move to a desirable neighborhood for a more affordable home. 71% of Midwesterners feel they would not consider such a move, and fewer (27%) are open to moving out of state to find their dream home compared to the national average (32%).

Given its burdensome load, 73% of Midwesterners would choose cleaning their home from top to bottom (compared to 68% nationally) over going through the buying or selling process (27% vs. 32% nationally). Read: Scrub Daddies over real estate agents.

Take the stress away.*