One of the happiest moments of my life was the purchase of our first home. The joy lasted months. However, it was also one of the most stressful times.
How can something so wonderful be so nerve-wracking? And how do people in the real estate industry navigate the stresses and challenges while working with clients?
I sought the advice of two influential voices in the Southern Nevada real estate community to help answer these questions about one of the biggest moments in many people’s lives.
Career path
Yared Rivera is an associate broker who has been involved in real estate for over 20 years. She originally got involved while leveraging her bilingual skills for a friend’s team of real estate professionals.
This led to a career of meaningful impact and advocacy as Rivera has served on multiple associations for realtors and homeowners. She also has a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy. Her experience and education are important assets, Rivera says, when helping clients navigate “one of the biggest financial and emotional milestones of their lives.”
Scott Pharris, the president and broker of Icon Realty, has been in the real estate business since 1997, drawn to the field through the intersection of business, relationships and guiding people through major decisions. Pharris says he sees parallels between the industry and his background in athletics, in that both fields require performance under pressure.
Key challenges
The process of buying or selling a home can present many challenges, and research indicates the stressors of home sales correlate directly to mental health, especially depression and anxiety.
“Every client comes with a different situation,” Pharris says. “There can be financial pressure, family dynamics, timing issues and a lot of emotion wrapped into the process.”
Another challenge that often is overlooked is the barrage of information that’s available around the clock. It’s good to be well-informed when making a pivotal decision, but information overload can lead to mistakes.
The links between homebuying and mental health are too large to ignore. Whether you are purchasing your first home or your fifth, the level of emotions is likely to be similar, and if you are not managing it the right way, more pervasive mental health challenges can develop.
“In real estate, people are often navigating fear — fear of making the wrong decision, financial pressure or stepping into the unknown,” Pharris says. “I have found that when people feel supported and grounded, they are able to move forward with more clarity and confidence — even when things feel uncertain.”
Rivera underscores the importance of connecting with her clients and providing a safe space for them.
“I always say that working in residential real estate can be like buying and selling emotions,” she says. “My job as a real estate agent is to create a relationship of trust, understand my client’s motivation and help them navigate their emotions with calmness and logic.”
Healthy homebuying tips
A few points that Rivera and Pharris emphasize with clients:
■ Manage expectations: Not everything will go perfectly. That is OK and part of the process. Staying flexible helps reduce unnecessary stress.
■ Stay grounded in facts: Emotions can run high in real estate. Lean on data and trusted guidance to keep decisions clear and objective.
■ Take breaks: It can be an intense process. Stepping away, even briefly, can help reset your perspective.
■ Communicate openly: Whether it is your agent, lender or family, clear communication prevents misunderstandings and added pressure.
■ Protect your peace: This is a major life decision. Approach it thoughtfully, not reactively.
■ Work with someone you trust: Write down any question you may have and ask away. The real estate pro’s job is to help navigate a process that can be overwhelming.
Sheldon Jacobs, Psy.D., LMFT, is a licensed mental health professional based in Las Vegas. Contact him at drjacobs10@hotmail.com.
