Top 7 Tips for Buying a Home While Working Shift Hours
Buying a home is exciting—but if you work nights, rotating shifts, or long hours, the process can feel a little more challenging. Between sleep schedules, overtime, and irregular days off, it’s easy to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to make it happen.
The good news? With some planning and the right support, you can absolutely find your dream home without running yourself ragged. Here are my top seven tips for buying a home while working shift hours.
1. Partner with a Realtor Who Gets It
Not all real estate agents are used to working around unusual schedules—but some of us thrive on it. Look for a professional who can adapt to your availability, whether that means texting during your lunch break, scheduling showings after your night shift, or hopping on a quick video call in the afternoon before you grab some sleep.
Pro Tip: Let your agent know your work hours upfront so they can plan viewings and paperwork at times that work best for you.
2. Get Pre-Approved Early
If you only have small windows of free time, you don’t want to waste them touring homes you can’t actually buy. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage early in the process helps you:
Know your budget
Show sellers you’re serious
Move quickly when the right property comes up
Most lenders can handle applications online or over the phone, making this step shift-worker friendly.
3. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Today’s homebuying process is more digital than ever. Many tasks—searching for listings, signing documents, even attending virtual tours—can be done from your phone or laptop. This means you can house-hunt from the break room or while sipping your post-shift coffee.
Bonus: Ask your agent to set up an automated search so new listings that match your criteria are emailed or texted to you right away.
4. Plan Showings Around Your Energy Levels
If you work nights, you know the struggle of doing anything after a long shift—your brain just isn’t as sharp. Try to schedule showings during your most alert hours, whether that’s late afternoon or early evening. You’ll be better able to evaluate a property and ask the right questions.
5. Build in Extra Time for Decision-Making
With an unconventional work schedule, your home search might take a little longer—especially if you can’t always drop everything to tour a house. That’s okay! Give yourself grace and try not to feel rushed. The right home will be worth the wait, and a thoughtful decision will save you headaches down the road.
6. Keep Your Paperwork Handy
From pay stubs to bank statements, your lender will need a lot of documentation. Save copies digitally (securely!) so you can send them quickly, even if you’re at work. This helps avoid delays and keeps the process moving, even if you’re halfway through a 12-hour shift.
7. Take Care of Yourself During the Process
Between work, home tours, and paperwork, buying a house can be exhausting. Make sure you’re still prioritizing rest, meals, and downtime so you don’t burn out. A little self-care goes a long way in keeping your decision-making clear and your energy steady.
Final Thoughts
Working shift hours doesn’t have to be a barrier to buying a home—it just means you need a plan and a team who can adapt to your lifestyle. With flexible scheduling, smart use of technology, and a little extra preparation, you can find the home that fits your needs without losing precious sleep.
If you’re a shift worker thinking about buying a home in the Fargo–Moorhead area, I’d be happy to guide you through every step—on your schedule.
