6 WAYS TO BEAT THE STRESS OF BUYING A HOME

Buying a home can be a very stressful event. We have complied

a list of things to consider when buying a home

DEATH, DIVORCE AND MOVING are the three most stressful experiences in life. There

are two very different kinds of needs that people have while moving no matter what

the reason is for moving. First there are the transactional needs, like finding the home

that is just right for you, finding a seller who is realistic, negotiating the price, filling

out the paperwork, handling the exchange, and arranging for the move. But there are

also emotional needs that are involved when moving, and this is where the biggest

stress comes in. Any competent agent will handle the sale needs for you, but if your

emotional needs are unfulfilled, you'll be frustrated and may not act in your own best

interests. The ideal real estate agent is one who is competent with paperwork and numbers,

but can also guide, direct, and counsel you through the emotional ups and downs of moving.

Here are the six best ways we've found to beat the stress.

1. Begin with the end in mind.

 

Have an ultimate scenario of where you're trying to go. What will life be like when you

get there? How will it be better than where you are now? Dwell on that picture and write

it out, fill up at least a page about how it feels in the new place. This is imperative.

Having your goal in front of you at all times energizes you to achieve it, in spite of

setbacks and frustrations. Emotions will run high and you will need an anchor. In

childbirth, the Lamaze method teaches you to focus on one spot when enduring labour

pains. In the same way, you too must focus on that future goal when anxiety threatens

to get the better of you.

2. Be flexible.

 In your financial calculations, over-estimate by at least one thousand dollars. In this

 market, anything can happen between acceptance and exchange. It could be the

inspections reveal areas of concern that the seller is unwilling to fix or the repair costs

are higher than the amount limited in the contract. Or the interest rate changes.

You should strive to tie up loose ends as quickly as possible, but remember there is

no perfect world. Most buyers feel a bit overwhelmed when taking on a new mortgage

and the responsibilities of a new home and we've seen many buyers get angry when

it seems like the cost just keeps going up. Anger is caused when reality doesn't match

up with the expectations you had in your mind. So if you anticipate this happening in

advance, you won't get angry. In fact, it'll probably go better than you expected.

3. Trust in the process.

 There's just so much to do, it's easy to panic. You wonder if it will ever work out.

In fact, when we bought our house, we couldn't eat for a day, we felt sick to our

stomachs! You think you're taking a big chance, but the truth is you're giving yourself

a big chance. Even though you can't see every step of the way, as you move towards

your goals, the way opens up. You haven't moved in a long time and it's a major

upheaval in your life.

 

4. Get knowledge.

 

One thing you'll probably feel during this transition time is being out of control. It feels

like everyone else has taken over your life. The seller, your lender, the appraiser, the

inspectors, they all have the power to say yes or no to your moving plans. Try to work

out ahead of time what your expenses will be, and what the unknowns are. Tie down

the loose ends as soon as possible. Try to get your loan approved within a reasonable

time frame.

5. What is your option?

 When things don't go as smoothly as you had hoped, don't let emotions take over.

Always ask yourself "What is my option?" because there are always options. Let's

pretend the lender takes longer than agreed upon to get your loan. He keeps asking

you for more and more documentation until if feels like he also needs to know how

many gold fillings you have in your mouth! You'll feel upset because you wanted to

feel certain about the move and now you still  have to live with the uncertainty. You

want to say "Forget it, I'm fed up with this!" But what is your option? Find a new

lender and start the process over again? That may take weeks, plus you will have to

provide all the paperwork over again. If the lender is trying his best, it may be better

to give him a few more days. Each case is unique, but when setbacks occur we've

found that asking yourself this question helps to defuse the situation and restore

clear headed thinking.

6. Seek entertainment.

When there's nothing you can do about thesituation, take your mind off of it altogether.

 Maybe you expected loan approval on Friday, but now it won't come until Monday.

You hate being in limbo and feeling powerless. So do something else entirely, maybe

something where you aren't powerless. Take a hike, play tennis, get out of town for the

day. Watch a movie or pour yourself into your work. Whatever diversion works best for

you, now would be a good time to engage in it. Just forget the situation and refuse to

listen to those irritating thoughts when they come into your head. Think about something

else instead and just take it one day at a time. To keep stress to a minimum, here's how

to work in buying your new home: Get expert counsel and advice with your best interests in

mind. Clarify your goals and motivation, and decide if moving is the wisest choice at this

time. Get recommendations and information to help your kids through all the changes.

Negotiate effectively to get the lowest possible price for your new home.. Protect your

interests during exchange, keeping a detailed record of the transaction. Have someone

as a levelheaded sounding board or relief valve when the stress is overwhelming.

Be aware through the feelings of "buyer's remorse". Keep a list for things like movers,

change of address, utilities disconnection,cleaning etc. The more organised you are

the better things will work and a happy experience will prevail.