Real E$tate Re$ource$

Purchasing a home is one of the most exciting decisions one will ever make. Unfortunately, for many, that excitement is served up with a whopping side of stress. While you may never erase all of the stress associated with home-buying, with the right mindset, and the right toolset, you can certainly minimize the stress of finding and buying your dream home.

1. Get pre-approved. Making sure you are able to get a mortgage will reduce the stress of the home-buying process, because you know you’re eligible before you even begin hunting, automatically taking that stress factor off your plate. That’s not the only way pre-approval will reduce stress – it also makes the home search easier. Many sellers won’t even work with a buyer who is not pre-approved, so you automatically open up your housing pool when you get pre-approved.

2. Find the right budget and stick to it. Money is a huge source of stress when buying a house. Figure out exactly how much house you can afford, and refuse to even consider a home outside of that budget.

3. Make a Needs vs. Wants list. Similar to sticking to a budget, understanding your needs (three bedrooms) in relation to your wants (a gourmet kitchen) can save you time and energy during the home hunt. It will also help you decide what tradeoffs you are willing to make when it comes to price versus the wish list.

4. Work with a Realtor you trust. Working with a professional real estate agent is the number one way to reduce the stress of buying—or selling—a home. Find an agent who specializes in your market and similar clients—first-time buyers, move-up clients, vacation homes, etc. While many think hiring an agent will make the home-buying process costlier, agents can help save money in the negotiating process. Regardless of money saved, working with an agent—who knows the process inside and out—will save you a great deal of stress.

5. Understand the current market. The real estate market is much like the weather, it’s ever changing and can even be different just a few miles away or with a different type of property. Work with your Realtor to understand what is going on and what you should expect in the negotiations.

6. Give yourself time. With so many variables in the home buying process, try not to cut yourself too close on time. The appraisal or loan approval process can take longer than expected so make sure you have a plan in case of a delay.