Reducing the Pressure of Your Home Sale

Buying a new home, selling your old one, and moving from one residence to another are all considered fairly substantial life stressors. Homeowners can become fraught with anxiety when proceedings take an unexpected turn or things don’t quite go according to plan. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to make the process as smooth as possible and to help you maintain your cool.

· Partner with a professional. A good real estate agent is your best asset. He or she can take a lot of the pressure out of a home sale or purchase simply due to a facility with the process. Your agent’s expertise can help remove any guesswork from the sale. And if something unexpected does occur, you’ll have a seasoned troubleshooter at your side to help reduce the stress involved.

· Let go of assumptions. Of course you are hoping that a “just-right” buyer will sweep in, love your home down to its very last detail, and want to make it his or her own. You need to remember that isn’t always how it works. A buyer may have very different plans for your house and want to make some big changes. Although it can be difficult, it’s important that you separate your feelings from the equation and remove the human component. At its heart, a home sale is a financial transaction that should, ideally, be approached subjectively. This can be easier said than done, but if you find yourself becoming distressed about the proceedings, try to take a step back and focus on the future rather than your attachment to the home you are selling.

· If you’re buying a new home, stay on top of your credit score and make sure your credit report doesn’t contain any surprises that could jeopardize financing. Obtain a pre-approval letter from your lender before starting your home search so that if you fall in love with your dream home, you’ll be prepared to make a competitive offer with backing from your lender.

· Focus on your final goal. When pressure mounts or things aren’t going the way you expected, try to take a step back and think about why you are buying, selling, or moving in the first place. Obviously, your needs aren’t being met by your current home and you know there’s something better out there for you. Envision the end of the process, whether it’s being able to “let the place go” rather than having your home constantly ready for showing or sitting back sipping cocoa by a warm fire in your new home. Projecting yourself into a better future can help alleviate some of the stress of the present. After all, nothing lasts forever.

· Finally, take care of yourself. Go for a run. Take a nap. Splurge on something new. Eat well and get plenty of rest. If you can, get away for a few hours or even a couple of days. Removing yourself from a stressful situation can bring you new perspective upon your return, so make sure that you’re caring for yourself and your family if the road gets a little bumpy. It is bound to smooth out eventually.

Buying, selling, moving … while stressful, all of these processes are designed to bring you a brighter future. With a little patience and a little help, you’ll be through it in no time!

Would you like to know more? Visit www.andoverhomes.com for more information.