Buying a home is not just about finding the right place, getting a good price, obtaining a mortgage, navigating the paperwork and escrow, and planning the move.  Having moved my own family several times and helped many buyers move in the 30 plus years I have spent in the real estate business, I know the emotional issues involved are just as important and even more stressful.

An experienced Buyer Agent will help you deal with the paperwork and legalities of the transaction and counsel you through the emotional spin-offs of the transaction.  There are a few things you can do to help ease the stress.

Remember to keep your financial calculations flexible.  There are a number of things that can happen to change costs before closing.  Inspections can uncover problems that the seller isn’t willing to pay for, or which exceed the contract limit.  Interest rate fluctuations can change the down payment required and affect closing costs.  Being aware that costs can increase will help you to deal with changes as they arise and keep your frustration level down.

Learn about your new neighborhood and imagine what it will be like to live there.  Make a list of what you look forward to enjoying about your new home and activities you imagine doing there.  Hang on to this vision to keep you going when the transaction process becomes frustrating.  Concentrate on the positive changes this move will bring to your life instead of obsessing over the mechanics of the transaction.

Find out the steps of the process from choosing a home to making an offer, getting a mortgage, closing escrow and moving.  Knowing what to expect along the way will make it easier to anticipate problems and solutions.

Examine your options when the process gets caught on a snag.  If your lender is slow in approving your loan will it make sense to start over with another lender and a whole new sheaf of paperwork?  Or would it be better to give the lender more time?

Don’t let the transaction take over your life.  It’s better to spend time waiting to hear from the seller or lender or escrow agent at the movies, or taking a walk, reading a book, golfing or boating.  Sitting around worrying doesn’t help achieve a quicker resolution and only makes you feel out of control and frustrated.

To find out exactly what we will do to lower the stress of your real estate purchase, click on the link to go to The Benefits of Using Osborne & Company as Your Buyer Agent.