How to Maintain Your Sanity
In the last 30 years I've moved 12 times. While each move had it's own character many of the components are the same. If the move is employment related, shock is usually the first major experience. Afterwards is the investigation phase, where you explore what the move will entail. Then there is an acceptance or denial phase and finally the execution of the move. Regardless of how you view the move there is almost always a strong emotional involvement with the move. A good real estate agent can help make your move far less stressful by helping you with physical and educational needs.
Here are some ways I've found to help reduce the stress.
1. Form a good solid plan. Know how much house you can afford and stay close to the price even if you have to buy less house or locate further out of town. In your plan put maximums and minimums on the factors you want in your new home. Have your realtor bring you into the office and do a customized, continuously updating, computer search. View as many of the listings in the office as possible before you ever make an appointment to see the inside. If economical factors require you to change your parameters, tell the realtor as soon as possible.
2. Honesty is the best policy. Be honest with your realtor and expect the same from him or her. Frustration is frequently the product of misrepresentation. For example: I once spent a day searching for homes in the $200,000 range only to find out later that the couple could barely qualify for $150,000. By the time we discovered this, not only had we wasted a day, but they had to settle for less house than they expected.
3. Expect expertise from your realtor. If you don't get it, fire him or her. A good realtor knows the area, the banks, the builders, the home inspectors, the lawyers, the repairs, and the other realtors. Knowledge is power and you need all the help you can get in buying real estate. Have your realtor give you an outline of how he expects the search to go. There are many people with the title realtor. What you need is to have confidence in your realtor.
4. Follow the tried and true methods. What I mean is this. Search by computer or paper, eliminate as many as possibly; drive possible neighborhoods; have a comparable market analysis (CMA) done; and view as many as feasibly possible. Come to a decision about a property and make an offer. If it works great, if it doesn't, have a back-up ready to go.
5. Know what factors are emotional in nature and which ones are physical. When you encounter a problem, immediately classify it as to whether you can overcome it or not. If not back up and go to plan B. The worst approach you can take is to say I give up. One of the best talents a good realtor can have is the ability to help you solve problems.
6. Take a break. You may want to take a walk, go out to eat or a movie. Don't let yourself become consumed in the process. I've found that frequently, bonds are strengthened by overcoming obstacles; but the reverse can be true as well. The key seems to be knowing what limits are for yourself and your mate, if there is one.
If I Represent you in your home search, you can expect the following from me:
1. Knowledge - I don't pretent to know everything but I will try to give my best opinion.
2. Information - on schools, clubs, shopping, etc.
3. Contract Negotiation - my goal is to get the best possible price for you.
4. Be your advocate in all client matters.
5. Help through the feeling of "buyers remorse."
6. Timely information and punctuality.
7. Help with paperwork and lenders.
8. Brutal Honesty.