Many people dream of the day when they can finally have their dream home. They can be in a place they’d like to be, enjoy the convivial and homey atmosphere, decorate to their tastes, and have something to leave as a legacy. But did you know that buying or selling a home is one of life’s most stressful events? The uncertainty of buying or selling in the desired timeframe, packing belongings, feeling a lack of control over the process, and not knowing if buyers or sellers are truly interested all contribute to the overwhelming stress people feel.

Moving is considered the #3 major life stressor, following the death of a loved one and divorce. As we know, high stress can lead to a variety of ailments & problems that can leave a lasting impact on your quality of life. Digestive issues, inflammation, lower immune response, and sleep are just some of the physical effects stress can have on your body. 

So what can you do to lower the stress of buying or selling a home? Read on to learn more. 

Do you need a real estate professional when selling?

While most people like to retain as much control as possible when buying or selling a house, it can be an incredibly daunting task to do by oneself. It may not be absolutely necessary to hire a real estate agent in certain situations, but it’s highly recommended.

For example, if you’re selling your home to a relative and the final sale price isn’t as important to you, or if you already have a buyer in mind and aren’t worried about potential legal issues, then you could handle the real estate transaction on your own. If you’re concerned about potential legal issues, achieving full market value, and having the most trouble-free transaction you can, then it is a good idea to find a trusted real estate professional to assist you.

If you hire an agent, how do you ensure you have the right one that can deliver results in a low-stress manner? 

Hiring the right real estate professional can make all the difference in lowering your stress level, but how do you find the right agent? 

The first step is to interview real estate professionals. Are there any that you get along with well? Do you feel too pressured? Do you feel that this real estate agent will go above and beyond for you? Do they have a problem-solving mindset? These are some important questions to ask yourself when meeting with agents.

Next, examine what experience the real estate agent has. Do they have the right combination of knowledge, expertise, and integrity to serve you? How many listings have they closed? As a rule of thumb, if an agent hasn’t closed at least 30 of their own listings, they probably don’t have the experience you need to offer a low-stress transaction. There are many traits that make a good real estate agent, but working with someone that is skilled, knowledgeable, and honest can do a great deal to lower your stress level.

When selling a home, choose an agent who uses OFFER technology to create a more results-driven, transparent, and efficient process.

Prioritize your needs and wants

There are very few circumstances when someone will get their dream home 100% the way they want it or receive the perfect offer from a buyer. Being too set in stone regarding your wants and needs can lead to a frustrating situation that merely adds more stress.

When buying or selling a home, prioritizing is key. What is most important to you and your family? Make a list of things that you must have and mustn’t have. For example, you may have three bedrooms on your “must have” list when buying a home, or a minimum price point for selling. Organize your list in order of firm requirements versus more flexible requirements, and be willing to compromise if necessary.

Tips for buying a home

What’s important in a low-stress offer submission? 

Most offers are sent from the buyer’s agent to the seller's agent as a pdf attachment to an email. The problem with this method of delivery is that it is incredibly easy for your offer to get lost in someone’s mailbox. Many of us receive dozens (if not hundreds) of emails daily, and it can take merely a day or two for your offer to be lost in the pile. This can lead to a lot of stress. Nobody wants to be waiting for a communication regarding major financial transactions with no idea what’s happening!

So how can you ensure your offer is seen? Ask that your agent use a program like OFFER1 to ensure your offer is guaranteed to be delivered to the seller every time. When you’re included in the process, know what’s going on, and have transparency, it can do a great deal to lower your stress.

Line up your financing in advance

The first step to a major financial purchase is to check your budget. Look at your personal finances, compare your debts and income, and decide how much you can afford each month towards a mortgage. Ensuring you can afford your monthly mortgage payment can help you avoid viewing homes outside your price range and falling deeper into debt. 

Secondly, get preapproval for your mortgage before starting the house-hunting process. Knowing what you have to work with not only gives you a broader sense of what you can purchase but also indicates to sellers that you’re serious about buying a home.

Get a home inspection

You’ll want to know what you’re getting into prior to buying a home, so always get a home inspection. A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual inspection of a house, property, foundation, construction, and systems. Don’t panic when small repairs come up in the inspection process, but be prepared to negotiate with the seller. Consult your “must have” list to determine which repairs are necessary and worth the potential cost to you. Of course, check your budget to ensure you can afford the repairs. Even if a home seems perfect, every house has a story and it’s important to know it before spending your hard-earned money.

Plan for unexpected costs

Always expect the unexpected. Just like with any major purchase or change, don’t enter the home buying or selling process without scrutinizing your budget. It’s imperative that you’re prepared for unplanned costs. 

When selling a home, it’s important to think of repair costs. Decide ahead of time what you can and cannot afford to spend on house repairs prior to placing your home on the market. Consulting with your real estate professional to discuss the return on your investment for any repairs. Some repairs may not be necessary.

A little preparation can go a long way toward making the real estate process easier and less stressful. Educating yourself on the buying and selling process, working with a trusted professional, and using a platform that allows transparency such as OFFER1 can help you feel secure, in control, and informed.