on Nov 11th, 2011How To Prevent Premature Aging When Buying or Selling a Home
It’s no secret that buying or selling a home is one of life’s most stressful events. But I admit I was shocked recently to read that the stress of a real estate transaction can cause you to age a full TWO YEARS! Of the 2,000 participants questioned during a research study by In-Deed, those who were involved in a real estate transaction suffered from hair loss, short-term memory loss, lack of sex drive and general anxiety.
And so I wonder: does the rate of premature aging double if you’re selling your current home and buying a new one? Because if that’s the case, buying and selling 3 houses during your lifetime adds more than a decade to your appearance. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the joys of homeownership.
Buying or selling a home will always be stressful - as are many ultimately good things in life like getting married, having kids or changing jobs. While you can’t avoid the stress entirely, you can at least take some steps to kick it down a few a few notches. Like maybe only a year’s worth of premature aging per home!
3 Tips for Reducing the Stress of Buying or Selling a Home
1. Prepare
The more informed you are about the process of buying or selling a home, the more comfortable you’ll feel along the journey. Start with a REALTOR you trust, and don’t be afraid to ask him or her lots of questions. Money is a stressful subject in all realms of life, so do everything you can to ease that stress. If you’re a buyer, know what you can afford – both for monthly mortgage payments and upfront costs such as closing costs and repairs. Sellers should understand the costs of selling a home, including REALTOR fees, repairs, and moving in general. Both buyers and sellers should ask their real estate agent for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). A CMA can give sellers an idea of what homes similar to theirs are selling for, and can help buyers avoid paying too much for a home.
2. Pump Up
Last minute problems before closing can and will occur. Accept that, and tackle them as they come. You can circumvent some common problems, such as an extended closing date, costly repairs, or a change in funds necessary to close, by OVERESTIMATING everything. That way, if nothing changes, Great, you have some extra money. If there are changes, you’re ready for them. Sellers can avoid repair surprises by having their home inspected before they put it on the market.
3. Pamper
Eat healthy, exercise, and get out and have some fun! Sitting around waiting for things to happen won’t make the process go any faster or any more smoothly.
Do you have questions about buying or selling Indianapolis homes? Read more tips for home buyers and sellers.