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1. Get pre-approved. Making sure you are able to get a mortgage will reduce the stress of the home buying process, because you know you're eligible before you even begin hunting, automatically taking that stress factor off your plate. That's not the only way pre-approval will reduce stress – it also makes the home search easier. “Many sellers won't even work with a buyer who is not pre-approved, so you automatically open up your housing pool when you get pre-approved,” says Terri Pontzious, REALTOR® at CENTURY 21 Award.
2. Find the right budget and stick to it. Money is a huge source of stress when buying a house. “Figure out exactly how much house you can afford, and refuse to even consider a home outside of that budget,” says Pontzious.
3. Make a Needs vs. Wants list. Similar to sticking to a budget, understanding your needs (three bedrooms) in relation to your wants (a gourmet kitchen) can save you time and energy during the home hunt.
4. Hire an agent you trust. A real estate agent is the number one way to reduce the stress of buying—or selling—a home. “Find an agent who specializes in your market and similar clients—first-time buyers, move-up clients, vacation homes, etc,” Pontzious suggests. While many think hiring an agent will make the home-buying process costlier, agents can help save money in the negotiating process. Regardless of money saved, working with an agent—who knows the process inside and out—will save you a great deal of stress.
 For more information on purchasing a home, please contact Terri Pontzious at terripont@gmail.com, (619) 356-3248 or www.terripont.com.Contact CENTURY 21 Award at info@century21award.com, (800) 293-1657 or www.century21award.com |
