How to Manage Stress During a House Hunt

Buying a house can be stressful, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you manage stress during this challenging time.

1. Start your search early

   If you’re looking for a new home, it helps to target a move-in date early on. Be sure to start looking at homes in the months leading up to your target date. This will give you enough time to attend home viewings and decide which one is for you.

2. Take your lifestyle into consideration

   When it comes to luxury real estate, you’re buying more than just a house. You’re buying a lifestyle. The home you choose must possess qualities that will help enhance your lifestyle, as well as make it easier for you to pursue your interests. Whether you enjoy cooking, gardening, tennis, boating, or fishing, look for a home that lets you do more of what you love.

3. Know what you want

   Have a list of must-haves detailing what you want in a home. This may include everything from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to finishes and amenities that you’d like to have. Knowing what you want will help you narrow down the search.

4. Prioritize listings

   Once you know what you’re looking for, you can start prioritizing listings that closely match your criteria. Make it a point to visit these homes first as this might help shorten the house-hunting process.

5. Work with a local expert

   Work with an agent who knows the Smith Mountain Lake area like the back of their hand. A well-connected agent can provide access to off-market luxury listings that you may not have access to otherwise. This helps you cast a wider net, increasing the chances of you finding the perfect SML home.

   The majority of luxury listings may only be viewed by appointment to help protect the seller’s privacy. Your agent can help set up viewings with the sellers and listing agents.

6. Make time to see the homes

   It’s worth taking the time to view the homes personally, especially if you intend to use the home as your primary residence. This could mean taking time off from work or leaving the kids with the nanny. Viewing the home in person will help you determine if it’s the right one for you.

7. Be flexible

   There might be last-minute changes to your schedule no matter how well you plan ahead. The seller may not be available, or something important may come up at work. When this happens, do your best to be flexible. Re-schedule the viewing if you really must.

8. Make an offer

   Be ready to make an offer as soon as you find the right home. You might not have enough time to sleep on it, especially when it comes to in-demand vacation spots like SML. Do the necessary preparations to be able to make quick decisions.

If you think SML should be your next home, let me, Jane Sullivan Horne, assist you. You may get in touch with me at 540.493.1690 or send me an email at Jane(at)JaneAtTheLake(dotted)com.