DEATH, DIVORCE & MOVING are the three most stressful experiences in life. There are two very different kinds of needs that people have while moving. First there are the transactional needs, like finding the home that is just right for you, finding a seller who is realistic, negotiating the price,filling out the paperwork, handling the escrow, and arranging for the move. But there are also emotional needs that are involved when moving, and this is where the biggest stress comes in. Any competent agent will handle the transactional needs for you, but if your emotional needs are unfulfilled, you'll be frustrated and may not act in your own best interests. The ideal real estate agent is one, who is competent with paperwork and numbers, but can also guide, direct, and counsel you through the emotional ups and downs of moving. Here are the six best ways we've found to beat the stress.
1. Have an ultimate scenario of where you're trying to be. What will life be like when you get there? How will it be better than where you are now? Dwell on that picture and write it out, fill up at least a page about how it feels in the new place. Emotions will run high and you need an anchor.
2. Be flexible. In your monetary calculations, overestimate by a thousand dollars. In this market, anything can happen between contract acceptance and closing. It could be the inspections reveal areas of concern that the seller is unwilling to fix or the repair costs are higher than the amount limited in the contract. Or the interest rate changes which affects the necessary down payment and closing costs you will need to come up with. As your real estate team, we will strive to tie up loose ends as quickly as possible, but remember there is no perfect world.
3. Trust in the process. There's just so much to do, it's easy to panic. You wonder if it will ever work out. You think you're taking a big chance, but the truth is you're giving yourself a big chance. We've been there many times before,and we'll be looking out for you. Trust that we know the way to get youthere.
4. Get knowledge. One thing you'll probably feel during this transition time is being out of control. It feels like everyone else has taken over your life. The seller, your lender, the appraiser, the inspectors, they all have the power to say yes or no to your moving plans. We'll try our best to let you know ahead of time what your expenses will be, and what the unknowns are. We'll tie down the loose ends as soon as possible. We'll try to get your loan approved within a reasonable time frame. We'll educate you as best we can and let you in "behind the scenes" so you won't ever feel stupid or out of control.
5. What is your option? When things don't go as smoothly as you had hoped,don't let emotions take over. Always ask yourself "What is my option?"because there are always options. .Each case is unique, but when setbacks occur we've found that asking yourself this question helps to diffuse the situation and restore clearheaded thinking.
6. Seek entertainment. When there's nothing you can do about the situation,take your mind off of it altogether. Maybe you expected loan approval on Friday, but now it won't come until Monday. You hate being in limbo and feeling powerless. So do something else entirely, maybe something where you aren't powerless. Take a hike, play tennis, get out of town for the day.Watch a movie, pray, or pour yourself into your work. Whatever diversion works best for you, now would be a good time to engage in it. Just forget the situation and refuse to listen to those irritating thoughts when they come into your head. Think about something else instead and just take it one day at a time. To keep stress to a minimum, here's how I'll serve you when you work with me in buying your new home: Give my best-reasoned expert counsel and advice with your best interests in mind. Clarify your goals and motivation, and decide if moving is the wisest choice at this time. Provide recommendations and information to help your kids through all the changes.Negotiate effectively for you to get the lowest possible price for your newhome. Treat your money like it was my own, shaving every expense possible.Protect your interests during escrow, keeping a detailed record of the transaction. Be your level headed sounding board or relief valve when thestress is overwhelming. Counsel you through the feelings of "buyer's remorse". Alert you ahead of time to every possibility so you feel more incontrol. Contact you daily during the last 10 days of the transaction to serve your needs. Provide guidance and help with movers, change of address,utilities shut off, cleaning, etc. Deliver your closing paperwork. Continue to give you information of value after the transaction... for life.

Carol Moson,CRS
Associate Broker
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
678-414-0760