Buying a home can be very exciting. There are ups and downs when you are looking for that perfect home, and when you finally find it, and write up the offer, that first night can be pretty nerve-wracking.
I usually tell my clients that if they experience any kind of anxiety the night we write up the offer not to worry, that it's normal- and it is! It's a big change in your life, and there's nothing wrong with feeling a little anxious. If I feel at any time that my clients are unsure about moving forward, I will not write up an offer until we have resolved their concerns. I'll tell you a story to hopefully help you determine whether or not your fears are anything to be concerned about regarding your pending purchase, and hopefully make you feel better
Personally, I get a little nervous every time that I purchase a home, too. Remember that I have been in real estate for 27 years, and have helped hundreds of families move. I have moved a number of times, and personally stared at the ceiling in the middle of the night, and have had to watch old black and white movies just to try and fall asleep. Honestly, I should be "immune" to that feeling. and I'm not. So truly, I understand what you are going through. A lot of it is just nerves.
A couple of things to think about :
- Are you worried that the monthly payment is too high? -TRUTH: If the bank has pre-approved you, then they feel that you can afford the payment based upon your credit and work history, The bank will not give you a loan if you are not qualified- period, end of story.
- Do you think that something better might come along? How many homes have you seen, and how many of those home stack up as well as this one? What was it that prompted you to want to move to this home, enough to write up an offer, and give a deposit check? Writing an offer on a property is a conscious decision and that's pretty hard to do if you are unsure. It's probably the jitters.
- Is the home missing the particular "wow" factor that you were hoping for? We all want the best that we can possibly get, and not knowing what's coming on the market, and moving forward with a house that doesn't have everything you want may seem a little premature. Maybe the house has everything that you wanted , and yet you still feel that it's missing something, you just don't know what it is. Sometimes we have "champagne taste" and a "beer pocketbook". Nothing is going to really get you that big wow factor, unless it's out of your range. Nobody says that you will be living there in 10 years, and by the way- the Natinal Association of Realtors statistics show consistently that people move approximately every 7 years. The easiest way to gain equity is to own a home, and that will help get you to the next step which is that "champagne taste" house. You can't get to the second floor, unless you climb the steps. If you never take that first step, you'll never get to the top.
- Were you pushed into writing the offer, by your spouse, significant other, family member or friend, or (I hate to say this) by your Realtor? Okay, well this is different. DO NOT EVER let anyone push you into doing anything that you are unwilling or unready to do. You need to talk this out with your agent, and whoever pushed you into action. What are your concerns over the property?- are they real, or can they possibly be unfounded? Be brutally honest with whoever you have this conversation with. It shoudl be your top priority and it's important for that relationship, whether it be a professional one, or a personal one. The house is secondary.
These are tough questions that only you can answer- you just might need some help figuring out where that concern or those concerns come from. My clients know that I am here to help them, and they can talk to me anytime about anything. Real estate or otherwise. Relax, take a deep breath, think about it, and talk about it. That's the best thing- and remember- feeling anxious about your move is very normal.
Article originally appeared on Fairfield County CT Real Estate & Homes for Sale in Easton, Fairfield, Norwalk, Trumbull & Westport, Connecticut (http://www.thectrealtyblog.com/).
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