10 tips to reduce stress when buying and selling your home
Intro
It’s said that moving house is one of the most stressful life events (and having moved multiple times myself – including abroad – I can 100% agree!).
Many things will be outside your control. But there are things you can do to help relieve the stress. Here are our top 10 tips.
Before you start
Decide what you want from your new home
You may need to move for work or want more space for a growing family. But whatever your reasons for moving make a list of the things that matter most. Commuting distance, number of bedrooms, garden, schools.
Be clear on what’s essential and what’s nice to have before you even start. It will save you time and help you make the right choices.
Check your credit report
It’s worth applying for a copy of your credit report to ensure there are no nasty surprises lurking there. Even the most financially solvent can discover issues due to identity fraud or simple errors.
These can take time to resolve and if you only find out when your mortgage application is turned down, you’ll likely lose your dream property.
You can use the free service via Money Saving Expert which is a “soft search” and won’t impact your score.
Declutter
A good clear out can work wonders for your stress levels.
It makes you feel good
It helps you sell your property
It saves time on packing and removal costs.
What’s not to love.
Selling your property
Be realistic about your asking price
Of course you want the best possible price for your property. But setting your asking price too high means your home will take a long time to sell and prolong the stress. Get your sums wrong based on an unachievable sale price and your whole move could be in jeopardy.
Buying a property
Have a budget for contingencies
It can be tempting to throw every last penny into buying your dream home. But extras inevitably crop up – for example the survey spots something unexpected or a lease needs amending. Having some savings set aside for these means you’ll feel more in control.
Make the most of online tools
The internet is a great time and stress saver when it comes to house hunting. You can eliminate unsuitable properties without leaving your living room.
Online listings and floor plans will tell you if that 3rd bedroom really is big enough for your teenager – or in reality no bigger than a broom cupboard.
Google street view will show if that peaceful looking cottage has a large pub next door.
3D viewing gives a real feel for the property.
Coping with a chain
Use a good Estate Agent
There’s nothing more likely to cause stress than a long and complicated buying and selling chain. You know it only takes one link to break and the whole thing falls apart.
It’s also largely out of your control – bad news for all control freaks (like me). At this point your estate agent is your best ally. They understand how the process works and know when to push tardy solicitors (and when to back off).
Schedule Time Out
Feeling like your life is on hold until the move is done? While you’re waiting for solicitors, mortgage companies and estate agents to do their thing give yourself a well earned break.
Book a weekend away. Have a family day out. Treat yourself to a spa or sports day. And ban all talk of moving.
Getting ready to move
Make a list
There are so many things that need to be done around moving day. Removal estimates, arrangements for pets, meter readings.
Start a big list that all the family can see, add to, and tick off as things get done.
Start early
You do not want to be packing boxes at 3am on the morning of your move – believe me, I’ve done it and it’s a nightmare.
Here at The Property Hive we’ve helped hundreds of Doncaster families move. We can’t guarantee to make the process totally stress free, but we do everything we can to ensure your move happens as smoothly as possible.