Finding your first (or next) home is stressful enough as it is, and with everything going on in the world right now, there are extra anxieties put on those who are house hunting. Buying a home is an exciting endeavour, but it can also be one of life’s most stressful events. A home is one of the most (if not the most) substantial purchases you’ll ever make, so you want to make sure you’re making a smart investment. While it’s almost impossible to make the house hunting process completely stress-free, there are certain things you can do to reduce your anxiety during the process!
 
1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Without getting pre-approved for a mortgage, you may be bound for disappointment. Before you start house hunting, have a conversation with your bank to get an estimate of how much you can afford to spend on a home. Getting pre-approved proves to listing agents and sellers that you’re a serious buyer, and although it can take some time upfront, it will save you time and stress later in the process.
 
2. Determine Your Must-Haves
Before you start your home search, figure out your top three to five priorities that you don’t want to compromise on. Your “must-have” list is different from your “wants” list. Must-haves are things that will improve your life, such as your distance to work, a certain number of bedrooms, a yard for your kids and dog, the type of neighbourhood, and the type of home (townhome, condo, house, etc.). Your wants could be things like an updated kitchen and bathrooms on all floors. Knowing your priorities from the start helps you narrow your search, taking some of the stress away.
 
3. Start Searching for Homes Online 
Online housing searches are becoming increasingly popular, and many new homeowners prefer to search online. Doing an online search can help you weed out homes that don’t have your wants and needs without spending time going to open houses. With an online search, you’ll save yourself some legwork and can get a sense of the homes that are available in your price range and desired neighbourhood. If finding a neighbourhood with a great school is especially important to you, check out an online tool such as School Q.
 
4. Enlist the Help of a Professional
If you want to significantly reduce the anxiety of house hunting, you should hire a professional realtor to help you with your search. Look for someone who is responsive and communicative, trustworthy, transparent, and who knows the area you’re looking to live in. Professional realtors have inside knowledge that will help you make an informed decision and buy a home in a neighbourhood that’s perfect for you and your family. They’ll negotiate the lowest price possible for your offer and provide insight on market trends that impact the value and future sales potential of your home. 
 
Buying a home is a big step. While it can be a stressful event, use these 4 tips to ease the anxiety of house hunting. Get in touch with us at AskNina to start your stress-free home search today!