Stress?! Where Does It Come From?

In real estate, as in any kind of work, surprises are what cause stress. For instance, if you travel to work everyday along a wide-open freeway, you experience stress when there is an unexpected accident. If you expect the everyday traffic--and you anticipate that it's going to be bumper to bumper--your experience is totally different when the traffic hits. It may be the same traffic, but foreseeing obstacles and preparing accordingly makes all the difference.

So How Do We Prepare For It?

When we expect the going to be rocky at times, we are equipped to handle it much better. I educate my clients by:
•Discussing the issues
•Identifying any problem areas
•Rehearsing the rocky points ahead of time
In the end, we're able to alleviate a lot of that stress together.

What Kinds Of Stresses Are We Talking About?

One of the most potentially stressful processes is the physical inspection of a property once under contract. I remind my buyers and sellers that, in most cases, they are dealing with a used property. I let the seller know that the buyer will possibly come in with a wish-list of things they want repaired or credited for repair. I tell the buyer that they may find certain things they want fixed as part of the transaction.

But with both buyer and seller alike, I make sure that the things focused on are key elements to the integrity of the house. Stress begins when the buyer, or seller, begins focusing on the little things. I educate them to focus on the larger picture--and not get hung up on a noisy garbage disposal or pool filter.

High Demand, Low Inventory

In the Twin Cities metro, real estate moves at incredible speeds! In previous years, it was a buyer's market, and deals could be made over a period of months. Now, as of the spring/summer of 2004, the switch is almost totally to a seller's market--we are seeing an incredibly fast transaction process. This includes the speed of getting a loan, doing the physical inspection of the property, selling your own home and moving. Everything can happen within a month. The process initially tends to move very slowly, and then suddenly incredibly fast.
In such a market, there is the stress of needing to put an offer on a home as soon as you see the home. A few years ago, buyers used to have all the time in the world. Now, when a buyer sees a house, they need to move much more quickly. The stress for a seller in such a market is putting a house up for sale and preparing for it to move quickly, entertaining multiple offers in many situations.

A Way Through The Stress

I give you, in essence, a road map through the stress. As your agent, I am your guide through the transaction process so that you know what to anticipate regarding such points as:
•Contingency dates
•Loan process navigation
•Pre-qualification
•Paperwork crunches
•Property appraisal
•Removal of the physical inspection contingency

You will know ahead of time about such traffic jams because I will have already guided you through them.

What Is The End Result Of Real Estate Stress Management

The end result of my Real Estate Stress Management is a successful purchase, or sale, of a home where my clients feel that they had a comfortable handle on one of the most expensive transactions in which they will ever be involved. My clients come out of the transaction knowing that I treated them and their deal with respect, deflecting as much stress away from them as possible.

If you're considering buying, or selling, in the near future - give me a call. I'd be happy to discuss all of your options, answer all of your questions, and do my best to make your experience a satisfying one!!