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Looking for a new home can be a hassle. Between scheduling showings and dealing with pushy real estate agents, it's no wonder so many people give up on the process altogether. But what if there was a way to minimize the hassle of house hunting? Well, there is! Here are some tips that will help make your next home search a breeze.

The stress of buying a home is well known. In fact, some of the latest studies show that the stress of buying a house is just as high as that of getting fired or getting married. And half of Americans end up in tears at least once during the house buying process too! So how can you manage the house hunting and buying situation without all the hassle? Here are some need to know tips.

Sell Your Home With The Right Agent

Most people who are in the market for buying a home are also trying to sell their current home, and managing both sides at once is where a significant amount of stress can come from. So the first step is to find the right real estate agent. This may seem like an obvious one, but so many people make the mistake of working with an agent that they don't click with. Not only will this make the process more stressful, but it can also lead to subpar results. Take the time to interview a few different agents and find one that you feel comfortable with and who you feel confident will sell your home quickly and for top dollar.

Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage

The next step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you to know exactly how much house you can afford and it will also give you an advantage when making an offer on a home. Most real estate agents will only work with buyers who have been pre-approved for a mortgage, so this is an important step in the process.

Plan The Move Details Early

It may seem a little early to start looking at furniture moving companies, but actually lining up some of these details ahead of time means you'll save yourself stress once you have an offer accepted. Having a quick list of companies you will need to work with and notify when you move – such as your internet provider and energy company – will make this part a breeze when it comes round.

Do Your Homework

Getting your background research done before you actually start looking for a new home can help ease the stress later on. This means driving around the neighborhoods you like, noting down roads you like, and areas you definitely wouldn't want to live in. This means you can say 'yes' or 'no' to a viewing immediately as soon as homes go on the market, and you don't waste time on showings that will never be a good fit for you.

Online Research

When a home comes on the market, do as much online research as you can first. Again, this will save you the stress of going to visit homes that just aren't a good fit for you. As well as looking at the listings, online research also means things like looking at Google Maps and reviewing local crime figures.

Schedule Showings In Advance

When you find a home that you're interested in, it's important to schedule a showing as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that someone else will put in an offer on the home before you have a chance to see it. If you're working with a good real estate agent, they should be able to help you schedule showings quickly and easily.

Take Your Time

Once you've found a few homes that you like, it's important to take your time to really think about each one. This is a big decision, and it's important to make sure you're choosing the right home for you. Consider things like the commute, the schools in the area, and whether or not the neighborhood is safe.

You may think you have found your dream home, but try not to get too emotionally attached to a home. Remind yourself that 'home' is where your family is, and something else will come along if this one doesn't work out. Having some mantras to instill this mindset should help lower your stress.

Making an Offer

When you're ready to make an offer on a home, it's important to be as prepared as possible. This means knowing exactly how much you're willing to spend and being firm on that number. Don't let the seller or the real estate agent pressure you into spending more than you're comfortable with.

Also remember to account for all the extra things you'll need to pay for, including lawyer fees and moving costs. Your total budget should be your total budget. Remember you set it for a reason, so don't be tempted to go over it. Stretching yourself too far will impact your day to day life, so try to keep the bigger picture in your mind.

If you follow these steps, house hunting should be a breeze and far less stressful than it could be. The most important thing is to stay calm, do your research and trust your gut. With a little bit of planning, you'll be in your new home before you know it. Good luck!