So how do you keep emotions in check while still enjoying the process? The key is to delay commitment. In the early stages, approach each home as a candidate , not “the one.” Focus on how it functions—layout, location, light, storage, accessibility—rather than how it makes you feel in the moment. Save emotional attachment for later, once the numbers, inspections, and terms make sense. This mindset helps you stay objective, avoid disappointment, and maintain flexibility if negotiations shift or a better option appears.
THE FINAL CHOICE
So, now it’s finally decision-making time! Before you put an offer on the home that you believe is the right home for you for this next season of your life, please bear in mind the following: • You might need to make certain concessions; there’s no such thing as a perfect home. Double-check that the home meets all your needs and some of your wants—at least the most important ones. If you can check these off, then you’ve probably found the right home! • If the home is just a bit out of your price range, consider going back to your bank or lending agency to see if you can increase your mortgage slightly, but only if it’s manageable for you. At this phase in your life, financial trouble down the road is never worth it. • Consider lowering your expectations slightly on minor issues of the home’s condition (obviously, major issues are major red flags). But minor issues can often be dealt with easily, even if you are not handy yourself or have health issues that prevent you from doing so. You can also use minor repair issues as bargaining tools to get a better deal on the home sales price, which we’ll talk more about later
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