How to Make Your Move Easier on Your Family
People generally have two kinds of needs during a home purchase.
First are the transactional needs, such as searching for a home,
obtaining financing, negotiating the terms of purchase,
completing paperwork and legal documents, and arranging the
move. The second are emotional needs that are involved in a home
purchase, which can be where the most stress occurs in a home
purchase. The following are just a handful of tips to help you
and your family ease the stress of moving.
· Prepare your children
Although you may have lived in your current residence for just a
few years, the same few years can be half the lifetime of a
seven- or eight-year-old, and can include all the years he or
she can remember. Your current residence may be the only home
your children have ever known, where they feel safe and
comfortable. It may be the center of your children's world.
Be sure to announce the move in a completely positive way. You
might talk about how beautiful the neighborhood is and how good
the schools are. Bring your children to the new house, if you
live close enough that it is possible to do so. Otherwise,
positively describe the new house. Find out what your children's
favorite things are in your current home, and then try to
re-create them in the new home. Keep your children actively
involved in the process. For instance, don't just promise that
they can decorate their new rooms, but take them shopping for
paint, bedspreads, carpets, and other items that will make the
experience more fun and comforting.
Your children are bound to have worries, fears, and sorrows
during the move. They may be moving away from friends and family
they have known their whole lives. Find ways to make parting
pleasant. You can plan a going-away party and let your children
invite their own guests. Take pictures of everyone and create a
photo album. If your children are old enough, allow them to take
pictures of the neighborhood that they will want to remember.
· Gain knowledge
You may feel a sense of being out of control, as though other
parties to the purchase transaction are running the show and
you're merely getting in their way. Your mortgage company, the
appraiser, the inspector, and the seller all have certain powers
to approve or disapprove of your overall plan to purchase this
home and move successfully. This is certainly not easy!
Although this can feel stressful, one of the best things you can
do for your own peace of mind is to understand as much of the
purchase process as possible. Your RealtorŪ will be able to
prepare you for unknowns ahead of time and tie down loose ends
as soon as possible.
· Trust the process
There can be so much to do that it's easy to panic. It may feel
like you're taking a big risk, but the truth is that you're
initiating a big opportunity for you and your family. Even
though you can't predict what will happen every step of the way,
your RealtorŪ helps people buy and sell homes as a profession!
Your RealtorŪ has been there before and understands that this is
a major upheaval in your life. Trust that your RealtorŪ is
looking out for you on your way to a successful closing and
move.
· Be flexible
Knowing that your RealtorŪ will do everything possible to
prepare you for the various processes involved in your home
purchase, and will tie up those loose ends quickly and
efficiently, it's important for you to remember that there is no
such thing as a perfect world. The property inspection may
reveal areas of concern, or closing may be delayed for some
reason. Try to take a deep breath and be flexible in your
thinking. You will have a much greater chance of making your
decisions based on logic and not high emotion.
· Seek entertainment
Whenever you feel that things are spinning out of control, find
a diversion! Take a walk around your new neighborhood, go on a
day trip out of town with your family, or take your family to a
movie. Whatever diversion or outlet works best for you, this is
a good time to engage in it! Remember to take one "move" at a
time.
<<< Back
|
