4. Obtain  Knowledge

One thing you'll probably feel during this transition time is a sense of being out of control. It feels like everyone else has taken over your life. The seller, your lender, the appraiser, the inspectors, they all have the power to say yes or no to your moving plans. We'll try our best to let you know ahead of time your expenses and what the unknowns are. We'll tie down the loose ends as soon as possible. We'll try to get your loan approved within a reasonable time frame. We'll educate you as best we can and let you in "behind the scenes" so you won't ever feel lost or out of control.

5. What is Your Option?

When things don't go as smoothly as you had hoped, don't let emotions take over. Always ask yourself "What is my option?" because there are always options. Suppose the lender takes longer than agreed upon to get your loan. He keeps asking you for more and more documentation until it feels like he also needs to know how many gold fillings you have in your mouth! You'll feel upset because you wanted to feel certain about the move and now you still have to live with the uncertainty. You want to say "Forget it, I'm fed up with this!" But what is your option? Find a new lender and start the process over again? That may take weeks, plus you will have to provide all the paperwork over again. If the lender is trying his best, it may be better to give him a few more days. Each case is unique, but when setbacks occur we've found that asking yourself this question helps to defuse the situation and restore clear headed thinking.

6. Seek Entertainment

When there's nothing you can do about the situation, take your mind off of it altogether. Maybe you expected loan approval on Friday, but now it won't come until Monday. You hate being in limbo and feeling powerless. So do something else entirely, maybe something where you aren't powerless. Take a hike, play tennis, get out of town for the day. Watch a movie or pour yourself into your work. Now would be a good time to engage in whatever diversion works best for you. Just forget the situation and refuse to listen to those irritating thoughts when they come into your head. Think about something else instead and take it one day at a time.

There are many things I can do to help keep your stress to a minimum. I will…

• Give you my best reasoned expert counsel and advice with your best interests in mind.
• Help you clarify your goals and motivation, so you can decide if moving is the wisest choice at this time.
• Provide recommendations and information to help your children through all the changes.
•  Negotiate effectively for you to get the lowest possible price for your new home.
• Treat your money like it was my own, saving every expense possible.
• Protect your interests during escrow, keeping a detailed record of the transaction.
• Be your levelheaded sounding board or relief valve when the stress is overwhelming.
• Counsel you through the feelings of "buyer's remorse".
• Alert you ahead of time to every possibility so you feel more in control.
• Contact you daily during the last 10 days of the transaction to serve your needs.
• Provide guidance and help with movers, change of address, utilities shut off, cleaning, etc.
• Deliver your closing paperwork.
• Continue to give you information of value after the transaction... for life.