“Buying a home is like facing the unknown; it’s stepping into a new chapter of your life, filled with excitement and trepidation, hoping that your decision will lead to a sanctuary, not a source of regret.” Tim Hall, Professional Coach from Australia. That quote outlines the fear we face when taking a step and making the commitment. That is what fear is! An emotion created from perceived pressures and risks associated with the unknown. Buyers and sellers that succeed are not only financially ready, but they are also emotionally ready.
Fear of overpaying, Fear of choosing the wrong product, Fear of cash flow shortage, Fear of making a mistake, Fear of not getting it all…Fear is something that you will have to deal with, but taking action will allow you to manage that feeling to see the best path forward in buying your home. But how do we shift past fear to confidently commit to a new purchase? The Evelyne Ouellet Homes & Lifestyle team interviewed friend and professional coach Tim Hall who shared top tips to not let fear control your home buying experience:
- Knowledge Is Confidence
From knowing your financial situation, to the market you are looking at, to the cost of renovations you may want to complete, to even the return you may get when you decide to sell. Ask the questions, define your needs in what is the right home for you, do your research, be clear on your budget and prepare your own self-proposal to approve. The more knowledge you have about the product you want to purchase, the greater confidence you will have to take the next step.
- Set a Realistic Budget
Determine how much you can afford to spend on a home and stick to your budget. When you are not clear on this, it leaves the door open to self-negotiation. We start telling ourselves stories that will always lead to the fear of missing out and fear of uncertainty. The more you can make decisions, black and white, and reduce the gray area, will lessen the emotions and elevate your ability to make a decision.
- Work With a Trusted Professional
Enlist the help of a reputable real estate agent who understands your needs and priorities. A knowledgeable agent can guide you through the process, provide valuable insights, and negotiate on your behalf, easing fears and uncertainties. Remember, you can’t buy experience, so having the right support and guidance around you is worth its weight in gold when it comes to big choices.
- Trust Your Instincts
Did you know we have 2 brains and instincts come from your belly brain. A brain that knows you minus the emotions that our head brain carries. So, pay attention to your intuition and gut feelings when evaluating homes. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and continue your search until you find a property that feels like the right fit for you. Every client I coach, I ALWAYS tell them you follow their instincts because I know it will always provide the path forward and, whatever the outcome is, know you have all the abilities and tools to navigate it. Trust it!
Take Away
We need to understand fear is a natural response rooted in our biology and psychology programmed from years of life experiences and serves as a protective mechanism to help us avoid harm and ensure our survival. If we let fear control you, you will always stay exactly where you are. Apply these tips and I promise you will feel more confident with the decisions you make.
As a Mindset Growth & Performance Coach, I have seen clients go from fear to fight, always coming out at the other end a better version of themselves. So, enjoy this journey and know once you are in your new home you will blossom in this new exciting chapter in your life.
