Linda Linfoot - Keeping You Informed
Fear of Commitment
Even seasoned homebuyers can sometimes find themselves suffering a case of cold feet after signing an offer to purchase a home. Below are some strategies to help you cope with buyer's nerves.
- Remind yourself that your feelings are a normal reaction and that you're far from the only homebuyer who's ever doubted, in the face of an imminent closing, that they made the right choice. You've made a big decision – it's perfectly natural to second-guess yourself after having done so.
- Stop shopping! Unless you've reason to believe the deal may fall through (e.g., due to the home-inspection results), continuing to look at real estate listings can only serve to further confuse you and exacerbate your doubts. Fact is, you'll always find properties whose grass seems a little greener, so once you've committed to a property, it's best to step away from the Internet and close those classifieds!
- Review your search criteria. If you made a "needs vs. wants" list before you started home hunting, now's the time to pull it out and go over it again. Taking stock of the criteria that served to narrow your search down to this home will help remind you that you made the wisest decision possible, given your needs and budget.
- If you didn't make a list prior to home-hunting, make one now. Write down everything you love about the home and its location. Also write down any concerns you have. Committing your thoughts to paper can put things in perspective – helping you realize your concerns lack merit, for instance.
