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Being Single and Buying or Selling A Home

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group S-96414

Being Single and Buying or Selling A Home

 

There is no question about it.   Buying or Selling a home in any circumstance is emotionally charged.   There are ways to help manage the "single" stress. 

 

Over the years, I have come to realize that buying or selling a home is much different for single folks than it is for couples.    In fact, I can speak from experience!    Not just from being a Realtor, but from having been a single person in the real estate arena.

 

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Without another person who's financial hat is also in the ring, a real estate transaction can be a lonely, exaggerated, and overwhelming process.  

 

Buyer's/Seller's Remorse.    Everyone experiences this joy of an emotion, BUT, it typically hits at different times in the process.  For example, one might experience after an offer is accepted, while another experiences it just prior to the closing.  

 

The good news is this emotion doesn't last for long.  The big difference here is obvious.    In a partnership transaction, there is someone to lean on while waiting for this lovely emotion to pass.   

 

Making the Decision.   There are lots and lots of BIG & little decisions to make when buying or selling a home.   From choosing where to live or marketing strategy,    It's always easier to have someone to bounce things off of.   But, here is the big thing.   It is easier to make a decision,and more comforting too, when that decision is being made by more than one who's feet are in the water.   

 

Doing the Legwork.   Sharing the work load is always easier, especially if you have a full time life!    There are a lot of moving pieces in a transaction.    Facing the laundry list of the large and small can be daunting.   Couples can share in this but the single buyer/seller is has the disadvantage of fitting it all on his/her plate.  

 

Strengths and Weaknesses.   Yin and Yang, what ever you want to call it.   I can handle this, you can handle that.   What seems to you a big deal may not be to your partner and the other way around.  

 

So, what can you do to make it easier if you are single?   

 

  • Hire a competent, understanding Realtor.  One that communicates well and has the experience to project ahead and has resources for you.
  • Make a list of what's important and what isn't.   
  • Pick a person to lean on for decisions.   One.  Not many.   Too many opinions and well meaning intentions will become overwhelming. 
  • Know the steps of the transaction.    Knowing in advance,will help with the pieces of the puzzle as they present them self.      
  •  Hire professionals to help manage the work load.   Attorneys, Movers, etc.  Don't expect to do this all on your own!
  • Anticipate Buyers or Sellers Remorse.   Second guessing ourselves is human nature.  Know that this emotion happens to everyone and it will go away.   
  • Ask for Help.      You might need help getting that paperwork from here to there or letting the movers into the house.   It's probably the hardest thing for any of us to do, but you have to ask. 

 
 ______________________________

 

Looking to Buy, Sell, Rent or Invest?   

 

Put my 26 years of experience to work for you!   

 

 Call or contact me by phone 508-494-9061 or email to cal@alandcal.com

 

Anita Clark
Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055 - Warner Robins, GA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Carol-Ann: You are right, it is different when there is not someone else to lean on or bump ideas with...this is a good list for single home buyers.

Jul 12, 2014 10:06 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Carol Ann.... your first point was the most important....hire an agent who is competent and has an understanding of what a single person is experiencing.... anyone in the Franklin MA area would be wise to hire you for guidance with this very important task of purchasing a home.

Jul 12, 2014 11:25 PM
Dan Hopper
Dan Hopper - Gold Way RE - Westminster, CO
Colorado Broker / Referral Services

Interesting topic.  I would say that my real estate transactions of the last 30 yrs or so, has been 50/50 with singles vs couples.  The greatest challenge I can always remember is with couples, you learn to discover WHO is the true decision maker, and always work to get them on board, first.  Singles, they usually bounce ideas off friends/family and such, yet, it seems they still make the final decision.

Jul 13, 2014 02:43 AM
Carol-Ann Palmieri
RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group - Franklin, MA
"Cal" the Real Estate Gal

Thanks Anita, Barbara and Dan for taking a look and commenting.  

Jul 14, 2014 03:28 AM
Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Hi Cal, Excellent list of the items a single person needs to be on top of and good post overall. it is easier if you are not single and trying to make all these big and small decisions alone. 

Aug 07, 2014 05:53 AM