Buying a property is a challenge that drains you out both physically and mentally. It consumes a considerable portion of your time, too. More often, a buyer listens to his heart in choosing a new home. And that is completely acceptable. After all, every house hunter’s goal is to be comfortable and happy with his new home.

Buying a property is a challenge that drains you out both physically and mentally. It consumes a considerable portion of your time, too. More often, a buyer listens to his heart in choosing a new home. And that is completely acceptable. After all, every house hunter’s goal is to be comfortable and happy with his new home.

Much of the stress you experience, however, actually comes from becoming too emotionally involved in the process. Not everyone gets to find his dream home at the first viewing. A lot of people don’t realize that their emotions could get in the way of finding the house that suits their needs. Hence, before you embark on this tedious process, here are a few tips on how you can keep disappointments and frustrations to a minimum in finding yourself a new haven of joy:

Be organized.

Try to be as objective as possible about what you need. Start with your preferred location and budget as these two factors influence each other. You may want to consider keeping a portfolio of your personal notes and handouts from different agents. Organize your schedule and stick to it. You don’t have to spend the whole day house hunting. Make sure your activities are balanced so you don’t end up obsessing over one task. List your options according to priority and review them every once in a while.

Know your budget.

Know where your budget will take you. This requires some research because not all cities in Thailand have the same price range. If you start feeling a bit disappointed that you cannot afford your dream house, think of the risky consequences if you push your budget over the limit. Be open to the things you cannot control. Also consider possible circumstances that may occur after buying, like decoration, maintenance and renovation costs – these are worth preparing and planning for.

Seek out support.

If you are living on your own, with no spouse or children, do remember that you don’t have to do everything by yourself. Seek out a family member or a trusted friend for support. You will need someone to talk to. Another person’s opinion might lead you to a better perspective. Having someone accompany you during your house hunting activities can help you stay focused. Seeking out support also allows an influx of useful information.

Negotiate objectively.

This is most applicable when dealing with the seller or agent. If you can stop yourself from falling in love with a house or any property before knowing the seller’s terms, do so with caution. Your goal in negotiating with a seller or agent is to reach an optimal deal. Not all sellers or agents are able to commiserate with what you want, so set your feelings aside and pay attention to the digits and terms. Letting your emotions get in the way will cause a lot of pressure on yourself.

Yes, choosing your new home is a major decision. You may feel like the rest of your life is at stake. Don’t obsess over that one house you cannot get. Not getting what you want is definitely not the end of the world. Take the time to breathe and relax. This is one of those moments when you need to be most rational and focused. Think of the entire process as a learning experience. In the end, nothing could be as comforting as a decision that has been well thought of.