Have a Stress-Free Move

Want to know the secrets for having a stress-free move? Local real estate agent, and parent, Ian Perler, shares his experience.

March 2, 2023

Want to know the secrets for having a stress-free move? Local real estate agent, and Villanova resident and parent, Ian Perler, shares his experience. “I have plenty of personal experience with this: over the past 10 years, my family has moved six times (yes, I’m still married). As a real estate agent, I have helped hundreds of families sell their homes and move into new ones over the past 19 years. However, moving can be stressful (just ask my wife). While there is no way to completely eliminate the stress of buying or selling a home, there are a few ways that you can make it more manageable.”

Tips for Sellers:

As a seller, having the time to plan your move is a luxury. Two to three months before you want your home to hit the market it is time to start organizing:

Pack seasonal items and clothes
Finish any home projects that haven’t been completed
Donate unwanted items
Declutter your home
Check your HVAC, appliances, chimneys, and other essential home systems
Interview moving companies

One to two months prior to putting your home on the market, reach out to your real estate professional. The more time you give yourself, the more options you will have for selecting a real estate professional. You will feel less pressured to make a quick decision. A good agent should be able to provide you with some easy tips to get your home “showing ready”. They can also put you in touch with the right contractors, staging companies and movers to minimize your headaches. For more detail, check out Ian’s home enhancement checklist and moving guide.

Buyer

As a buyer, you may have a hard move date for a job change or a lease end date, which is a great way to start planning in reverse. Ian recommends that you start looking for your next home about three to four months prior to your deadline date. Make sure to interview two to three real estate professionals to find the right fit for your situation. This will allow you time to really understand the market, look for a home, and provide a buffer for when you need to be under contract.

Depending on your situation, you can settle on a home in as little as 10 days for a cash purchase, or 30 days if you’re obtaining a mortgage. While having time is key to reducing your stress, you can find a home in as little as 35-45 days, if you need to.

While every situation comes with its own set of potential challenges, taking the steps above will help to minimize your stress and keep things moving as smoothly as possible. Ian’s moving guide will help you prepare for your move.

Quick Tip

Wondering about your new mortgage? Currently renting? Here’s your pro tip! Pay your mortgage in arrears. That means the first month you are in the home you will not have a loan payment due, which can provide a lot more flexibility. This also allows you to not have to make overlapping payments for that first month. Use that time for some repairs, paint, or just take your time moving. Do this and you’re not under the gun to move and close on the same day.