How to Cope with a Difficult Home Search

Despite what television would have you believe, finding and landing the perfect home isn’t always easy. Whether you’re in one of Canada’s hot seller’s markets or just having bad luck, sometimes the search can get you down, especially if your peers seem have the first-time buyer’s magic touch.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, negative or anxious about a home search that’s just not going your way, keep these in mind:

Don’t take it personally. Repeatedly getting offers turned down can lead first-time buyers to believe they’re not good enough. It’s important to remember that not finding your dream home doesn’t have anything to do with you, your income or your character. The reality is, in some Canadian cities, the economy and social climate make it hard to land your first choice, so avoid blaming yourself for something that’s out of your control.

Amend your “must have” list. Sometimes a fruitless home search has more to do with expectations. If you’re just not finding what you want in the price range or neighbourhood you want, it might be a good time to re-evaluate your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” After all, there’s really no such thing as the perfect home, but there’s one that’s perfect for you. A good rule of thumb is to have five dream features on your list, but to be happy if you get three of those.

Keep progress on the down low. If updating people on the progress of your home search is causing your anxiety, it may be a good time to go quiet. Social media can be a huge cause of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and that extends to home-buying as well. Resist the urge to share the build-up and the disappointment with too many people. Instead, wait until you’ve closed the deal and have an extra big celebration.