I am going to veer off the path just a bit and talk about feelings as they relate to house hunting. Why? Well, I think it's important to be in tune in to your feelings whether you are buying or selling, or both.

Your feelings play an important role in your decision making, for example. I do not recommend buying solely on the basis of your emotions, but let's face it, for most folks it IS an emotional process, and you have reactions to different houses based on your feelings (it feels good, it doesn't), as well as logic and intellect (the room sizes are smaller than we need, there is only 1 bath). And don't you sometimes experience certain feelings when you approach a particular house, or upon entering it? Maybe it just makes you feel good, or it reminds you of the home you grew up in. Some people are more in tune with their feelings with regard to buying a home, and others are more intellectual, or analytical. Whatever the case for you, I believe it is important to recognize the role that our emotions play in our purchasing. Be careful to not let them interfere with the rational side of the purchase and make the wrong decision because your emotions get in the way.

Emotions tend to become even more apparent once the decision is made and you enter the actual transaction phase. Problems arise, tempers flare, things go wrong, anxiety sets in about getting the loan approved, and so on. You need to expect this, unless you are one of the rare folks who really does not get flustered by anything at anytime. It's normal and to be expected. Just don't let your emotions get out of control.

If you are selling your home you can expect a range of feelings, as a result of leaving a place you have loved for many years, or being excited about a new home. Relocation tends to be particularly emotional. Or there may be family circumstances that are necessitating your move which are not pleasant - a death or divorce, for example. The emotions can erupt when you don't get any offers and frustration sets in, or when you get an offer that is low ball and you start feeling angry and insulted. I kindly suggest, again, that being aware of these feelings is important and that you should recognize they are normal. Being aware will help you keep from making decisions based only on the feelings you are experiencing at that moment. Taking some time to calm down or to think about the situation a bit more can also help prevent a rash decision or reaction. It is too important a process.