Seller advice: Don't worry, stress is normal

The level of stress associated with selling a home is similar to that of a divorce or really bad breakup - and worse than the anxiety associated with planning a wedding, getting fired or becoming a parent.

That's according to the latest research by giant US property portal Zillow which reveals that more than 75% of home sellers find the process stressful and that it has reduced more than 36% of those who have gone through it in the past year to tears.

As for the specific reasons for the anxiety, 70% of sellers surveyed said they had experienced uncertainty over the sales price, 69% had worried about selling within their desired timeframe, 65% were concerned about renovations and repairs that needed to be completed before their home was listed and 65% feared that the offer they had received would fall through. 

In addition, more than a third said the sale process had taken much longer than they thought - which is also a common complaint in SA, especially among first-time sellers who aren't aware of all the steps it takes to get from listing their home for sale to the registration of transfer into the new owner's name.

Other obstacles familiar to many sellers include the following:

*The market valuation of your home does not match your price expectations;

*The additions or alterations you have made don't add as much value as you thought for potential buyers; and

*Buyers often overestimate how much they can afford to spend and end up causing delays because they can't get a bond or don't have enough cash to cover all the transfer costs.

However, you can significantly reduce your stress levels by appointing a fully qualified and experience agent who can help to you to understand market cycles of supply and demand and their effect on the current value of your home, as well as the type of improvements which are likely to appeal to buyers - and to increase your sale price.

   A good agent will also "qualify" prospective buyers to make sure they can afford your home before bringing them to see it, and keep you informed about the progress of the buyers' bond application or any snags that occur as the property is being transferred.

Most importantly, they will be able to stay focused on the deal and negotiate professionally while helping you to keep your cool and get through the whole process with your sanity intact - and a sale in the bag.