B
uying a home can feel like a horror movie.

    I’ve seen that fear up close, both as a client and as the agent who guides them.

    After Jill left my office and my mother passed, I was already juggling grief and work. A week later, while showing a listing, I twisted my right knee so badly that I had to be taken to the ER. The homeowner drove me to Kaiser, stayed with me for almost two hours, and the doctor ordered an X‑ray and an MRI—though the MRI would have to wait for radiology to call. In the meantime, a tech fitted me with a thigh‑to‑ankle brace and told me to keep weight off the leg. I spent the next week crutch‑bound, my gait a mix of Frankenstein and Tiny Tim, and every step felt like a potential trip.

    That experience reminded me why Realtors® emphasize preparation. The unknown can be terrifying, but once a contract is signed, there’s no turning back. In the Bay Area, where contingencies are often stripped away, buyers need to be armed with knowledge before they even put pen to paper. Agents who pre‑inspect homes give buyers a clearer picture, reducing the chance of post‑purchase regret. In other parts of the country, this practice isn’t as common, but the principle remains: the more informed the buyer, the smoother the transaction.

    Today’s market moves fast. Competition is fierce, and buyers often feel pressured to act before they’re ready. The key is to know what a property is worth to you, set a firm walk‑away price, and stay committed to the deal you truly want. That mindset turns the scary process into a manageable journey.

    I’m still limping, but I’ve learned that a little preparation can turn a nightmare into a success story.

    Happy Halloween.

    Julie Gardner & Sarah Abel | Compass Realty

    We’re more than agents—we’re your home‑consultants, ready to educate, explore, examine, and refer. Trust us to treat your home as if it were our own.

    Learn more.