• Determine a suitable price range by subtracting all your non-housing monthly debts and expenses (e.g. credit card and loan payments, tuition, transportation, food, clothing) from your monthly income to calculate how much income can be applied to housing expenses, including mortgage payments, real estate taxes and insurance. As a rule of thumb, this "housing" amount should be no more than roughly 30 percent of your total monthly income. An affordability calculator can help you understand how much house you can buy in your current financial situation.
• Consult a financial advisor to review your numbers before you go to a lender for a mortgage application.
• Expect the unexpected. Be sure to put aside some money for closing costs and home repairs that may be needed. Knowing you have this "emergency kitty" set aside should help calm some of your nerves.
• If you are still concerned, consider scaling back your price range for greater peace of mind. But remember this may require you to move again just a few years down the road to a larger home or one with a better location.
• Remind yourself of all the benefits of homeownership (tax breaks, a sense of comfort and safety, investment, sense of accomplishment.) Try to focus on the positives of home owning and know that some nerves are just part of the process.

Searching for a new home is so stressful. How can I cope?

Answer: Many have compared house hunting to a second job and in many ways they are right. Like a career, a home search entails additional responsibilities and major decisions and with that comes stress. Here are some ways to cope:

• Turn to your real estate professional for advice. He or she is there to guide you through this process. See Working With a Real Estate Agent for more tips.
• Depend on your spouse or friends. Talking about your concerns can help ease your anxieties.
• Take time out for yourself. Take a walk and promise not to talk or think about your house hunt for a while.
• Unless there are extenuating circumstances, remember that the decision to move is a voluntary one. If the market conditions aren't right or you don't find the home you want, put your search on hold for a bit and start again when you are ready.
• Have realistic expectations. With a major purchase like a home, there is bound to be some stress. Just knowing it is part of the process should make it a little easier to handle.

Showing my house is making me crazy. How can I stay sane?

Answer: Many sellers feel pressure to keep their homes in showcase condition for prospective buyers who come calling. While it is true that an attractive home is easier to sell, it shouldn't keep you up at night with worry.

• Start by getting rid of the clutter. Perhaps a friend or neighbor will store some of these items for you while your house is on the market. This will make it easier to straighten up the house before a buyer arrives.
• Next, create a cleaning routine. Set aside a half-hour each day to straighten and clean. Put a candle and some potpourri in a convenient place so they can be located easily and set out before each visit. Another option is to hire a cleaning service while your home is on the market.
• Discuss your concerns with your real estate professional. Tell him or her what times work best for you and concentrate on having the house in its best condition during those hours. See Working With a Real Estate Agent for more tips.
• Finally, remember to take some time for yourself. Letting off steam, whether by exercising or having a nice dinner with friends, will reduce your anxiety levels and help you have a better perspective.