The holidays are a stressful (albeit merry) time of year. With your paycheck already stretched from buying gifts for loved ones and your calendar packed with holiday events and commitments, it’s doubtful you want to throw “buying a house” into the mix. Who has the time or money for that this time of year? But if you are buying a home during the holidays, no matter the reason, there are a few ways to minimize your stress and make the process manageable…and even enjoyable!

Plan Ahead and Stay Organized to Manage Time

One of the best ways to reduce stress is by staying organized and planning ahead. The holiday season can be busy enough with personal and work obligations, so creating a detailed plan for your home-buying process can help you stay on track. Set a timeline for house hunting, securing financing and completing any necessary paperwork. Keep important documents in one place and maintain a checklist of tasks to ensure you’re not overwhelmed by last-minute deadlines on top of the holiday festivities.

Many lenders, real estate agents and title companies may have limited hours or be closed for holiday breaks, so factor this into your schedule. Planning ahead will help you avoid unnecessary delays or missed opportunities so you can relax and enjoy the season.

While you may want to move into your new home as quickly as possible, especially before the end of the year, being flexible with your timeline can help reduce stress. Understand that holiday schedules can slow down certain aspects of the process such as inspections, appraisals or closing procedures. By allowing extra time for these steps, you’ll avoid frustration and disappointment. If you’re purchasing a home as part of a year-end tax strategy, communicate with your lender and agent to ensure that all paperwork and deadlines are met in time.

Be Realistic and Flexible with Your Budget

The holidays can leave you feeling short on time and money, but by factoring that into the home-buying process, you don’t have to feel that way. This time of year can already strain your finances with gift-giving, travel and other expenses, so it’s essential to set a realistic budget for your home purchase. Having a clear understanding of your financial limits will prevent unnecessary stress and help you make informed decisions. Speak with your lender early in the process to get pre-approved for a mortgage, which will give you a clear idea of what you can afford…both for your new home and your holiday budgeting.

Leverage Holiday Market Opportunities

While the holidays may seem like an unusual time to buy a home, it can offer certain advantages. The housing market often slows down during this season, so there may be less competition from other buyers. Sellers who have their homes on the market during the holidays may also be more motivated, which could result in better deals or faster negotiations. Taking advantage of these opportunities can reduce stress and help you find the right home at a better price, making the holiday season even more rewarding.

Sit Back and Relax a Little

House hunting and making major financial decisions can be draining, especially with the pressure of the holidays on top. Don’t forget to take breaks to enjoy the season with family and friends. Schedule some downtime to relax, celebrate and recharge. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance will help keep stress levels low and ensure that you approach the home-buying process with a clear mind.