Q: Real estate values vary widely, even within a city. Figure out areas where you'd like to live, and browse listings in those areas. Use your monthly payment calculations to identify neighborhoods with houses you can afford. If you'r not familiar with the city, look into the reputation of any neighborhood you pick.  Check information about the neighborhood to make sure it meets your needs. For example, if you will be commuting to work, you might want a neighborhood that is convenient to a major highway or thoroughfare. If you have kids, you would want to evaluate the local schools. Depending on the size of the metropolitan area, it might be a good idea to look in several neighborhoods, rather than just one. It is possible to search for houses by driving through neighborhoods or reading the classifieds in your local paper. However, you'll find the most listings on real estate websites. Online listings allow you to limit your searches based on the neighborhood, listing price, and various characteristics of the property. You may also have the option of searching exclusively for houses that are for-sale-by-owner (FSBO). It may be less intimidating to focus on FSBO listings. That way, you would be negotiating with the other owner, not with an experienced real estate agent. However, you don't need to restrict your search solely to FSBO listings. Comparable listings tell you whether the asking price for a home is fair. Research homes of similar size, age, and characteristics in the neighborhoods you're interested in. Determine generally what houses like that are selling for. Focus on listings within the past 6 months.  When you find a house you're interested in, compare it to other listings in the area. If the asking price is significantly higher, look for differences in the property that would explain it. Go through a similar process if the asking price is significantly lower than other listings. Talk to sellers and find out why they're selling their house, and how long it's been on the market. Try to figure out their motivation for setting a particular listing price. Once you find a house that you like, find out if the homeowner has an agent. If so, make your offer and negotiate with the agent. If the house is FSBO, negotiate with the homeowners directly.  Look at comparable listings in the area to craft your offer. Take any unique features about the property into consideration. Negotiation is a process, so your initial offer typically will be less than the maximum you're willing to pay for the property. However, don't make your offer so low that you insult the homeowners. Check the applicable laws to make sure you're drawing up the offer correctly. In some states, you'll need to hire an attorney to draw up the formal offer. The owners may accept your offer, but typically they'll come back with a counteroffer. Expect a counteroffer if your offer was significantly below their asking price. You may respond to their counteroffer in writing, or arrange to meet in person to discuss the property.  Provide justifications for your offer, including comparable listings. Be prepared to defend your offer, but also be willing to compromise. Negotiations may get heated, particularly if the owners have an emotional attachment to the home. Emotions can cause people believe a property is worth more than it actually is. Be ready to walk away if it appears the owners aren't actually ready to sell their home. Before you close the deal on the house, you need an inspection and an appraisal. The inspector carefully examines the interior and exterior of the house and identify any problems.  Typically your agent would choose the inspector. Since you don't have an agent, you'll need to do this on your own. You might ask the listing agent if they have any recommendations. The buyer's agent usually is present during the inspection. You can ask the listing agent to be there instead, but they may want additional compensation for this. If you've placed an offer on a house that is FSBO, you may need to hire an agent to be present during the inspection. Talk to a real estate attorney or check the applicable laws to find out for sure.
A: Identify neighborhoods where you want to live. Check real estate listings online or through social media. Compare selling prices of homes in the area. Make an offer on the house you want to buy. Negotiate with the owners of the house. Hire a home inspector to examine the house.

Q: Place your hand on your belly, and inhale deeply as you count to 4. Fill your belly up as you inhale, and try to keep your chest still as you breathe. Hold your breath for a 7 count, then exhale slowly as you count to 8. Starting from the very tips of your toes, gradually flex and release all of your muscle groups 1 at a time. Breathe in as you tense your muscles for 5 seconds, then visualize the tension leaving your body as you relax. Trying to force yourself to sleep can make you restless. Take your mind off of sleeping and think about something relaxing.  Build your perfect house or room in your mind. Picture a calm setting, and try to vividly imagine its soothing sights, sounds, and smells. Invent a peaceful story; just don't imagine an exciting adventure. Noise can impact your ability to get to sleep as well as your overall sleep quality. Try listening to a radio program or podcast that's not too engaging to help block out noise distractions such as traffic, as well as worrisome thoughts. Listen to something that is soft-spoken instead of loud, and something you enjoy but not so much that you will stay up just to listen to it. Recommended podcasts include: to calm your mind and body. Breathe slowly and deeply, and visualize soothing imagery, such as clouds, a quiet beach, or a comfortable place from your childhood. Allow your thoughts to wander like passing clouds or rocking waves as you relax your muscles and sink into the bed. There are many sleep supplements available that may help you fall asleep. Before trying a supplement, it’s wise to consult your doctor, especially if you have a medical condition, take any medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.  Your body produces melatonin naturally, and it is the most common sleep supplement on the market. The typical dose available at pharmacies and health stores is 3 mg, but as little as 0.3 mg can improve sleep quality.   Valerian has been used to treat insomnia and nervousness for centuries. A standard dose is 600 mg.   Chamomile is available as an oral supplement, but drinking a hot cup of chamomile tea before bed might help relax you. When brewing it, use 2 bags, and be sure to use caffeine-free herbal tea.  Along with other antihistamines, Chlorpheniramine Maleate can cause drowsiness, and some people use them to curb insomnia. However, you should avoid routinely taking antihistamines to fall asleep, especially if you’re not suffering from allergies or a cold. If you can’t fall asleep after 30 minutes, leave your bedroom instead of tossing and turning. Try reading, taking a hot bath, listening to soothing music, or having a light snack. Do the activity for 15 to 20 minutes, or until you start to feel drowsy, then head back to bed.  When you get up, keep the lights dim, and avoid looking at your phone, computer, television, or any other electronic screen. If you stay in bed tossing and turning, you might associate your bedroom with stress, which will make it harder to fall asleep.
A:
Try slow, deep belly breathing. Try progressive muscle relaxation exercises. Escape into your imagination instead of focusing on sleeping. Block out unwanted noises. Try meditating Give sleep supplements a shot. Get up and do something relaxing if you can’t sleep.