There are not very many other experiences that create such stress as buying or selling a house. If you know that going in, you're way ahead of the game. It is a game, after all. A game of nerve as it turns out.
1. Keep your goal in front of you. If you remind yourself that this move will be, at the very least, an adventure that will help you grow, you can take the stress in stride.
2. Talk about it. Let off some steam with friends or relatives. Talk with your realtor (hopefully me) about how you're feeling. You'll see you're not alone.

3. Write things down. I recommend you actually buy a file to hold your papers in and a composition book to take notes. This transaction is big. You'll have many papers you'll need file such as listing forms, mortgage papers, closing papers and estimates from trades people. You'll have lots of questions, and when you do, write them in your composition book. Take notes about everything. Your memory isn't as good when you're under stress.

3.Expect some snags. I can remember only one deal I had with no problems. All of the rest involved some issue that seemed bigger than it actually was. Clear heads prevail.

4. Attend your building inspection and if you're selling, hire a building inspector to do an inspection for you so you can correct problems before you sell. Building inspections are extremely important. I never recommend going without an inspection unless your intention is to knock the house down. Even houses that are being knocked down need inspections to determine if there are hazardous wastes. It definitely costs more to dispose of hazardous waste.

5. Deal with your money issues before you buy or sell. Don't fall in love with a house you can't afford. Get prequalified and make sure you can get your purchase money with no difficulty. I once had a customer who's parents said they would help them with their mortgage. The problem was they didn't realize their parents were only talking about a small portion of the down payment.

6. Do some due diligence. If you're buying a house, go to town hall to see the deed. Look for easements and/or other problems such living next door too close to power lines or government owned property. Check out the neighborhood. Go to the house you're buying at different times during the day and at night to see traffic or noisy neighbors.

Last of all.. be brave. Don't let yourself get so scared that you miss a fabulous opportunity. Real Estate is the biggest and probably the best investment you'll ever make.