THE housing market's 'feelgood factor' may be high at present, but it can inspire a touch of paranoia.

Many buyers can make snap decisions because they feel the opportunity will pass, when it's always wiser to keep calm.

Homebuyer Nikki Brooks was so worried she wouldn't get a sought-after apartment in Hartford that she parted with her cash after seeing a diagram of it.

Nikki doesn't even know the room dimensions of the apartment she bought from Charlton Homes in Chester Road, two weeks ago.

She walked into the showroom with the intention of just having a look.

"There were originally six apartments advertised but when I went in there were only three left," said Nikki.

"As I stood there in the office the 'phone never stopped ringing with inquiries about the apartments.

"I was so worried that it would have gone by then that I put a deposit down.

"The saleswoman wasn't aggressive in any way, but she did make me feel the sense of urgency in the situation."

Although with hindsight, Nikki thinks she might have approached the purchase with a more level head, she is now very happy that the dream home is hers.

"I'm really excited about it. I can't wait to move in January," she added.

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