The Emotional Side of Selling a Home: Navigating Change with Confidence

The front door? The one you have walked through a million times. The kitchen? It is where you made breakfast, lunch, dinner, and had great conversations with you family perhaps over a cup of coffee or some hot tea (my favorite) on a sleepy morning. It is where you have seen children, and maybe grandchildren, run through the halls with peals of laughter and celebrate birthdays. What is the key to moving forward? How do you leave that behind? You don't! The truth is you will take those memories with you wherever you go. It isn't the house. 

So, you make it past that and are ready to list. It is easy to believe your home is worth more than you think because of all of the sentimental value you have attached to it. Buyers do not see the holiday gatherings, the love or laughter that filled the house.... or even the tears. Remember that color that was so popular years ago or that wall paper that was all the rage on tv and it took you and your friend days to hang? Now you have to take a step back and try to see it through their eyes. Eyes that are filled with possibilities of their own memories being built here. It is going to be tough, but you have to take down those photos of the children and the family pet, clear off those built in shelves and remove anything personal. Remember, their beliefs, tastes and decorating ideas are not yours.

Offer time! You are excited to hear that you received one. Then you get  it in hand and it's lower than you expected. Your first reaction? They do not see the value of my home. They have no idea how much time and money I have spent on this house through the years. You are right. They are looking at numbers not memories. This is business and not personal. Take a deep breath, and a step back, before tossing it aside. Selling isn't about just moving. It is moving forward! 

All of this may seem daunting and harder than you expected. I have a few ideas I would like to share that might make it easier. Those holidays that we mentioned? How about that delicious pie that great Aunt Martha brings that wins a blue ribbon every year at church? Because you are her fav she brings you one that belongs just to you. (nevermind all of the calories!) You probably do not sit down and eat the entire thing at one setting. it is consumed one bite at a time. Prepping and Selling a home can be the same. Let's look at some tips that might make the process a little easier, shall we?

If there is a particular spot in your home that has so many memories, take a picture. Capture it. Those marks on the wall where you measured the kids as they grew? Have them stand beside it and take another photo! Make yourself a little memory book of these meaningful spots. The memories will stay but the house does not have to. 

When you are trying to get the house ready to sell drive around and look at Open Houses of homes similar to yours or go see New builds in your area. Let it give you a fresh perspective on your home. While you are there looking notice the ones that are more appealing. Do you see how that new coat of paint has really made it somehow feel crisper and more fresh? Look how all of the items - the clutter, if you will - is missing, how they are might look larger or neutral. Perhaps you are seeing details that really stand out. This is what you want for your home. In essence - this is the competition so you have to be in the game!

If selling feels harder than you expected, that’s okay. Start packing things one room at a time. Invite a friend to be part of the change. Chances are it will make it better. It’s a process, not just a transaction. And if you ever need a real estate professional who understands the heart behind the home, I’m here to help. Who knows, I might even help with that packing! Call me. Let’s walk this journey together. ?