Emotionally Detaching from the Home You're Selling

You’ve made the decision to move yet you’re finding detaching from the home you’re selling to be harder than you imagined it would be. It’s a natural feeling and can cause some to stumble or think selling their home is a mistake. Your head knows the red painted room is one of your favorites and holds such precious memories but you can choose the same paint color for your new home and make new memories. Regardless of where you live, you will naturally pack all your fond memories to take with you.  

Follow these tips to help keep your emotions and sentiments from taking the lead.

Take Photos for Yourself

To help you hold special times near, go through each room and take plenty of photos to add to your photo album. These photos can also inspire you to recreate your fondest features in your new home.

Remove Personal Touches

In most situations your selling agent will ask you to remove personal touches such as family photos, personalized artwork, names painted on walls, and other family memorabilia to help neutralize the rooms. Once these items are put away the room becomes a blank canvas for a buyer to imagine themselves living in the home. Ideally, rooms and accessories should be neutral.

If you’re struggling with this, talk with your REALTOR® about home staging options and suggestions.  

Resist Being Present at a House Showing

As much as you want to be present a house showing to help your agent answer questions or point out special features, don’t do it. While you may have found placing the Christmas tree in the front room allows the most space when hosting holiday get togethers, the next family may have other ideas. The many hours texture-painting the walls in the den could be one of the first rooms the buyer suggests repainting and seeing your face drop at this comment won’t be easy to hide. Trust your selling agent to represent your home and showcase its best features and functions.  

Avoid Allowing a Price Offer Feel Personal

Should a low offer come in, avoid being offended. Selling your home is a business transaction. Buyers are hoping for great deal or may not recognize the added value of your home. Sellers are hoping for a great offer. Trust your selling agent to be an amazing negotiator and to get the best price for your home.

To Hold Out or Take the Offer

The first few weeks are peak times for interest in your home. When an offer comes in early avoid making the mistake of not taking the offer, in hopes of a higher offering coming in later. Keep communications open with your agent and follow their advice about all offers to be considered. The longer a home is on the market, the numbers attending a showing can decrease, and you may not get your desired price. Take each offer under consideration and, together with your agent, determine if it makes sense to accept or hold out.

My goal in working with you is to help you keep the stress and runaway emotions in check. Emotions can be powerful and mistakes can crop up if we follow only our emotions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to ask your questions. It’s my pleasure to work with you through each step of the transaction.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers and was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020 citywide. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.