It’s hard to detach, but if you’re selling your home, it’s not yours anymore – and you need to say goodbye. Selling the home in which you made memories – and one that represents who you are – can be an emotional experience. But you need to view it as a BUSINESS TRANSACTION, and set your emotions aside.
When I purchased my first home – my dream home, it had to be in Florence Park – I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I landscaped every inch of my front and back yard; installed outdoor speakers; changed the lighting to suit me, had my furnishings arranged perfectly. I later married and moved in to my husband’s home and rented out my Florence Park home. When it was time to SELL, I was an emotional mess.
My stager wanted every wall and ceiling repainted a neutral color. She had me switch out brass door knobs and plumbing fixtures. Again, I replaced almost every light fixture. It seems in my 12 years of ownership, my beautiful home had become dated.
It was difficult to put on my Realtor hat while wearing my Seller hat. Thankfully, my stager kept me in line, although we arm wrestled over several suggestions/decisions. After all was done and staged, it sold the first week on market.
One Seller of mine recently refused to paint a ceiling that had some artistic design painted on that only a small pool of Buyers would find attractive. I asked my Seller, “Is there a chance you’re going to move back to that home?” Of course, she responded, “no,” as she had already purchased a larger, nicer home.
“Then what is your objection to painting something that only you may love? It’s not really yours anymore.”
Sellers need to think of their home as a commodity. If you read my blog regularly, you know I am a huge proponent of home staging. We all know that’s not how we LIVE in our homes, but it’s certainly how we want to PRESENT our homes to prospective Buyers.
Take some photos and keep a journal of your favorite memories of your home. And then say goodbye. The next step is to get your home ready, presentable and marketable for its next owner.
If you are ready to take this step towards selling your home, please learn more about our listing services and do give me a call! 918-852-5036
Content written and published by Lori Cain.
