For some, selling a home can be an emotional roller-coaster ride. From the excitement of a new home, to the bittersweet goodbye to your old neighborhood and home, the process can be have intense moments throughout the process.
Although avoiding the emotional ups and downs of selling your home may not be possible, there is plenty you can do to help make the experience a positive one. Here are some ideas:
- Know what to expect from the selling process. Many sellers get so involved in the process, they can forget just how involved it can be. Familiarize yourself of the various steps in the process. Sometimes the selling process can experience bumps in the road, that is where choosing a good real estate agent is important because they will work to mitigate those “bumps”: trust your agent and try to relax!
- Don’t overschedule. While you might want to invest all of your time into selling your home, you likely have other commitments from family and work. Don’t exhaust yourself by trying to complete everything at once. Pace yourself and focus on one task at a time. Having an realtor you can trust really helps ease the work load for you, and lets you focus on other responsibilities.
- Talking to your kids about your move. Oftentimes children will take their cue from you on how they should react to your upcoming move. If you are excited, that can translate to a new adventure causing excitement for all. Conversely, anxiety or sadness can also be contagious. Allow concerns to be aired so they can be addressed. This process can be overwhelming, especially for young children who may be emotionally attached to a first home. Discuss what they’d like at their new home, such as painting and decorating a new bedroom. Begin the process of making a new house feel like home by discussing it.
- Keeping a Routine. Selling and moving can, at times, be disruptive to the household routine. As much as possible, try to remain consistent with mealtimes, family events, etc. These are great opportunities to discuss changes and make sure that everyone is on the same page. If possible, don’t be afraid to take some time away- a family movie night can be a great escape from the stress of selling and moving.
- If possible, get the help you need. Don’t rely on yourself and your family to complete everything. Hiring a cleaner, home stager, and contractors to complete any necessary repairs can mean avoiding additional stress and getting the job done right the first time. Professional movers can also guide the moving process and make it easier.
Albeit moving can be stressful, it also can be a very exciting time. By knowing the process, relying on trusted help, staying connected with your family and managing your time wisely, you can help mitigate common stressors! Selling your home may seem like a daunting task, but the possibilities for you and your family’s future are endless- selling is only the beginning of a brighter tomorrow!