5 Emotional Stages of a Home Seller
Judging by the general amount of homes for sale and the current demand, it’s safe to say that it’s a seller’s market. Depending on your location, it hasn’t been uncommon to receive multiple offers in a very short period of time. While this is great, it also has the potential to become overwhelming to some sellers since they believe they need to make a quick choice. This can easily add stress to the already present whirlwind of emotions that commonly comes when selling a house.
It’s natural to have these emotions, but it’s also good to prepare for what’s to come. Choosing a reliable real estate agent and understanding the process will undoubtedly help keep things in perspective, but ultimately it’s just human nature to go through these 5 emotional stages when selling your home.
Optimism
When selling a home, preparation is a huge part of the equation. During this step, a seller will find themselves filled with a rush of excitement – since the decision to sell typically coincides with a major life change, like buying a new home. This thrill factor of looking forward to moving can, however, cross over into preparing to sell.
You carefully choose your real estate agent, get photographs taken for brochures and promotion, and now it’s time to put the house on the market. You’ve had a good run in this house with many memories that will be cherished for years to come.
That nostalgia along with all the work that’s been put into getting it ready for sale can leave you feeling that your home should sell in no time at all. After all, who wouldn’t want to move into this beautiful house that has acted as a central hub in your life for all these years?
Concern
Your home is now on the market, and it’s a waiting game. The real estate agent hasn’t called regarding many walk-throughs though, and it’s getting worrisome. A few couples have taken a look, but nobody is doing anything.
You try to reign back your concern, but then emotions start taking a toll.
Is there something wrong with this house? Is the agent actually doing their job? What if the house never sells?
You can’t afford to own this home and your new one, so what are you going to do?
Blame
This emotion isn’t a pretty one. The house may have only been on the market for a couple of weeks, but patience is a virtue, not a requirement. You’re seeing people coming in and out of your home, but it’s not selling. A few low-ball offers are getting you upset, and you’re starting to place blame on the real estate agent or even the market of home buyers that are starting to flood your dreams.
Acceptance
You’ve had some time to calm down. You’ve talked with your agent, and you’ve been assured that everything that can be done is. You’ve accepted that the home will sell when the right buyer comes across it.
Unfortunately, it’s a waiting game, but it’s important to not make this something that can become a burden on your life. Taking a step back and letting the agent do the job, and keeping up the home for staging purposes is all you can do.
Completion
It looks like the light at the end of the tunnel is nearing. An offer has been made and negotiations are settled. All inspections are taken care of and any fixes have been addressed. It’s a sad day, in a way, but at the same time, it’s exciting to be moving forward. You take a trip down memory lane as you pack up your belongings and wish a fond adieu to your former home while wishing it treats its new owners as well as it treated you.
From the outside, it’s easier said than done to keep a level head and take everything in stride while you’re selling a home. The sale is typically very personal, and that will bring deep emotions into the picture.
It’s OK to feel this way, but understanding that you’re probably going to have these emotions will go a long way in how you handle it.
Yes, frustration will happen. You’ll get anxious, sad, upset, and potentially pessimistic at times, but a good real estate agent that can convey realistic expectations will undoubtedly help.
So try to prepare yourself as much as possible by recognizing that these emotions are normal, but keep in mind that they are fleeting as long as you have the right people surrounding you.
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