The word home conjures thoughts and images of warmth and love like few other words can. It’s a place where you belong, where your family gathers, and where your life can be enjoyed to it’s fullest. A home is one of the most important things we will ever own. But it is more than that, it is an investment and one of the biggest purchases you’ve ever made. That is what makes selling your home so difficult.
A home is something that is personal, which can make opening it to potential buyers scary. Your exposing your private life to anyone who may want to buy it, knowing they are not seeing it with the same point of view that you have. They are seeing a product for purchase and not the love and care that it has been filled with for many years or even decades. Not only is the thought scary, it can be downright insulting when buyers criticize your home.
There is a school of thought in real estate that when speaking to a seller you only use the word house, not home in order to help remove the feeling from the transaction. While we don’t follow this unspoken rule ourselves, it is important to remember that if you want to sell your home you can’t be objective. You are seeing it with a filter. A good agent will help you look around the filter to understand a buyer’s thought process in order to balance the inevitable emotion with objectivity, rather than trying to keep you from feeling at all.
Unfortunately, there is nothing that truly can be done to remove the feelings you have towards your home. The best thing you can do is remember that it is a subjective point of view and that others may not find the same value in the house. A great example of this can be found with a pool. Most people assume that because they have spent a lot of money installing a pool, they will see a great return on the investment. However, the reality is that people with small kids may find it a hazard instead of a benefit.
Before you hear feedback or get offended by what you see as a low-ball offer, take a moment to reflect and ensure that it isn’t a gut reaction of offense because of your love towards the home. Sometimes remembering to see the other side can help put your feelings at ease. I’m certainly not telling you to take any low-ball offer, but to reflect and do your best to think with a logical mind and all the objectiveness you can manage to muster to make the process a little easier on yourself. Your agent is your guide and representative, so make sure to discuss your feelings and don’t feel bad asking for an agent’s help in being objective.
As always, I am here to help! With my experience, I’ve seen a lot of home owners and emotions over the years so I know how to guide and comfort you. After all, it’s not just a house… it is your home. Call, text or email me if you’re ready to get started or for any of your real estate needs.