Mental Health & Selling Your Home

Why is it that selling your home may be one of your life’s most exciting yet stressful events. You’re feeling excited about the new chapter in your life yet so many of us feel the stress and anxiety surrounding selling it. Clients I’ve spoken with say their feeling of lack of control over when the home will sell and for how much, lead to feelings of anxiety. In my experience these feelings affect each of us differently but being aware and prepared leads to a sense of confidence the sale will be successful. My clients and friends have said that having a carefully planned timeline of events and preparation made them feel so much better.

Some Tips to Make Your Life Easier: 1. Chose an experienced local Realtor who has an excellent reputation. A couple of critical things is responsive is your realtor answering your questions and keeping you constantly informed in a timely manner. Open, transparent communication will give you a sense of comfort and control.

2. There are 3 primary stages when selling your home.

a. The first stressor is preparing you home for sale. An experienced realtor will offer advise on how to stage your home for sale. Many of my clients found the process of starting decluttering and packing to be stressful. Having a marketing plan offers a sense of security and understanding how we arrive at the pricing helps to reduce uncertainty. Having confidence in your local realtor’s expertise further reduces stress.

b. The second stressor: Your home has been listed for sale. My clients tell me it’s a little unsettling and stressful having to keep their homes clean and decluttered; not know when the home will be viewed. We work together to minimize the disruption to your day-today life by managing how and when buyers view your home. I good realtor will proactively and continuously prove you with feedback, reducing the unknow, increasing the feeling of “it’s all going according to plan.”

c. The third stressor: Your home is under contract. People worry about what the buyer will say about the building inspection, worry about the buyer’s financing, and worry about the appraisal. Trusting an experienced realtor who can alleviate these worries will greatly reduce that “uncontrollable feeling.” They’ve managed these events in the past.

Preparing Yourself: Preparing yourself emotionally and mentally is essential to reducing the stress of selling your home. So much of it is out of your control, as you spend time waiting,” waiting for showings, waiting for offers, waiting for your buyer to submit repair requests, and waiting on the lender for the clear to close.” You’ll likely feel sad about leaving your home, it’s normal. Self-Care is important for you and your family. Being flexible is invaluable. Accepting the facts as they presented to you is wise. Stay positive and trust on your realtor and the value they’re provided you. If you wish to discuss this topic further, without obligation you’re welcome to call or visit with me.