The emotional side of a good move: why selling your home can be psychologically challenging
Listing your home for sale is a daunting step. It announces a finality, signifies change and opens the door to a world of possibilities. For some, it is a time of reflection amidst all the chaos of packing, organising and juggling logistics. Moving out of your family or childhood home is a moment many of us never forget, especially when there are once-in-a-lifetime memories tied to it.
Close the curtains
Acceptance is the first stage of getting over your down-in-the-dumps attitude over moving house. Whatever your reason for selling your home, the decision has been taken and your outlook should switch to “too busy to be bothered”. You have lists to make, old clothes to donate and surfaces to wipe! It’s time to pack your sentimental feelings in the same boxes as your photo albums and trinkets and look ahead to how you can turn your next property into another wonderful home. You may be moving to a better neighbourhood and upgrading your lifestyle. There is so much to look forward to!
Welcome buyers with open arms
When you first list your home, it is easy to still be unreceptive of potential buyers who are among the first to attend viewings. It’s important to stay mindful that you need to step into your marketing shoes and show your house off. Take the love you have for your home and turn it into a passionate sales pitch to share with your property practitioner to include in your adverts and to highlight for in-person open house days.
Be willing to entertain and negotiate offers, as this will encourage buyers to be more willing to bargain closer to your asking price. Once you detach emotionally, it frees you to operate on a more responsible financial level. Remember, your goal is to regain the money you initially spent on your property, the expense of renovations and to earn a profit. Be mindful not to overestimate the value of your property based off your emotional attachment to it.
Stage your house for an easier transition
Once your home is on the market, begin removing all personal effects such as family photos and souvenirs from your travels. Buyers want to view a home they can see themselves moving into, so a clean, minimal slate is recommended. Stage your home with simple techniques that make it easy for buyers to visualise their own lives in the space. If you can begin packing up while in the process of showing your home, start with the rooms you want to showcase as a possibility. The spare bedroom that can be turned into a home office or the large dining room that can double as a play room for buyers with young children.
Turn your goodbye into a memory of its own
Using the concept of a traditional housewarming, you can soften the blow of leaving your precious home by throwing a farewell party. This is your chance to have one last celebration and feel good about packing up and leaving. Invite those closest to you (i.e. those who have become part of the furniture) and enjoy an intimate gathering, sharing stories of your favourite moments while you lived there. This is a great way to find closure and shift your perspective to one of excitement and joy.
Trust REALGLEN Properties to have your best interests at heart
Now that we’ve put your mind at ease about moving house, all you have to do is list your property on our site and one of our expert professionals will be in touch. We look forward to maximising your home’s reach while guiding you along the admin process that comes with selling your house. Let’s get started.