Diablo Gazette July 2021

Handling the Stress of Selling Requires Trusted Teamwork

It is a surprise to many sellers when readying their home for sale that they have such strong emotions about some of the steps in the process. Change is stressful even when you want the change. Often folks are surprised when emotions or anger sneak up on them. We have been taught that that knot in the pit of the stomach is telling us to flee or that we are making a wrong decision. I tell buyers and sellers to expect when making a big decision of the magnitude of buying or selling a home, that they will have moments of uncertainty and stress. If they were not a little worried or contemplative on a big decision such as buying or selling a home, there would be something wrong with them, right?

Some folks dig in or cannot make a decision when they hit the wall. It can be while purging, packing or the move day itself. It can be helpful to have a second in command who steps in and keeps things going according to plan. Talk to them ahead of time so they know the plan and the players. It can be invaluable to take a break and trust that someone has your back for the details when that feeling hits.

The Realtor can be a good resource for the planning portion as they know the steps to get the home ready. Rely on them and trust their wisdom and resources. They have a track record of trust with their vendors and helpers and know who provides reliable service.

Understand that you may not like everything going on, i.e., the landscape that the stager or Realtor recommends, the door mat they put on the porch, the lights they change or the knobs on the cabinets or doors. Those who have been in their homes a long time have a hard time seeing it through new eyes. When you do not like change and it does not feel you are in your house (which is the goal), staging changes can be difficult. Staging is about a demographic and a process to lead the eye through the home to show the best use of each room, etc. It is designed to make the prospective buyers feel at home in this home. If that happens, mission accomplished.

Relax into the process. Understand it is stressful so build in breaks and stress relievers, and trust your Realtor, the vendors and helpers to get their part done. Trust your team, step back and let them make magic. The result will be that someone else will fall in love with your home the way you did when you bought it.