Humans have a difficult time adapting to change, so it's no surprise that moving to a new house can be stressful. Very stressful. One of the reasons why selling a home might be stressful is because of this upheaval. Another major component is the lack of control over the process.
Of course, everyone reacts to stress in different ways, but selling a home is one of those situations that causes anxiety in almost everyone. It's a significant event. The process might have an impact on your finances as well as your emotions. It frequently depends on timing and negotiation abilities. It's also chaotic and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are certain things you and your family can do to make things easier.
It’s Not Just You
You are not alone if you are worried about selling your home. Selling the property within the desired timeline, selling for the asking price, timing the sale with the purchase of a new home, and negotiating with buyers are all on the list of typical concerns we hear on a daily basis from our clients.
It's also worth mentioning that relocating frequently coincides with other life transitions, which can add to the stress. People may sell their home to start a job, following a divorce or the loss of a spouse, when a new child is born, when the nest is emptying, or to care for an ailing or elderly relative. These factors add to the pressures of the sales process.
Conquering Fear of the Unknown
The process of selling a home can be intimidating for some homeowners. They don't want to make any mistakes, so they agonize over the asking price and the optimal time to list a house. They may be concerned that if they don't know the procedures to follow or what some of the real estate terminology implies, and they will appear silly if they ask. Some basic research can help them overcome their worries and gain confidence in their decision to sell their home.
Teaming Up With an Agent
Teaming up with a great local real estate agent is one of the best, and fastest to manage the stress of selling your home
Since selling a home is already a stressful undertaking, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to attempt a “For Sale By Owner” situation. It’s a good idea to leave it to the professionals, especially for someone prone to worry.
Homesellers can reduce their stress almost instantly by hiring an experienced real estate agent. It is important to find the right agent of course: Someone who the seller has a rapport with, who communicates well, and who is willing to take the time to explain anything they don’t understand.
An agent who knows the market and is good at their job will be with the seller every step of the way. They can give a realistic idea of how much time it should take to sell the house, help calculate the asking price, advise on what should be fixed, and line up potential buyers.
Control What You Can
When you sell a house, you have to recognize that a lot of things are beyond your control. It's impossible to say how long a home will be on the market or how much it will sell for. It's difficult to let go and live with the unknown, and it might be stressful.
Taking control of what they can control makes many individuals feel better. Sellers can speed up the process by doing their own inspection and going methodically through the to-do list to address any issues that arise.
They can also keep themselves occupied with the necessary cleaning and organization that every home for sale requires. Packing up out-of-season clothing or boxing up rarely used goods not only makes the house ready to display to potential buyers, but it also provides the seller a sense of accomplishment that they're getting closer to moving day.
The House that Sells Too Slow...Or Too Fast
Just because a house is in a desirable location, in excellent condition, and for a reasonable price does not guarantee that it will sell quickly. Waiting and wondering can be difficult, and it can make a seller feel insecure. Is the pricing unreasonably high? Is there a problem with the residence that we're not aware of? Is the real estate agent doing everything they can? Is it ever going to sell?
Selling a home is similar to dating. There has to be some sort of chemistry. Our greatest advice is to remain patient and trust that the appropriate buyer will come along eventually. Meanwhile, keep yourself occupied with the above-mentioned cleaning and packing.
Sometimes the reverse happens, and a home sells extremely quickly. It can catch sellers off guard, resulting in a whole new set of worries. In this case, it's critical to include restrictions in the contract, such as the sale being conditional on the seller closing on a new home.
A little forethought can help a rapid sale go more smoothly. It's a good idea to start getting bids from moving firms, storage facilities, and even transitional lodging before the house goes on the market. Have a backup plan in place in case a buyer can't be found right away.
Handling Showing Displacement
Having strangers traipse through your house can be a source of stress and discomfort. The anxiety might be even worse due to concerns about COVID-19.
Sellers can prepare themselves for showings and open houses by creating an action plan. Keep the house as clean as possible all the time, but have plenty of supplies ready for a quick touchup when the realtor calls. Set designated places to stow away things quickly for a showing. Pack away breakables or valuables so they’re not a concern. When the call comes in from the realtor about a showing, having a workable plan to get ready quickly will help ease anxiety.
Arrange for someplace to go when the realtor wants to show the house. Having the sellers on hand often unnerves would-be buyers, and while we know that anyone selling their home wants to know what's going on at all times trust your agent to keep you informed and take yourself off for a stress reducing walk, or a nice frothy coffee.
Dealing With Big Emotions
Moving might be exciting because of the new home, but it can also be sad because of the old one. The first home a couple buys together, or the location where their child takes his first steps, comes with strings attached—strings that directly affect the seller's feelings. It can also be a problem for parents selling their homes with children, especially if they are leaving established friends and schools.
It's helpful to concentrate on the new house and everything it has to offer. It'll almost certainly have something that's a step up from your current home. Look for exciting things to do in the city if it's a new one. Make a trip to see what's going on. Learning the lay of the land will make the transition less frightening and anxiety-inducing. This might also make the house available for an open house.
It's also normal to second-guess whether or not you should move at all. Don't lose sight of why you're selling the house in the first place. Keeping the goal in mind should help to alleviate any concerns regarding the decision.
Seek Some Self Care
When you're worried about selling a house, it's crucial to take care of yourself in between all of the repairs, cleaning, packing, and preparing. In any stressful scenario, practice the things you do for self-care.
For many people, physical activity is a frequent treatment. Work out, go for a stroll or ride your bike, or practice yoga. Take some time out of your day to do something you enjoy, such as a hobby or a sport. Even watching a movie or reading a book might divert one's attention away from the selling process. Recognize that stress can lead to sleep loss. Get lots of sleep and eat well.
Above all, understand that feeling worried when selling a home is natural. Stay positive and give yourself a break. There is a finish line in sight, and you will be able to sell your home. Finally, engage the assistance of a seasoned real estate agent who can assist you in making it happen.
Getting ready to sell your Waterloo Region home? Or buy a new one? Let Team Pinto use our huge experience and expertise to help you. Contact the award-winning Team Pinto here, or book a free Zoom consultation to discuss your unique Waterloo Region real estate needs here.