The “what ifs” when you are listing your home for sale could drive you crazy! I am going to talk about the top three stress factors when your home is listed for sale and how to deal with those.
Three Stress Factors When Your Home is Listed for Sale
Stress Factor #1: Having to Leave for Every Showing
You need to have a plan for what you will do when you get notice of a showing so you are not scrambling at the last minute. Have a daily and weekly cleaning plan for your home while it is listed for sale. This may be a good time to get signed up with a cleaning service to take one thing off your plate. Also have an idea where you will go or what you will do when your home is being shown. I shared more details for what to do when you need to leave your home for a showing in Episode 28 if you would like to listen to that episode.
Especially in this market, leaving for every can get old fast! Most likely, you will have 2-4 days of constant showings. I would suggest you go on a mini vacation the first few days of having your home listed for sale.
Stress Factor #2: Negative Feedback from Showings
You have spent years personalizing your home. Hearing negative feedback about your decorations, paint choices and other things can be tough. The best thing to do (and I realize it is hard!) is to emotionally detach yourself from your home once you list it for sale. Think of listing your home as a business transaction. Do what you can to put your best foot forward so you can start moving forward to your next home. Also think about when you are looking at homes. You may not like the paint in a home you see. You are not saying anything negative about the homeowners only that the paint color is not something you would do.
Stress Factor #3: Where You Will Move
Start looking at homes or neighborhoods before listing your home for sale. This way, you have an idea where you will go.
In this market, if you can buy your next home before you sell, that would be the least stressful option. Not everyone can do that though. If you cannot, structure the sale of your home to give you time to look for your new home or ask for a leaseback. Also, when you present your offer on your new home, ask that the purchase be contingent on the sale of your current home.
I hope these three tips have given you some ideas on how to reduce your stress once your home is listed for sale.
Contact me if you are interested in buying or selling in Murrells Inlet or the surrounding area or if you are interested in learning more about living at the beach.