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09.29.2022 | Selling

The Emotional Side of Real Estate and How to Cope When it Hurts to Sell

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This is where you became a family, watched your children grow – you’ve built beautiful memories in an incredible neighbourhood. It’s hard to let that go!

There’s no denying the emotional side of real estate. An abundance of feelings pop up when buying and selling a home. Excitement, anticipation, fear, stress, nostalgia, difficulty moving on….for many of us, we become emotionally attached to our houses.

BUT…there’s an upside as well. Rather than focusing on what you’re giving up, turn your attention to what you’ll be gaining. Are you moving to a better neighbourhood with conveniences close at hand? Will you have less maintenance and repairs in your new place? Maybe increased disposable income if you’re downsizing? Do your best to always focus on the good.  

15 Ways to Cope with the Emotions of Selling Your Home

1. Make sure you’re really ready to sell

What are your reasons for selling and moving? Are you sure it’s the right time to make the change? While letting go of a home can be challenging, you should be mostly excited about a new venture. If it’s not a definite MUST at this point, maybe it’s better to wait a little longer and re-evaluate.

2. Start looking at new homes

Sometimes all you need is the excitement of what you could be getting. Starting early (maybe even before you’re ready) can help you adjust to the idea of living somewhere new, and get you excited about the possibilities!

3. Appeal to logic

Often, the best way to get out of your head is to put your thoughts on paper. Make a pros and cons list of selling and moving – you might be surprised by the number of benefits that pop up! Whenever you’re feeling down about moving, revisit your list and remind yourself of all the positives in your future.

4. Talk it out

It’s absolutely okay to be stressed or unhappy about moving. Don’t keep all your feelings bottled up inside – talk it out with friends, family, or your realtor. We’ve helped countless couples through the selling process.  

5. Look to the future

Look forward rather than back – to all the good things that will come out of this change. Imagine settling into your new place, making it your own, discovering your neighbourhood and meeting your neighbours.

6. Explore other neighbourhoods

Whether moving to another community, city, or halfway around the world, exploring a new area can be exciting and fun. Even if you can’t be there in real life, spending time researching online can get you excited about the new stores, restaurants, and amenities in the area.

7. Start packing up

Not only will it help you prep your home for sale, but it can help you emotionally detach from the house. Once your personal belongings are put away, the house will feel less like your home. Bonus? It also allows you to clear out the clutter and donate or sell items that no longer serve you.

8. Plan and design for your new place

Once you’ve purchased your new home, spend time planning how you’ll decorate. And maybe buy a few new pieces to get you excited about the move! 

9. Plan for stress release

Expect that there will be stress along with the sale and purchase of a home. Moving can be stressful even if there are no bumps along the road. Be sure to plan some fun and spend time doing stress-relieving activities.

10. Switch up your mindset

Rather than focusing on what you’re losing, switch your mindset to what you’ll be gaining. Look to all the good things about your new place, neighbourhood, and community.

11. Choose the right realtor for you

Having the right professionals on your side makes the buying and selling process so much easier for you. When choosing a real estate agent, look at more than their stats and experience. Consider their personality, how easy they are to talk to, and whether they put you at ease, keep you informed, and explain the process.

12. Focus on the end goal

Try not to get too wrapped up in the selling process, but shift your focus to the end goal. Look back to the reasons you’re selling. What are you looking for – less maintenance, a better community, or a home that better suits your current needs?

13. Accept your feelings

Selling a home is an emotional process for most of us. Allow yourself to feel sad about what you’re giving up and saying goodbye to; just don’t make that your permanent destination. Feel your feelings, talk it out, and then prepare to move on to the next chapter.

14. Make time for self-care

Be sure to make yourself a priority and schedule time to do the things that make you happy! When life gets hectic, it can be easy to neglect yourself and your needs. But if you’re worn down and tired out, the emotional side of real estate will be even more challenging.

15. Get friends and family involved

Everything is better with a buddy! Spending time with loved ones can help you see the best things in life are not things. Reach out to friends, family and neighbours for support.

While there is undoubtedly an emotional side to real estate, once you’re committed to your choice, looking to the future, and focusing on your end goal, the process becomes that much easier. Change is always challenging, but with the right attitude and people on your side, you’ll be happily settling into your new place in no time!

We’re just a call away if there’s anything we can do to help!