OK, I had another conversation with a seller yesterday that started by the seller saying he's not giving up ALL his equity and he's not going to give his home away.
If I had a nickel for every time I heard this sentence... I'd have at least two or three dollars. :)
Seriously though... One more time - let's try to put this into perspective. I've compared our homes to an investment or stock, but let's try another approach.
I know many people gamble... I know this because I live in Las Vegas - Gambling Capital of the world and also, well... I just know stuff!
If you put $20 into that video poker or slot machine & in short order hit a few jackpots - you'd be pretty darned happy wouldn't you? If you turned that $20 into $100 - you'd be ecstatic right? Of course you would, who wouldn't?? But if you choose to keep playing and you lose your "equity" in that machine - there is no guarantee you'll get it back right?
MOST gamblers that come to Las Vegas would tell you that if they could "just play" a little bit and walk away EVEN - they'd be thrilled.
So why is it different with a home? A home is supposed to provide shelter, security and a place to build memories with those we share our lives with. Of course we'd all like it to help us skate through our golden years, but can we count on that? I'm afraid not.
I feel like I'm talking to my kids sometimes. OK, I'm only going to say this ONE MORE TIME! (yeah, well I lied to them about that too)!
If your home has appreciated since you've owned it, be grateful. Greed is an UGLY emotion and causes more pain than most people realize. If you're selling your home & you didn't buy at the bottom & you're not selling at the top, you're not alone. It's very difficult to gauge the real estate market perfectly just as it's difficult to gauge the stock market.
So decide what you want to do. Do you want to sell or stay? Weigh the options of sell vs. hold. Then, make the decision and OWN IT. Put a price tag on your happiness. How much is your happiness & peace of mind worth to you?
;)
;)
