Unless you're brand new...you've been in one! Your first encounter may seem quite benign...a listing pops up for a client and the information seems perfect. There are usually no pictures on line...but never mind. The home is in the right area...and seems to be priced right. So, you pop off a quick e-mail and arrange to go over to take a look.
That's when things begin to become interesting. The view from the sidewalk may reveal a number of issues which are potential red flags. In winter time...the home may not have seen a snow plow for awhile. You are faced with contemplating wading through a foot of snow to try to access the front door. In summer, the trek may be through grass a foot high at the back door where the key-box is...while this is not as cold, it is still disconcerting.
An examination of the home reveals what you've sensed ever since you pulled up at the driveway. Someone who lived in this home was not happy and the home reflects their time of discontent.
Angry houses reside in every neighborhood...because angry, hurt people do. Sometimes the signs of the tension are apparent...holes in the doors or walls, stripped wall paper, garbage or junk left around or items stripped from their moorings...At other times, it is much more subtle.
I've been in homes which simply exuded sadness. I felt it as soon as I walked through the front door. It's as though the essence of what happened in the home had not yet left; there was a palpable weight of misery which seemed to permeate the core of the walls. I've noticed that clients will also instinctively absorb the vibes of a place. Small animals become jittery, seeming to want to escape as quickly as possible...little children become whiny and loudly demand that we leave. In the worst cases...everyone just wants to EXIT as fast as possible!
Neglected homes often exude the same type of energy that Angry Homes do. The neglect may stem from a variety of different sources, including excessive clutter..but the overall effect is the same. The home feels unkempt and uncared for.
So, what can one do if you're given the task of selling an "Angry House? Sometimes, the owners are still living in the home. Their ongoing battles, anger, bitterness and sadness continues to be a potent influence. If home owners cannot leave their home prior to the home being placed on the market, it is important to explain to them that they should not be present during showings. The presence of homeowners has a way of increasing the level of discomfort which may already exist in a space.
Another helpful suggestion is to hire a home stager. Staging a home can be a very powerful way to neutralize bad vibes. It's amazing the difference that a coat of paint, some new carpeting and tastefully appointed furnishings can make in a home which has been bruised and battered by its' former owners. I remember walking through a formerly battered home which had been staged and put on the market for resale. I was astounded by the change! It seemed as though the home had once again found rest.
But perhaps, the most important service that I provide as an agent is talking with home owners about the message they are sending out about their home when they project their anger on their surroundings. Often times people are not aware of how much impact their emotions have on their surroundings. Sometimes, they do not care. I explain that effort expended in cleaning up their environment physically, emotionally and spiritually has the potential to create good dividends for them. The converse is a home on the market for many, many months and a sale far below the potential market value.
Anger can be a very costly luxury...in relationships and in successful home sale! Bringing a home back to a place of peace restores balance and prosperity. It also attracts the favorable response of those who matter most in a successful home sale...Potential Buyers!
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I like your name the angry house. I am sure we have all given them other names.