How Do You Handle This Stress?
When others find out I am still in my first home, there is some surprise after more than 40 years. My reasoning: I am not about to put myself through what you will be experiencing during this listing and selling process.
That is where my counseling sessions come in...starting at the beginning of a listing...explaining the stress of selling. As a former RN, stress can manifest many different emotions. Moving is one of the top stress producers, including death, illness, divorce, job loss, and other life-changing moments.
I go on to explain....If you get along well, you may experience some slight bickering. If you are a bickering couple...there might be some arguments...and if you are a family that is somewhat dysfunctional (no, I don't say that) or in a divorce situation, there can be knock-down out-of-control situations!
Of course, I ask permission to give this kind of advice. Many years ago, when I shared this with an attorney, also my client...he wanted no part of my counsel. His attitude... get my darn house sold..nothing more is required.
A few weeks before his house went under contract, he had a meltdown, yelling at the family and threatening to take the property off the market.
After the sale, we met up for dinner and discussed the situation. Both he and his wife appreciated the reminder of the everyday stress when dealing. After the fact...we could laugh about it.
A parent yells at the kids for leaving toys on the driveway; a spouse complains about the messy kitchen sink; a sister goes ballistic because the laundry is in a pile...these are just a few minor things that can trigger these outbursts.
How about the appointment made, and the people are NO show, or don't like the house and choose not to come in, or the agent who shows up without an appointment or removes the only key from the lockbox? How about months and no acceptable contract. Many of us have witnessed sellers going "off the deep end". Many more things can happen, the cat got out, the lights left on, an unlocked door, the missing follow-up phone call.
Couple this with an illness, a death, a job loss, a foreclosure, or a move to a nursing facility. These are all reasons for selling and the increased stress level.
Take a deep breath, take a few steps back, and say...Margaret Rome told us, "Selling a house is stressful!
There are very few transactions where someone doesn't have a mini breakdown, a minor temper tantrum, or a crying outburst. We, as professionals, recognize the situation and stay calm through these outbreaks.
Let me help you deal with this stress? Buying or selling a home
Call Margaret Rome
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