Sometimes We May Not Get It.....

It can be so hard for long time owners to let go - so many emotions connect to our homes.  Seems like part of our role is always helping acknowledge those emotional ties, and then gently help sellers move beyond and be ready for the next phase and next home to create memories in.

Not only am I retired Army, I grew up as a military brat.  Until I bought my current house in 2005, the longest I'd ever spent under one roof was 2 1/2 years in Huntsville AL back in the 90's.  My wife and I agree that we ought to put our house on the market in the next couple years.  However, the thought of saying 'goodbye' to the only real 'home' I've ever had turns my stomach.  I don't know how I'm going to do it.

Thanks for your service, btw.  Everybody knows Army wives have the toughest gig around.

Well said Melissa!!!!  A little kindness and a little patience goes a long way when you have history and memories in that home, let alone the emotional attachment...I'm there!  :) 

Nice blog!  -    Cheron

I too noticed the deep attachment people have to their homes.  Once you figure that out, then whatever you say after that....... is more in line with how we greet each other when we meet.

Nothing heavy and just pleasantries........

Great post and cute kiddos!  The best Realtors are empathetic.  You are probably very good at relating to people because of your experience moving around  as a military family.

Melissa, 

Yes! Traditions are fun.  My neighbors have contemplated taking down a nice tree on the corner of their property that is too big for the spot.  The husband wants it down, the wife wants to keep it.  I didn't think too much about it..... UNTIL.... 

Yep, you guessed it, we took our 11th annual kids going off to the first day of school in front of it again this year.  So, my vote is that it needs to stay for the next 6 years, after that, they can take it down:-)

All the best, Michelle

melissa, it is tough getting a home owner to convert from it being their home to their house that is an asset they are selling. Our problem is we for get how long it has been their home and all the mental attachment.

Cute pics and memories to keep.  Thanks for the post.  Every mom is happy about first day of school starting.. Whahooo!

Great looking children - traditions are what kids remember - they will have these pictures in front of the fireplace to look back on for years to come.

Laurie

Being a better listener will definitely help you with your business, and since you can empathize with them, you can suggest ways to make these types of memories selling features for their home.  For instance, I had a listing this summer that had a beautiful garden complete with gazebo and pond and arbor.  They took photos their for countless proms, homecoming dances, and one of their daughters even got married there in the backyard.  It was wonderful to share some of that with the new buyers of the home.

Home is a place we use to build our lives...  My grandmother left her house a while back, and it was VERY tough for her.  Her grandfather built that home, and she was there for 50+ years...  She couldn't even drive by it after she moved out... 

Melissa, Preparing a home for sale is 50% getting the house ready.  The other 50% is getting the seller(s) in the emotional mindset to part with their home.  THAT'S what I love most about what I do. 

The stories about what took place in front of the fireplace, NEED to be shared.  A good agent/stager will listen.   It's all a very important part of a very special process.

BTW your children are beautifu! Congrats on the feature .... again! 

Our kids start on Tuesday. Funny thing is that while I cherish the memories, I am not attached to my house. I know that I am unique in this way and that I need to be sensitive about the feeling of others--especially in short sale situations where sellers want to keep their homes.

I've only been in my home for three years now and I am very attached to it. Its where my boys are growing up, its where we are a family, in our ups and our downs, together...

nice ideas

thanks for sharing

a little down home wisdom

 I lived in many homes growing up, and the home I live in now, I've lived in longer than anywhere else. I'm definitely attached.

Understanding the emotions of our clients is what will make us a good agent. I just listed a property where the people are very excited to move on with their lives, but built the home in 1990 and really got teary eyed when signing the listing agreement. It is so important to understand what they are going through when going through this process.

Hi Melissa~  For some people it is harder than others to let go of their home emotionally.  We lost a home to a fire many years ago, and it has made me realize then just how hard it can be!

Thank you for sharing your 'tradition'!  I does really put it in perspective.

Robby