I took my own advice. I decluttered, I depersonalized (well mostly) and I cleaned myself into a frenzy. Recently I introduced you to my absolutely worst client ever, and she is me. For years I have been the Queen of the conversion, lord of the living room make over and the Dr. Phil of spouting orders to sellers. I stressed the importance of updating to the point of upchucking, with elegance and poise I pointed out all the flaws that must be corrected prior to presenting their property to the buying population.
It is amazing anyone still likes me at all. After taking my own advice, I don’t like me much. It is hard work. It is emotional. It is slightly less fun than a root canal. Packing away my memories, my special moments and gifts was not at all as easy as it was telling others to do so.
Fixing all the little imperfections that drove me crazy, made us laugh and swear never again to buy anything that wasn’t brand spanking new, wasn’t as joyful as I had imagined.
I miss the squeaky door, the cabinet drawer that gave my patient husband fits and all those light switches to nowhere are now real light switches to somewhere. Who knew that would sting a bit? All of those things are now replaced, repaired only to be remembered.
To all my sellers past and present, I get it.You followed my instructions with a smile and most likely cursed my name in private. I understand. You did what you had to do because you trusted my professional opinion. I appreciate it.
I do know my business. I do know what it takes to sell real estate and now I know what it means to sell a home. I have sold hundreds of homes, not just hundreds of houses. You trusted me and now I have to trust myself.
My little imperfect domicile was perfect for me and now it will be ready for the scrutiny of buyers, the reflection of Realtors and the changing of the guards.
Never again will I spout off my list of to-do’s to any seller, without a more gentle understanding of what it means to sell a home.
There is no doubt I am my most challenging client, when it comes to selling my own home, I don’t like myself one stinking bit; however, I do know I know what I am doing. I hope I will listen to myself.
If you know of anyone who is searching for a three bedroom, three bath, extremely lovingly cared for condo by the water, I happen to know just where they can find one!
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