Selling Your House? Check Your Feelings At The Door

Selling your home can be a very emotional decision because this is where many milestones in your life occurred. Perhaps it was your very first home, or the first home you bought with your significant other. Or it may be the place where your kids took their first steps, learned how to swim, and celebrated their birthdays. Maybe you always hosted family and friends for holiday gatherings. And if you’ve lovingly and painstakingly made renovations and upgrades, the home may hold even more significance. However, when you decide to put your home on the market, it’s best to keep your feelings in check.

One of my favorite cartoons is a picture of a house that changes in appearance based on the point of view. For example, the homeowner sees it as a stately home with a well-manicured lawn. The buyer sees the same home as tiny, outdated, and in need of much work. The appraiser and inspector view the exact same home as barely standing, with the roof nearly blown off, and the windows and doors missing. And, no surprise, the tax assessor views the home as a palace.