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Managing the Emotions of Selling Your Family Home

A family enjoying croissants in a fort in their living room

“There’s no place like home.” “Home sweet home.” “Home is where the heart is.” The word “home” means different things to different people but in general it seems to represent feelings of hope, security, family and achievement. So it’s no wonder that when it comes time to sell your home, even if it’s to move to a new and exciting place like Freedom Village of Bradenton, a lot of emotions can be stirred up. If you’re on the fence about selling a house, even one that you want to sell because it’s become too big to manage, here are some ways to navigate the emotional stages of selling a home.

Selling a Home Comes with a Variety of Emotions.

The process of selling a home, especially selling a childhood home where you raised your kids, can bring a rollercoaster of emotions. However, being aware of how you feel can help you manage everything as it happens.

Embrace your feelings. The home selling experience itself can be stressful. A buyer backing out of an appraisal isn’t personal, it’s the process. Hopefully understanding that the process of selling a home isn’t about you or your house can help you approach any problems calmly and thoughtfully.

Identify your weak spots. Being aware of who you want to buy your house – like a young family, or newlywed couple – might impact your decision to accept or turn down an offer. Knowing these emotional triggers can hopefully work to keep these factors from influencing your decision and allow you to accept the best offer, even if it isn’t from who you hoped would buy your house.

Be patient. Selling a home can take weeks, months or longer. Even if you have a contract, things like appraisals and mortgage lending can get in the way. It’s very common for emotions like frustration and worry to surface throughout the journey.

How to Cope with the Grief Over Selling a House

The house is sold, the boxes are packed and moving day has arrived. It’s possible that you’ve been so busy with the process of selling, that now that it’s all done you feel a sense of grief about leaving a place where so much happened. Here are some ways to help you find a sense of closure and move on to your new adventure:

  • Photograph the rooms, furniture, wallpaper, even appliances or marks on the walls — anything that reminds you of the times spent with the people you love. This will help you remember what was important.
  • Take doorknobs and lighting fixtures as transitional objects to put in your new place. Remember to replace anything you take before the new owners move in.
  • Take a handful of soil from your yard, put it in a pot and grow something in it at your new residence.

After you move in, consider doing some of the following:

  • Host a housewarming party and enjoy yourself. Remember, your new home doesn’t need to be 100% ready for visitors because if you wait for that, it may never happen.
  • Meet your new neighbors. Don’t be afraid to knock on a few doors and introduce yourself
  • Start a new photo album or scrap book of new memories in your new location.
  • Volunteer at the local youth center, church, library or school. Nothing feels better than giving back to others in the community by doing something you enjoy.

Home IS Where the Heart is.

Selling a home is as much about looking forward as it is looking back. If you’re contemplating a move, here are the activities and beautiful amenities you’ll find right outside your door at Freedom Village of Bradenton. To learn more about our lifestyle, use our Community Assistant chat feature or contact us here.