Selling your home is a huge deal. Naturally, we can feel attached to where we live because it holds special memories and all the things we love. But is it normal to be sad selling a house?
The selling process can be challenging, and not just because of all the paperwork! Selling means saying goodbye even before you’ve left, as you allow strangers to look around your home.
In fact, a survey by IndexDigital revealed that over half of respondents ranked moving house as the most stressful life event, more so than having a child, starting a new job, or going through a divorce with 51% of men and 62% of women citing moving house as the most stressful life event! Unsurprisingly, the process can be highly emotional, so you need to be sure you are ready before you commit.
At Shinerocks, we will make your sale as stress-free as possible. We understand what a wrench it can be to sell your property in Purley, Croydon & Surrey. But before you decide to sell, we have some tips to help you work out if you’re emotionally ready.
4 Tips to See if You're Emotionally Ready to Sell Your Home
1. You’re ready to sell if you're prepared to declutter!
Unless you’re a minimalist, you probably have lots of things in your home that are special to you. The most important thing to do before selling your home is to stage it for a sale.
This involves getting rid of clutter and depersonalising to make it a neutral space for potential buyers to view. But, while moving a few ornaments out of sight is a painless task, actually throwing unused items away, or selling furniture if you're downsizing can feel more permanent.
Even repainting a room in a neutral colour can feel like you are taking away personality from your home before you've left. Take a walk around your home and notice how you feel in each room. If you find that certain areas still trigger strong memories or sentimental emotions, you might not be quite ready. On the other hand, if you feel unaffected or ready to make new memories elsewhere, it’s a sign that you’re emotionally prepared to move on.
Before selling your property in Purley, Croydon & Surrey, you must be prepared to make changes to show your home at it's spacious best. And once you start staging your home for viewings, you’re already beginning to say goodbye.
Click here and discover how to add kerb appeal to your home!
2. If you daydream about living somewhere else, you're ready to move home!
When you’re ready for a change, thoughts of the future start to feel more inspiring than sentimental attachments to the past.
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Are you imagining your family's future somewhere else?
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Do you find yourself excitedly daydreaming about it every spare minute you have?
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Are you constantly scouring estate agents' websites like Shinerocks for your potential new home?
If the answer is yes to any of these, it’s likely that you’re emotionally ready to sell your home. If the thought of packing, house hunting, and settling into a new place excites you more than it stresses you, it’s a positive indicator that you’re ready to take the plunge. Excitement about the moving process can reveal that you’re ready to embrace moving home with open arms.
Don't forget, it is normal to be sad selling a house, even if you’re making plans to buy new furniture and you’re looking forward to living elsewhere. This is a sign that you’re emotionally ready to sell.
3. If you are ready to accept viewer feedback, you are emotionally ready to sell
If you plan to show people around your property yourself, or you happen to be present during a viewing, you’ll likely overhear lots of comments! Shinerocks will also give you feedback on viewings, so prepare to hear the good, the bad and the ugly about your home. When you open up your home to potential buyers, you’re also inviting in their opinions - and they might not always match your own!
It’s not unusual to hear praise, but you may also hear criticism and suggestions for changes. Although some viewers will be discreet about any distastes, many won’t. Viewers may cringe at your décor or openly criticise what you think are your home’s best features.
Prospective buyers look at a home with fresh eyes, imagining how they would make it their own and might express their desire to replace the kitchen you lovingly designed, or tear down your living room walls the minute they move in.
Accepting this feedback can be challenging, especially if you’ve put your heart and soul into your home. However, if you’re at a point where you can take these comments in your stride, it’s a strong sign that you’re emotionally ready to sell. Embracing these perspectives will help you detach and focus on the fact that soon, this house will be someone else’s space to personalise.
4. When you feel genuinely ready to say goodbye - you're ready to sell
This is one of the biggest signs that you’re ready to sell up. Committing to sell means committing to leave.
One of the most telling signs that you’re ready to move on is when you’re genuinely prepared to say goodbye. Deciding to sell isn’t just about the financial aspect; it’s also about the emotional commitment of leaving a place that holds memories, and a chance to embrace something new.
If the thought of leaving fills you with excitement or a sense of relief rather than sadness or regret, you’re likely ready for this next step.
So, if you’re prepared to say farewell and you’re excited by the idea of what’s next, it’s a clear sign that you’re ready to sell your property in Purley, Croydon, and Surrey. Embrace the change and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead!
Thinking of Selling Your Property?
If you’re ready to sell your property in Purley, Croydon & Surrey, our team at Shinerocks is on hand to offer you advice and support.
Get in touch with us today at enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk or on 020 8660 2010 and let us help you find the right buyer.
Not on the market yet? Generate a full report on your own property including an instant estimated valuation.
In the meantime, we've answered some of your common questions about selling your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Your Home
Is it normal to feel emotional about selling your home?
Yes, it's perfectly normal to feel emotional about selling your home, especially if you have lived there for a long time and have many memories associated with it.
How can I prepare myself emotionally for selling my home?
Take time to reflect on your reasons for moving and focus on the positive aspects of the transition. Declutter and depersonalize your home to help you detach emotionally.
How can I make the selling process less stressful?
Hire a good estate agent in Purley, Croydon & Surrey like Shinerocks to handle the marketing and negotiations. Delegate tasks whenever possible and focus on the positive aspects of moving. Remember, the selling process is temporary, and the excitement of your new home awaits.