Selling Your Home? Don’t Let Sentiment Sabotage the Sale

As soon as it's time to sell your home, emotions may run high--which is entirely understandable. After all, memories have been created there--whether raising children there, hosting holiday dinners there, or painting its bold red walls yourself. But here's the truth most sellers need to hear: buyers don't care about your memories--they want a home that fits their vision.

Here are a few emotional traps that could thwart your sale--and how to avoid them:

Holding onto Outdated Decor

Though they may hold sentimental value for you, buyers see outdated decor as a renovation line item and begin mentally tallying costs associated with painting, flooring and updating their tour of your home. Neutral tones and minor upgrades can go a long way toward making it seem fresh and move-in ready.

Are You Taking Low Offers Personally 

It can be easy to take low offers personally when they come in lower than anticipated, but remember it's simply the market speaking and don't close down emotionally - a skilled real estate agent can negotiate effectively while keeping discussions going forward.

Rejecting Staging Advice

Staging advice shouldn't focus on making your home appear better; rather, it should help buyers envision themselves living there. Staging isn't meant as an indictment of your taste - rather, it serves as a marketing tool. Simple changes such as rearrangement furniture or adding some fresh decor can have a dramatic impact on buyer perception.

Hovering During Showings

As much as we understand your desire to ensure your home is respected and any questions answered, being present during showings may make buyers feel rushed or awkward - give them time and space to imagine making this home their own - your absence could even help the sale.

Selling Your Home Is a Business Decision Selling your home is both personal and financial decision; to get the maximum return, you must temporarily consider yourself a buyer. Being emotionally detached doesn't mean forgetting its significance--it simply means making sure it sets itself up for a successful sale.

Trust your real estate agent, embrace the process, and present your home as the asset it truly is.