The Emotions of Selling and Buying a Home

Whether one is buying or selling a home, emotions are involved at various levels. Even the basic reasons for deciding to sell or buy contain emotions of one sort or another. For example, deep feelings are involved with the needs of growing families, pressures of dissolving families, death of a spouse, relocation to be near a new employment and other situational changes.

The desire to move closer to other family members can be accompanied by the anxiety of the enormity of the process as they see it. A prior move may have been a bad experience and it is difficult getting committed to going through that again. Others may resist moving to a different type of living because they fear it is another sign of their declining quality of living.

Some may be reluctant to move because of the many cherished family memories associated with their home. Once they consider that those cherished memories are within them, often they can appreciate the positive aspects of the move.

There are, however, many people who are excited about the prospect of new adventures, eager to learn about new towns and scenic delights, and enthusiastic about discovering what the future holds in their new home. They are galvanized by renewed energy and optimistic about the opportunities awaiting them. Some look forward to the prospect of a wide variety of recreational, cultural and activities of a community for only those age 65 or more.

We have counseled and worked with hundreds of families regarding the moving process, and nearly every one of them has had some anxieties or concerns about the details or unknowns that may need to be handled. They are relieved to be able to discuss any underlying fears, to explore various options of how situations can be dealt with if and when they arise, and to know that we are available all along the way as a support system.

The prospect of dealing with closets and drawers full of things accumulated through the decades—not to mention garages that long-since had no room for either of their cars—can feel overwhelming. We help people deal with such situations by taking each room one by one, shelf by shelf, methodically sorting items into a few categories for later handling.

Many of the things accumulated will be donated or tossed away, aside from what they or family members will find useful to keep, and that becomes easier as one goes from shelf to shelf. It might take a few months to complete the process, but most of our clients have felt energized as they have moved forward.

One couple later commented that they wished they had consulted with me years earlier, as they had not felt as youthful in two decades. They also noted that had they decided to move sooner, it would have been a much easier process.

We have a set of guidelines for people who might move within a year or so. We also have a complimentary set of guidelines for seniors who wish to remain in their homes for longer, yet who would also like to have tips on how to do so more safely and with an eye to the future for advance planning.

Either or both of these may be requested by calling me at 310-600-7422 or email michael@edlenteam.com.

Michael Edlen has been a trusted real estate advisor in the Palisades for 37 years. He and his team of specialists have worked together for more than 20 years in helping clients achieve success 95%-plus of the time. More information is available on their website, edlenteam.com, or by contacting michael@edlenteam.com or 310-600-7422.