Lately we've been having an "open door" at our house, or at least that's how it feels! Since Thanksgiving we've had about seven showings, as well as an open house for real estate agents just this week. As a real estate agent myself, I've walked through many homes ... peeking in closets, opening cabinets, drawing my own opinion. It's kind of fun looking at other people's homes, kind of like HGTV live!
However, now that I'm on the other side and the seller ... not so fun! Making sure the house is pristine at all times and having strangers walk through and pass judgment can be stressful. Sure, we generally keep our home clean and tidy but now that we're trying to sell it we're going the extra mile. No spots on the shower's glass, not a speck of dust on the wood floors and furniture, and our bed is made up with pretty pillows. This is not easy and has to be done ... every day! If I'm home before the showing I turn on all the right lights, play some jazz music, and light a few candles.
As the agent and potential buyers walk through the front door, I exit with a smile. Buyers don't like to have the seller looking over their shoulder, so I leave my home behind for others to walk through it and make their opinions. I usually take a walk around the subdivision, and I've found the perfect spot to sit and watch our house ... out of view from the buyers.
I sit and stare. I wonder what they're thinking as they're invading my home, my privacy ... my life! We love our home, but will they? Will they appreciate my earthy and casual "zen" style, or will they hate it? What about the loft with its "hippie room"? A few years ago, we let our daughter design the room upstairs and she did a great job! She chose a deep purple paint for the ceiling and walls, a bright lime green fabric for the window seat, and she decoupaged a wall full of hippies and pictures from the sixties. The room has been a great place for her and her friends to hang out over the years. Then there's my "zen den", with its burnt orange walls and fabrics. I love this room! It's my retreat and it is where I exercise and practice yoga. I will miss this room.
My "zen den"
We've heard good things about our home and we're told it's priced right, but we haven't had any offers yet. But, the holidays have just ended and now Mardi Gras and the Superbowl are taking over in New Orleans. As the weather gets warmer, the market seems to pick up a little bit. Hopefully, we'll have a deal no later than this Spring. Until then, we'll continue to let strangers pass through our home. It's all part of achieving the dream!
I just confirmed another showing for tomorrow morning, so keeping my fingers crossed.
Hasta luego ... until then. Mid-Life Cruising!
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5 comments:
Great post, Cheryl, that perfectly captures the mixed emotions of the sale. Burnt orange is my ultimate fave color - just the right mix of energy and coziness, and gives such insight into your personality. But here's hoping that you get an offer soon and we see you on the water!
I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get an offer on your home and it's a go all the way to the end when you hand over the keys. We can both keep our fingers crossed.
Have a terrific day and weekend. :)
Oh I remember days like that back when we were selling Tate's house. It took 10 months to finally sell, and we thought maybe it never would, but finally it did!
Keep your head up and know we are rooting for you to get an offer!
I completely love your Zen room and have been working on having one almost just like it! That's the style I love and my office is decorated like that. It feels peaceful and warm. I cannot imagine how it feels to have people traipsing through your personal space but I know it's necessary evil when selling a house, or even a boat. We do get attached to our spaces. I know the right buyer will come along.
LCP ... thanks! I love that room too. Peaceful and warm were my goal. This will be the only room I really miss. Uh, maybe the decent sized bathroom too! =)
Thanks Sandee and Dani for the good vibes!
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