If you have ever bought or sold a home, you probably know what I mean about the roller coaster of emotions that come with making these big decisions. If this is unfamiliar territory – be forewarned! The road may be bumpy.
We recently sold our home of 14 years. We realized it was time for us to downsize, and we knew we had to sell our home before we could make an offer on the next one. Leaving our current home is a bitter sweet affair. We loved our home in the City, but all of our time (and money) was slipping away with constant chores and upkeep on a lovely old 1904 Victorian Lady. We needed a break and some time to ourselves. We loved the house…UP…we hated the upkeep…DOWN.
The good news is that we did sell our home at a good price, in less than 2 months.. UP. However, the buyers asked for a quick close, and we had just under a month to find our new home…DOWN. We had been looking for a new home with our realtor Sharlene, for several months, trying to get an idea of what we both wanted in our next place. We still were undecided…DOWN further.
Then we found a townhome with an absolutely fabulous kitchen; the kitchen of my dreams! …UP But it had no outdoor space and limited room for storage. …DOWN I was emotionally attracted to that fabulous kitchen, and totally overlooked the practical aspects. I convinced my husband that this was the right place, and we made an offer…UP Then I had a nightmarish dream about not having room for our grand piano and not having a place to store our holiday decorations (we have a LOT!)…DOWN
It's a good thing that my husband and I have opposite decision-making styles. I'm the emotional one, he's the more practical one. I knew he was uncomfortable with making that offer, but he relented with all my pleading for that kitchen. Fortunately, I came to my practical senses after that dream and we were able to rescind our offer that next morning…WHEW! and …UP and …DOWN. Still homeless.
We went back and looked at a townhome that I had passed on previously (because of that other kitchen). It had everything on our checklist. My husband said Let's Go Look at That Other One Again…HEADING UP again. Wow, this place is really great! And the location is much better than I first thought. Closer to family and friends, and it does have that fabulous screen porch and big old pine trees in the back…UP, UP.
We made an offer…HOLD YOUR BREATH…and after a little countering, our offer was accepted! Oh boy, UP…UP…and AWAY! Plus, the owners wanted a quick close, so we would be able to close on both homes the same day, and move into our new place, in just three weeks. Wow!
The point I want to make here is that it IS a roller coaster ride. Making big decisions like buying and selling a home is right near the top of that stress list. Prepare for it. My advice to you, gentle reader, is that you and your partner (if there is one) need to consider both sides of the equation: 1) Does it feel right? Emotional; and 2) Does it meet most of your criteria? Practical.
If your decision-making preference is for all things Emotional, you will need to consider the Practical aspects; and vice versa. Get out that paper and pen and make a list. Or, you may need to reach inward and ask how it feels. Either way, you will need to acess your opposite decision-making style. If I had done that earlier, I might have been saved from a little motion sickness. I'm better now, and looking forward to settling into our new home!
Confused about your decision-making style? If you want to know more, you can contact me for a Personality Inventory (MBTI). It will help shed some light on your style, and that of your partner.
Time to get off the ride and let the next people on board!
