We bought this cozy 2-bedroom home in a darling neighborhood with fabulous schools. We had every intention to put on an addition – but plans change! When we bought, the housing market was hot and patience got you nowhere but bumped out of a contract. So I acted with warped speed and we bought our “cozy” square box.

Even though our family is small, our house is too small. We decided the amount of renovation would be too extensive and would seriously interrupt our lives for about 6-months! So, our other option, SELL! Now it is time to, “Get Ready for the Market.”

Why, yes, we have missed spring market, but unfortunately our needs did not align within a housing calendar. So we will embark on finishing those small projects, the Kitchen, Bathroom and Basement. It is now not sounding so small. Unfortunately this time we will enter a very competitive sellers market or a “normal” market. We will prepare for the waiting game and the buyers dictating our future.

Should we list our home by owner? We are some-what knowledgeable with real estate. As most people, I have a friend who could provide me with a Comprehensive Market Analysis, CMA. But, do I have the time to be a project manager or general contractor of selling my house? Do I have time to adequately market my home? Can I be home for every showing? Will I be able to successfully negotiate a contract and navigate to closing?

With a husband and a two-year old, I had my work cut out for me. No matter how much space I thought I had, I began to notice my “hiding” spaces were full! Yes, the stove, the dishwasher and the refrigerator all made for great quick hiding spaces, but I needed a place to hid the infamously huge and colorful kids toys!

After living through the experience, after the tears and the stress, I remember a few things people told me. Yes, I know it is common sense, but I needed to hear it again.

1. It’s just a “house”. It is not a “home” to people looking at it. Don’t take feedback personally. While my daughter loves her pink room, the new family’s little boy may not.
2. Clean, Clean, Clean. Most people will appreciate a clean house. They will think, if I take care of the small things, I probably take care of the big things.
3. DECLUTTER! Unless you are living in a 6000 square foot home, make your home look spacious. Furniture should be moved to the corners and walls, create flow patterns and space! The garage or the basement makes a perfect home for your husband’s huge recliner in the Living Room!
4. Make sure your price is right, make an unemotional decision regarding the actual market price and not what you need or want to get out of it. Really look at the market to determine actual value!
5. Be Patient. While this was the most stressful aspect for me, I realize it only takes one family to fall in love with my home. While it felt like forever, I am very happy the experience is over!

Selling a house is hard work, the Saturday 7:00 am showings, or the surprise 6:50 pm showing call right after I put the baby in the bathtub! I never turned down a showing no matter how much it inconvenienced me. It paid off, we sold our house to a woman who requested a no-notice showing in the evening. Her and her family fell in love with the house!