I still remember the first time this happened. I was all excited about a new listing and then the seller called.
She said “there’s a Long and Foster sign in my yard”.
Yes. Aren’t you excited?
No reply. After a long pause, in a voice that’s just a bit shaky and starting to crack, “I didn’t realize it would be this emotional.”
This happens more than you would think. It’s a strange thing. We spend hours talking about selling the house, picking a price, fixing it up and signing the documents. Yet for whatever reason, the emotional impact of selling doesn’t seem to hit until the “for sale” sign goes up.
I’ve often wondered what it is about seeing the sign that triggers such an emotional response. I think it opens up an emotional loop.
Remember the first time you saw your house? There was a sign in the front yard, the house belonged to somebody else, and you wanted it. At that moment, you most likely saw all your future hopes and dreams coming true under that roof. You fell in love with it.
Now imagine, it’s a decade or so later, and once again, there is a “for sale” sign in the front yard. This time it’s your front yard. It’s a marker that tells the world, especially your neighbors, it’s my turn, I’m moving.
Life moves fast. Over the years, we go in and out of our home so often that it’s easy to take it for granted. The appearance of the sign stops us in our tracks.
We slow down. We reflect. We think about those initial hopes and dreams, how some became reality, and all the happy memories. Then you realize the house will no longer be yours. Malini Tolat described it as “you feel like a part of you is going away”.
Daniel Mitz captured the essence of the emotions best. We were standing next to the sign in front of his parent’s house, when he said “It’s bitter-sweet.” I am sure that is how Wynne and I will feel when it’s our time to sell.
If there is one thing this has taught our team, it’s don’t wait for a sign. Sometimes you just have to slow down and appreciate all you have.
