Indianapolis Area Real Estate Blog

Leave the House

As a matter of preference, I recommend my home sellers don’t hang around when the buyer is performing a final walk-through. A final walk through is the buyers opportunity to ensure all requested repairs were completed and the home is in the same condition as it was when they wrote the offer.

Because of circumstances beyond my control (movers, moving trucks and the day the buyer chose), I had to be home when the buyers came through for their final inspection of my home. My REALTOR® did ask if I wanted them to come by, but…..Hey, I’m a big girl and besides that, I’m a REALTOR®; I know to just stay out of the way, give them the receipts for the repairs and let them inspect.

Well, not so fast there – I still have an emotional connection to this place I have called home and I know the work we have put into it. If they want to know how the pool works or what day the trash gets picked up, well, I can answer that. The question I wasn’t prepared for caught me off guard and left me wondering what happen to the professional REALTOR® I am. So my emotions got the best of me, but, at least I waited until the new buyer left. Now there’s the professional in me  :)

What was the question? What’s underneath the carpet in the fire-pit conversation area around the fireplace? A seemingly innocent question, until, they tell me they plan on taking out the carpet, level the floor, replace the flooring, tear out a wall, remodel the kitchen, take out the pantry……………………etc. It’s not that I don’t believe this home needs some more updates or remodeling.

But, today, it is still MY home and I wanted to believe someone bought my home because they would love it as much as I do. The truth is, they will come here and make it their home – I just didn’t want to hear about it – at least not today.

Home sellers, get out of the house when the buyers come by and inspect. Leave them a nice note and imagine how much they will love your home. I guarantee you’ll be glad you did.   

Discussion

#1 By Jay Thompson at 10/8/2008 4:27 PM

Paula -

I'm days (and days) behind on my feed reader. I think as Realtors we often forget how emotional selling a home can be. We even try to tell clients "think of it as a business transaction. Emotion is bad." But the reality is there is *no way* to emotionally detach from a home. I'm so sorry you had to go through this. If you don't mind, I'm going to file this away and share it with future clients. Your pain may help someone else (not that that helps you any)

Enjoy those grandbabies!

#2 By Paula at 10/10/2008 4:33 AM

Jay - I'm behind here also. Thanks for your kind words and please do share; that's why I wrote it. There really is no easy way to emotionally detach even for a "big girl Realtor" like me. :)

I am headed to Columbus next week to see two grandbabies and grandbaby #2 has a fourth birthday next week. Wouldn't trade being here for anything.

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