EMOTIONAL LEDGE OF SELLING

Like so many impacted by Helene and Milton’s flooding, I spent a fair amount of time at laundromat. A visit didn’t pass without talking someone (or a couple) off the ledge of emotional selling. The conversation was the same. They all displayed a complex blend of grief, nostalgia, and a sense of displacement. It’s akin to mourning the loss of a significant part of oneself, as a home often represents identity, security, and a sense of belonging.

Grief and sadness:? The loss of a home can trigger feelings of profound sadness and sorrow, particularly if the home held many cherished memories or represented a significant period of life. ?

Nostalgia and longing: ?A yearning for the past, remembering happy times spent in the home and feeling a sense of loss for the familiar comforts and routines it provided. ?

Disorientation and displacement:? Losing a home can disrupt the sense of stability and identity, making you feel lost and uncertain about the future. ?

Rootlessness and a sense of belonging:? Feeling disconnected from your surroundings and struggle to establish a sense of belonging in a new place. 

Homeowners believed their value was gone, repairs beyond comprehension and no one would ever consider buying a flooded house. Most of the conversation was by them. After, the psychological release of these overwhelming emotions, every single person was ready to sell. Wanted to list. Accepting of the upcoming process of selling and loosing equity.

My end of the conversation was not about listing really. I ask for a commitment to call me after we talk and they have had an opportunity to discuss our conversation. All agreed.

I explained the emotional toll and range of affective stresses. Homelessness, loss, the range of emotions. Then ask what makes them think they are alone? What makes them think their home is the only one that got wet and lost it’s value? No one lost their life. It’s paradise with some violent wind and water.

Over 150,000 buildings were flooded, entire neighborhoods felt the unusual 40+ inches of surge Helene pushed in, then in a matter of 13 days Milton pushed the black sand water of unprecedented 50+ inches of slimy sticky black sedimented salt water in and out of their homes. Taking with it history, mementos, and a stripping loss of all that was their life a month before. The value lost in our homes is not necessarily the home but the vast personal loss. Deeply agonizing drawn out trauma of loss of what felt like everything. The grief and dispair so many people felt and continue to feel is real and the toll is heavy. Home owners need nurturing that this is temporary and not a time for a fire sale of what is likely the largest financial investment in your life. Choose wisely.

In the end- You are not alone. People will sell out, and people will continue to come. As many that leave, as many and more will come. Your neighbor flooded, the majority of many neighborhoods flooded. Businesses and livelihoods were devastated. So, deep breath and consider values of real estate across the board. Separating personal loss from the readily replaceable finish work in a home is the difficulty in such a loss. To achieve separation, you will realize the emotional urge to sell is rooted in personal loss not real estate values. Step away from the ledge! Return your home to not just its former glory, but add the details that makes it so nice you don’t want to leave (or if home shopping-would buy it). Consider modifications that will lessen future water intrusion. Then call me. Then we will sell it. For market price not the emotional fire sale price.

FLOOD PROOF?