The Reality of Selling Your Home – From Someone Who’s Lived It
Since getting married in 1977, my husband and I have sold over 25 of our own homes. We’ve done it with toddlers at our feet, teenagers pushing back, and now as empty nesters. I’ve also walked this road with hundreds of clients. As a Realtor, I’ve always believed you can’t truly understand what your clients go through unless you’ve done it yourself—and often.
Selling a home is emotional, exhausting, and sometimes even frustrating. First comes the prep: decluttering, which can take longer than you expect and stir up unexpected feelings. Then there’s painting, sprucing up landscaping, and investing time and money into making your home show-ready. Even the tiniest things—lightbulb color, clean windows, small touch-ups—matter because buyers notice everything.
And then, just when you’ve vacuumed the floors, wiped down the counters, turned on every light, wrangled the pets, and stepped out to give buyers their tour—nobody shows up. No call. No text. Just a no-show.
Of course, emergencies happen. But too often, it’s not about life getting in the way—it’s about a lack of respect. Some agents forget that behind every showing is a homeowner who put in a tremendous amount of effort for that one appointment. And that effort deserves basic courtesy.
If you’re preparing to sell, know this: it’s a journey. One I’ve taken many times—and one I’ll help you navigate every step of the way.