By definition, a subconscious fear is one that resides somewhere beneath the surface but which influences one’s actions and feelings. You know it’s there even if you can’t put your finger on it.
Because buying or selling a home is often the largest financial transaction a person will ever make, the prospect of doing so can be daunting.
It’s Only Natural to have Fears
Add to that the uncertainty inherent in executing a complicated task with little or no experience in that area and it’s understandable that a person’s subconscious would lead to feelings of doubt, or at least uncertainty.
Subconscious fear can affect both homebuyers and home sellers, especially those doing it for the first time. However, it is most common among sellers who typically feel that they don’t have to sell now and decide to put it off.
Often, potential sellers will tell themselves that their home needs to be in perfect condition to be able to sell it. Others are simply uncomfortable with the idea of people coming through their home. Still others are afraid they’ll be seen as snobby by friends and neighbors for moving up in the world.
However, these vague and often irrational concerns can prevent a person from doing what is in his best interest. So how does one confront these fears? Here are three easy ways.
Cut Yourself some Slack
Don’t be afraid to admit to yourself that buying and selling a home is indeed a big deal, and cut yourself some slack for having trepidations about whether or not to proceed. Nearly everyone has them. Just because you can’t put your finger on what might be making you uneasy, don’t let it stop you from acknowledging that something is.
Arm yourself with factual information
Realtor.com monitors the country’s top 146 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) and reports on trends including median list prices, active inventory counts, median age of inventory, supply and demand indicators, and more.
While it varies from market to market, the overall trends are indicative of a continued strong market for home sales. Compared to a year ago, inventories are down and sale prices are up. In most places, it’s a seller’s market. If you were considering a sale, now would seem to be a good time.
Of course, this information is not yet specific enough to ease your mind. You’ll want to know what the market is like for comparable homes in your area, and if possible, your specific neighborhood.
Get Sound Advice
A real estate agent can provide up-to-date sales prices for comparable homes in your area. Importantly, they will offer advice on what you need to focus on to get your house ready to sell. Certain improvements, assuming some are needed, will provide more bang for the buck and others.
More often than not, you will know with confidence at this point whether to proceed with the sale of your home. If the answer is no, nothing is lost. If the answer is yes, you’re halfway there.
