It always seems like a good start to the year to look on the bright side and be positive - and I could just focus on having the sale of a house complete this week and trumpet the success. And it IS a success considering that 1 in 3 sales fall through - sometimes we forget that agreeing a sale is just the start! And this recent completion looked like adding to that statistic with complications and delays in December. But, I think that’s why it’s important to acknowledge the difficulties and challenges, whilst maintaining some clear headed focus.
Selling a house is often described as one of life’s most stressful events, and this is one of the reason’s. The process can feel overwhelming, with its endless stream of paperwork, negotiations, and unpredictable twists and turns. On top of that, a home is so much more than just a physical space—it’s where memories are made. Letting go can feel deeply emotional, making the practicalities of selling even harder.
But amidst the chaos, it’s important to remember why you’re doing this. Whether it’s for a bigger space, a fresh start, or to move closer to family, the ultimate goal is worth holding on to. Staying positive won’t erase the challenges, but it can help you navigate them with clarity and purpose. Here are three practical ways to keep your mindset on track.
1. Focus on the Big Picture
When the process feels overwhelming, step back and remind yourself of the reason you’re selling in the first place. Whether it’s the allure of a better location, more space for your growing family, or downsizing for a simpler life; keep that vision front and centre.
It’s easy to get bogged down in the small frustrations, like that low offer you weren’t expecting or the endless tidying up for viewings. But these are temporary hurdles, not permanent roadblocks. By focusing on your end goal, you can shift your mindset from frustration to determination, knowing each step gets you closer to where you want to be.
2. Control What You Can, Accept What You Can’t
In the house-selling process, not everything will be within your control. Chains can break, buyers can pull out, and surveys may reveal issues you didn’t anticipate. While it’s natural to feel disappointed in these moments, dwelling on what’s beyond your control won’t help - and in same instances you can end passing on your frustarion to someone else.
Instead, channel your energy into the things you can influence. Present your home in the best possible light by decluttering, repairing minor issues, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers. Staying organised with documents and deadlines can also help you feel more in control. Recognising where you can make a difference—and letting go of the rest—will reduce unnecessary stress.
3. Keep Track of What’s Going Well
Amidst the challenges, it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong and lose sight of the progress you’re making. Combat this by keeping track of the wins, no matter how small. Did you get repeat viewings? Did the survey come back clear on the home you want? Did a buyer make a positive comment about your home? Did the declutter help you as well as make the house look better in photos?
By noting the positives, you can balance the negatives and maintain perspective. Progress may feel slow, but these small victories add up. Reflecting on them can boost your morale and remind you that you are moving forward, even when it feels like two steps back.
Selling a home is a process, not a permanent state. While it may feel all-encompassing right now, it’s important to remind yourself that this is a chapter, not the whole story. When it’s over, you’ll be stepping into a new space, ready for new beginnings.
Comments