The emotional stages of selling your own house For-Sale-By-Owner.

Summary

The text discusses the emotional stages of selling a house without an agent, a process known as For-Sale-By-Owner, and how these stages can mirror the stages of grief.

Abstract

The article delves into the complex emotional journey that individuals may experience when selling their house through the For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) approach. It draws parallels between the stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—and the stages of selling a home, from the initial comparables stage through to the closing with a haunting laughter. The author emphasizes that not everyone goes through these stages in the same way or order, and the emotional impact can vary greatly from person to person. The piece acknowledges that while the DABDA (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance) framework may not apply universally, it can be a helpful guide for some. The author, Don, invites readers to engage with his work on real estate and writing through his various online platforms.

Opinions

The author suggests that selling a house FSBO can be a deeply emotional experience, akin to dealing with a death or separation.
It is implied that the emotional process of selling a house is highly individual, with people experiencing different stages for varying durations.
The article posits that the DABDA framework, typically used for understanding grief, can also be relevant in the context of selling a home.
There is an acknowledgment that not everyone will find the DABDA model applicable to their situation when selling their house.
The author provides a personal touch by inviting readers to connect with him on his websites, indicating a belief in the value of shared experience and community support in real estate transactions.

Acceptance — (The Closing Agent’s haunting laughter)

Most people that experience a death or a separation or a closing go through these stages. Not everyone experiences them in the same order and some people stay in one stage longer than others. For example, one person may be in denial about an event for a few days, but stay angry for several months. Another person may only feel angry for a week or two, but feel depressed for much longer.

It’s important to remember that everyone experiences grief differently. There is no one way to experience grief or separation. Let’s say one of your friends closes his house the same time you do. You may experience it much worse than your friend, or you may seem unaffected with yours, while everyone around you is struggling with theirs.

After you acknowledge that you have closed your house, what do you do about it?

DABDA may not necessarily apply to you in your situation, but if this has been some help to you, good for you. (This info from one of my earlier blogs.)

The emotional stages of selling your own house For-Sale-By-Owner.

It may go deeper than you think.

Denial — (Comparables stage)

Anger — (Appraisal stage)

Bargaining — (Last-minute Negotiations)

Depression — (Your attorney finally gets to see your contract, but you can’t back out by then)

Acceptance — (The Closing Agent’s haunting laughter)