And selling a house is a lot like going on submission. I had that same pit in my stomach when I submitted my MLS listing. I cried a little when I got the call to schedule our first showing. I called my husband approximately 5 times to get details on what the people looked like:
Me: So how old do you think they were?
Him: Hard to say.
Me: Did they look like they'd like my crazy decorating?
Him: Well, they weren't wearing yellow.
Me: Crap. Did they seem nice?
Him: Sure, for the two seconds I saw them.
Me: Isn't there anything you can tell me about these people? You've gotta throw me a bone here.
Him: The wife was pretty hot.
Me: .....
So, yeah. I suck at selling a house in exactly the same way I sucked at going out on submission. I'm a little in love with my house the same way I was a little a lot in love with The Liar Society. It's hard sending something you love out into the world and inviting people to judge it, to put a value on it.
And it's even harder when the only response you get is silence.
So, authors and amateur realtors take heart. You're not alone. The pit in your stomach can almost always be quieted by ice cream and the sting of rejection will subside to a dull ache if you drink enough wine. These things have a way of working themselves out. In retrospect there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that The Liar Society found its rightful home at Sourcebooks Fire. Sure, it took 5 months of torture to get there, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I'm sure things will work out the same way for our little house. The right buyer will show up. Eventually. And in the meantime, I'll be here.
Waiting.
With ice cream. And wine. Lots and lots of wine.
10 comments:
I dread the day when I have to sell the house we are in now--I WANT to move, but then I think that moving will just, you know, kinda throw me over the edge. Was not thrilled when the realtor we brought in to do an assessment cringed at my wallpaper. I love my wallpaper. Good luck dahlink--it'll happen! xxxxx
I remember staging the heck out of my first house when we wanted to sell it -- and agonizing over the first showing. Luckily for us, we only had to do it the once. When you're selling the ONLY available townhouse in your entire school district, it doesn't last long. I probably could have left dirty laundry out and a young family wanting into the district would have snapped it up anyway.
I hope your house sells quickly to a great couple who loves your decorating!
Haha! Only you all would look at these two in the same way. I don't care THAT much about my house. Of course, I didn't do a major redecorating job before trying to sell it. I kind of like your husband.
So not looking forward to when we eventually put our house on the market.
I've never sold a home - or a book - but I'm sure you're right. Or at least I hope you are.
A lot going on in my world right now. I'll have to see if the ice cream + wine bit will calm any of the stress being caused. ;)
It sounds like you really love your house. When we had to sell our last house I made sure it was perfect for every showing. Now I wish I hadn't worked so hard...I miss our house so much. Whenever we are in Saint Louis I drive by and make sure the people who bought it are taking care of it. They cut down the tree in the front yard. I loved that tree, but I have to say it looks really nice, you can see the whole front of the house.
Good luck with selling your house. :)
*jogs in out of left field to say...*
I approve of the wine. Good luck selling the house, m'dear!
*whooshes away, cape flapping*
This got a pretty good chuckle out of both my boyfriend and I. Good luck with selling the house!
Great post. Made me laugh. Funny enough I renovate houses for a living, and even though we do it for a business it is still hard to have people judge it and wonder. And my MS is so precious to me every rejection slices me in two.
I think I need some of your wine :)
I'm a new follower, looking forward to future posts :)
jade
http://www.dreamwritepublish.blogspot.com/
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