I Hate My House

I Hate My House

I have been having the same conversation time and time again with all sorts of  people – they hate their house (they no longer refer to it as their HOME) and they feel stuck as they bought at the height of the market and owe more than what they could sell for. It’s a difficult situation to be in and one so many face.

If you find yourself in the situation where you want to move but just can not at the moment,  there are a few things you can try to feel good about your house. You may never fall in love again with your house, but you may be able to enjoy your time while you are there:

·    Remember what you loved about your home in the first place. Think back to that exciting time when you were out with your real estate agent and stumbled upon the house you wanted to call home. Remember that feeling? Now, what was it that made that home so special? Was it the wood burning fireplace that you never use? Was it the large backyard you found perfect for parties but never threw? If so, capitalize on those things. Go out, stock up on firewood, and start a cozy fire and have a family night reading books with the tv off. Or, get your green thumb working, invite your friends and neighbors, and fire up that BBQ for a party you will never forget. By doing these things, you will be creating more POSITIVE memories that just may get you through this rough period.

·    Attempt some small remodeling projects. When you bought your home, you most likely noticed a few things that you wanted to change and then life got in the way and you never got around to it. Now would be the time to to make those changes! Have some dated light fixtures? Take a trip to Lowes and pick out new ones that tickle your fancy. Dislike your kitchen cabinets but don’t have the cash flow to change them? Consider replacing the pulls/handles...you would be amazed at the difference a small change like this can make. Bathroom looking a little tired? Have your tile re-grouted or paint the room with a fresh color. Small updates can make you feel better about your space and will help sell your home when it is time for you to put your home on the real estate market.

·    Get organized. Clutter can be very overwhelming and make your home feel even smaller. Create more space by throwing away papers you no longer need, donating items you no longer use, and storing keepsakes in uniformed containers. Don’t know where to start? Consider hiring a professional organizer. The Pro can make suggestions, help you buy the right kind of containers, and even be the ring leader on where to start. Having a little breathing room and more space can give a new lease on life to your home!

I hope some of these tips can help you rekindle some of the magic you first felt when you initially bought your home. If you simply can not tolerate your house any longer and can afford to take a loss, that is also an option to consider but it can be a difficult pill to swallow – I know from personal experience!

Thinking of selling in the Henrico County Real Estate or Richmond Real Estate market and do not know the value of your home? Contact me, Shannon Milligan at Home Sweet Henrico with Keller Williams Realty, for a free analysis today!