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- November
A good agent can help greatly with the emotional upheaval of leaving a home | Anne Porter
Posted: 30th November -0001
Moving home, says Lanice Steward, MD of Anne Porter Knight Frank, can often be a tearful, emotionally upsetting experience – even for those in the fortunate position to be upscaling.
“Any experienced agent,” said Steward, “will tell you that a house sale is all too often made necessary by the four “Ds” – death, divorce, debt or downscaling – and these almost invariably contribute to making it a severely stressful period in the seller’s life.
“Most human beings do not like change,” said Steward, “and saying goodbye to a place in which you may have reared children and pets, planted a garden and entertained relatives and friends will always be a wrench – so much so that I sometimes wonder how so many older people cope with it so well.
“A sensitive and compassionate estate agent will, however, be aware of the potential misery in the situation and can help a great deal by reminding the seller that this is an experience that most sellers go through.”
A good agent, she added, will also help the seller by reminding him of the plans he should make, such as finding kennels for the dog, ensuring that the electricity and plumbing are disconnected, that the property is protected while empty and that the garden is maintained. He will also remind the sellers to tell the neighbours of the move and ask them to keep an eye on the property when it is unoccupied.
“If the move is well planned, this will go a long way to making it less upsetting,” said Steward. “Above all, the mover must accept that such feelings are normal and do not last forever.”
For an independent-minded person, said Steward, downscaling to a retirement complex can be especially irksome but, she added, it is gratifying to see how in well run retirement estates, even the most antisocial residents in time usually begin to appreciate the company of others.
For further information contact Lanice Steward on 021 671 9120 or email lanice@anneporter.co.za.
“Any experienced agent,” said Steward, “will tell you that a house sale is all too often made necessary by the four “Ds” – death, divorce, debt or downscaling – and these almost invariably contribute to making it a severely stressful period in the seller’s life.
“Most human beings do not like change,” said Steward, “and saying goodbye to a place in which you may have reared children and pets, planted a garden and entertained relatives and friends will always be a wrench – so much so that I sometimes wonder how so many older people cope with it so well.
“A sensitive and compassionate estate agent will, however, be aware of the potential misery in the situation and can help a great deal by reminding the seller that this is an experience that most sellers go through.”
A good agent, she added, will also help the seller by reminding him of the plans he should make, such as finding kennels for the dog, ensuring that the electricity and plumbing are disconnected, that the property is protected while empty and that the garden is maintained. He will also remind the sellers to tell the neighbours of the move and ask them to keep an eye on the property when it is unoccupied.
“If the move is well planned, this will go a long way to making it less upsetting,” said Steward. “Above all, the mover must accept that such feelings are normal and do not last forever.”
For an independent-minded person, said Steward, downscaling to a retirement complex can be especially irksome but, she added, it is gratifying to see how in well run retirement estates, even the most antisocial residents in time usually begin to appreciate the company of others.
For further information contact Lanice Steward on 021 671 9120 or email lanice@anneporter.co.za.
Posted by: Anne Porter Knight Frank
