Getting Real About Real Estate — Feb 2021

By Andrea Gordon, Realtor®

​​​​​​​Berkeley Hills Magazine Expert Contributor

​​​​​​​There's a reason moving is right up there among the most stressful things that can happen to a human being. By nature, we’re all territorial, and all the uncertainty that comes into play when selling the home you have lived in for years can feel disquieting. Just know that no matter how fortu- itous the reason for the move, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and out of sorts during the process.

If the reasons for selling are not happy ones, it makes it that much more difficult.

As a Realtor®, I am always engaging with people at stressful moments in their lives – maybe they have lost a loved one, had a new baby, gotten a new job, lost a job, gotten married, are getting divorced – the list goes on and on, but just know at the outset that no matter the reasons, they can make you feel anxious. It is inevitable.

During this COVID pandemic many have realized that their current home no longer meets their needs: needs for home offices, for “Zoom rooms,” home gyms, open space, or a sense of security. You name it, a global pandemic has also factored into the reasons people change domiciles...and that is stressful, too.

If you are going through a major life change such as divorce, be honest with your Realtor® about it. Don’t shy away from being open. Information is powerful and necessary when conducting a real estate transaction, especial- ly one involving a principal residence. Also remember that anything you

tell your Realtor® stays between you and them. We are fiduciaries, and you can trust us with personal information. Ensuring we are in the loop helps us do our jobs. It also helps us understand the motivation behind your sale.

The biggest advice I can give to you is to trust your Realtor®. If you have chosen well, then listen to what they are telling you about price, aesthetic upgrades, timing, etc. Have a real conversation with them about your thoughts, concerns and desires. They will take everything you tell them into account. Most good Realtors® understand that all economies are personal and not just global. They will understand your requirement for time, concerns about pricing and the level of help you need.

If you do not trust your Realtor®, then problems will ensue. You shouldn’t be working with someone you don’t innately trust, anyway. A good Realtor® wants to help you and make the sale process as good an experience as pos- sible. You increase the likelihood of making this happen by being truthful, honest and open. Selling the house is a partnership. So, treat it like one.

For a sale to work out well, you need all these elements: honesty, goodwill, trust and partnership.

Real Estate - Local
Andrea Gordon, Realtor® 510-421-6818

[email protected] Visit here