A New Year Brings Changes

I knew when I was preparing for the Christmas holidays that afterwards, I would need to immediately turn my attention toward preparing the house for sale, but I didn’t expect it to move so quickly.

Actually, a lot of the preparation had already been accomplished during the last 2020 and 2021. I slowly cleaned and organized all of those little areas that rarely get attention. After 20 years in one home there are collections that need sorting! I’d like to say I was ruthless about chunking junk, but I still have boxes of items created or collected by our children. It is much easier to throw out a blender than a kindergarten craft project!

As I cleaned, I packed boxes and stacked them in the garage. Once the Christmas decoration was back in its boxes, I added those to the stack, then Dale and I began moving furniture out as well. Anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary, or may be considered clutter by potential home buyers, was moved into the garage. We had already rented a storage unit so we started putting smaller items in the Honda and moving them over. As soon as D is available we will go ahead and move the furniture.

During the last couple of weeks we’ve been touching up paint, removing all personal photos and emptying desks. Even our master closet looks great!

Dale and I had made a list of three potential realtors to interview, however, while having lunch with my girlfriends, one of them mentioned Ryan Beardmore was a realtor. I’ve know Ryan and his family for more than 15 years and was almost relieved to receive the suggestion. The only competition was the realtor Dale’s parents used, but she is not available. Coincidental? Nope.

Ryan came by twice last week and discussed the process, pricing and preparations. Though his services will cost us, Dale and I both agree that we would rather not handle it ourselves and we would also like to provide income to a godly family. The Lord will provide the profit we need regardless of the realtor fees.

So, this Tuesday we have a “stager” coming to look at the house. We told Ryan we would like to be able to stay in our home until May but if a good offer is given, we could move more quickly. Knowing this, I look around our home with fondness and a bit of sorrow. I believe, however, that because we removed our family photos and much of my decor, it seems a bit easier to detach. I also keep reminding myself that this is one step in a much bigger journey and I need to keep my eyes on the Lord. Our adventure sounds exciting, and I believe it will be, but I also know there will be difficult times, frustrations and possible detours. I think as long as Dale and I face it together, in obedience to Christ, we will have joy and peace.

Here are some photos before it is stage.