Getting My Own House Ready for the Market

When my husband and I drove up to our current house during our house hunting phase 7 years ago we both knew this was the one.  I love old houses and although this is certainly not a landmark (it was built in the 1940's), it has a lot of charming features.  The wood walk-in pantry sealed the deal and we were up against another buyer so had to offer full price plus waive my portion of the commission. 

When we got married my youngest son was still living with me and my daughter lost her roommate and couldn't afford to rent the nice house she was in on her own.  She also had a new baby and couldn't handle it all so asked if she could move back home - after 11 years on her own!  Hubby and I talked it over and said yes. 

Our Beloved Home Fits Us Like OJ's Glove

My musician husband has been relegated to a corner of our bedroom when he thought he'd have the entire family room to himself.  Our bedroom, although large to begin with, now is filled with his computer and all the musician stuff that he uses with it, not to mention many of his instruments. 

I would have liked to use that space for exercise equipment but can't.  We talked about putting up an addition but I'm seeing so many great homes that would be perfect for us at such good prices it wouldn't make sense paying the money an addition would cost.

We won't have the charm of our current home, but we'll have the space we need.  I was brought up in a large house and I've never felt the need for one personally - just more to clean.  My son and daughter-in-law own a large house with a lot of wasted space and I like a good, usable floor plan.  So our Oak Lawn home will be put up for sale.

Decluttering - I Have to Follow My Own Advice

We have a two-story garage and the upper level is filled with stuff.  And it's become pretty hap-hazard.  We spent last Sunday trying to clean and get rid of a lot but we didn't get too far (I think I broke a rib or two on Oct. 30th from a fall and could only work a little while).  And I have to be there to delegate what goes and what stays, of course!

I'm looking at my kitchen and my game plan is ready for when we list.  Get rid of the 2nd coffee pot and all the different fruit bowls I have, even though they're cute.  Clean the crap off the top of the fridge.  I'll work on cleaning the cabinets inside after we list it.

I don't even want to think of my 26 year old son's bedroom.  It's a sty!  But he'll be responsible for that after he helps with the garage.

I am a "collector."  I love antiques and have a few large pieces that maybe in a larger house I can actually use (2 need to be reupholstered).  But I have a lot of other old things - old cake holders and other cooking and storing items.  I have some on display in my pantry but I have others stored.  Do I need them?  Probably not - but I don't think I want to get rid of them - they might be worth money some day!  I'm now thinking of my poor kids when they go through my stuff after I die.  They'll probably hire one of those junk dealers that will take it all, including the good stuff, for a fraction of what its worth.

My Second Home Purchase This Year Has Made Me Want to Live Lighter

Having my Scottsdale, AZ townhouse with only one junk drawer and not much in storage makes me want to come back here and just throw everything out.  I even want to decorate my next house differently - I want a new start!  I'm really looking forward to it.  But it's time consuming and I've got a deadline.  Since I'm moving, I'd like to take advantage of the new tax credit.  So I've got to work quickly so I can get a contract on my next home by the end of April 2010. 

That Deadline is Giving Me the Boost I Need

We've been talking about moving for a while now.  I keep coming home and talking about the perfect house I just saw.  We ordered new kitchen windows last night (our wonderful old wood windows are barely usable - only the ones over the sink actually open).  That just won't do.

We need to get a painter asap to paint the exterior of our house before the weather gets too cold.  We should have had this done already.

Our final big project (besides my son's bedroom) is the upstairs bathroom that needs to be redone.  I refuse to sell it as it is.  I want a quick sale so my house needs to be as good as it can be and we can handle the bathroom. 

We should redo the kitchen but that's where I'm drawing the line.  We fell in love with the quaint knotty pine wood wainscoting and matching cabinets.  We don't expect others to love it like we did but it won't make sense to remodel it at this point.  That's why we want everything else to look as perfect and clean and updated as possible.

I Will Journal My Sale

I planned on keeping up posts about selling my home.  I'll probably put it on my Cook County blog.  I'd like sellers to see how an agent markets their own property.  I better get back in that garage since it's pretty nice out and my ribs aren't hurting too bad right now.  Gotta de-clutter!

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