Here’s something I believe all home sellers should keep in mind:
I once had a client who wanted to sell her 5-room HDB. Simultaneously, she needed my help to find a 3-room HDB for a downgrade.
As we all know, selling one HDB and buying another, all while moving in without the need to rent in between, demands careful timeline planning. It can get pretty complicated.
There are numerous variables to consider: securing an extension of stay from your unit’s buyer, managing loans for the next purchase, searching for the next suitable unit, ensuring the seller of your desired unit is willing to extend, and timing the completion to guarantee funds for the new purchase. It’s a complex web of factors.
After successfully selling my client’s HDB, I immediately doubled down on finding her a new one. But let me tell you, it was a stressful experience. House-hunting can be intense, especially when you need to find a replacement quickly, and budget constraints is an issue. Her choices were limited since she was looking for something newer.
We went for several viewings, and I’d always ask for her feedback. However, at one point, she went MIA for a few days, leaving me anxious because our timeline was tight. I thought it might be a service issue, and I even offered to connect her with another agent. But she refused, explaining that she was stressed out and needed a break.
As an agent, I can’t deny feeling frustrated. But I also reminded myself that I’m human, and so was she, with emotions and other commitments. This situation made me feel helpless, and it was clear that she was going through a tough time as well.
Above all those feelings, I was really feeling anxious. You might think I was anxious about my commission, and I hoped it was, but honestly, I was willing to forgo that 1% commission. It wasn’t worth dealing with the situation when my client kept disappearing, and I had no idea what was happening when she refused to communicate. Some people even suggested I give up because they could see how emotionally affected I was.
But I couldn’t give up on her. If I had, she’d likely have been left in a mess she couldn’t handle alone. It became a responsibility, transcending monetary concerns. The responsibility of not leaving a person to face something she couldn’t manage.
Finally, after close to a week, I managed to re-establish contact with her and subsequently found her a place. Yes, we work for money, just like everyone else, but sometimes, it’s about more than money. Can I say I was ecstatic about helping her find a place? Probably not, but I was super relieved that her problem was solved.
For sellers out there, remember, planning a seamless timeline for selling and buying a home isn’t a walk in the park. It’s crucial to work closely with your agent to ensure a smooth process and avoid any hiccups.