Think Before You Think About Selling or Buying!

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Some days I look around my house and say “How did I end up in this dump? And how can I escape?”

Never mind that everyone who visits says nice things about how delightful the place is. That vintage stove! The rustic softwood floors! The unique Victorian windows! The sunny deck! The California buckeye tree!

They don’t know about the creaking floors, the cranky heating system, the funky foundation, and the fact that the buckeye is threatening to eat up the whole backyard before devouring the neighbors’ houses as well.

I’ve no worthy complaints. My historical house is warm and solid and perfectly located. Besides, I’m quite certain that I can live just about anywhere and be happy.

Yet I’ve also learned that I can stay exactly where I am and be happy. When it comes to happiness, it’s better to look within than without (at our home, our relationships, our jobs). So, if you’re itching to move, please slow down and consider it carefully. Changing houses is inconvenient at best and, at worst, expensive, stressful and super messy.

There are other ways to scratch that make-a-move itch. Here are 10 of my favorites:

1. Buy a cool plant.

2. Get new fluffy towels (repurpose the old ones for cleaning).

3. Remove the wall art you’ve ceased seeing and be on the lookout for something new.

4. Quickly box up any stuff you’re not using and put it in the attic or basement, pending future review and purging.

5. Paint one wall an unexpected color.

6. Rearrange your living room furniture.

7. Freshen your front door with a wreath or a spray of rosemary.

8. Invite some friends over for tea or game night.

9. Take a long, hot bath with Epsom salts and a few drops of essential oil.

10. Remember how you felt when your house was new to you.

Don’t spend oodles of time contemplating which friends, where to put the sofa, or the choices of plant, towels, wall color, or essential oil. Keep it simple and remember it’s not permanent.

Do spend some time sinking into the comfort and support your home provides – exactly as it is now.

Like the Buddha said, “Serenity comes when you trade expectations for acceptance.” And who among us wouldn’t enjoy a heaping helping of serenity right about now?

Author and RealEstateTherapy curator Cynthia Cummins has been devoted to homeowners and homebuyers for three decades and counting. Visit KindredSFhomes.com for more information on San Francisco real estate.

Photo Credit: Arno Smit