Whew!
It's been some ride.
The endless conversations, the whispered praying-without-ceasing, the confirmation in our hearts that YES, we always said we'd know when it was time to go and now it is. The straight out, exhausting non-stop nuts and bolts of our month long side-by-side work to get the house to its absolute Sunday best.
And then all those endless hours of watching HGTV finally paid off as we staged each room 'just so,' a warm and homey {but not too personal} invitation to prospective buyers to imagine making themselves at home in this place. Followed by the act of signing papers as we put our home out there for all the world to see. And then our You Tube debut! {Be sure to click on the gizmo on the bottom right to get the big picture!}
It's all been a real trip. In the best sense of the word. Really.
And you guys, well you've been the BEST cheerleaders ever! As I began to share our transition journey, you surrounded me with the sweetest encouragements and virtual hugs, heaven-sent prayers and emails as I put my heart right out there on the table. And I quickly realized that you were coming with me and I wouldn't need to say any online good-byes.
Can I tell you that this is an immense gift since there are so many difficult in-person farewells going on?
In a nutshell, here's a few things I learned in the whirlwind of getting the house ready to sell.
1. If you ever made a list, now's the time.
He had a list, I had a list, we had a list together. If anything or anybody had to be contacted / bought / accomplished / scheduled / checked out in some way, shape or form, it needed to be written down. Period.
2. If you ever stuffed a folder, this is it.
Every scrap of paper, every receipt, every estimate, every bit of information was kept in one easy-to-grab location. I lost count how many times I flipped that folder open to dig some kind of much-needed paper out. I blessed the day we thought of consolidating every bit of info into one place.
3. If you ever underestimated your abilities, forget about it.
I've always been a coach potato and never knew a screwdriver from a hammer{well, almost}. But it was all hands on deck to get everything done in the very small window of time we had set for ourselves, so I had no choice but to climb ladders and strip wallpaper and spackle a million nail holes and haul garbage and make big decisions much more quickly than I would have preferred.
4. If you ever bought supplies, buy more than you think you need.
You think you won't, but you WILL run out of paint or caulking stuff or paper towels or mulch. Always. So we bought more than we needed, no matter what it was, and we were able to return the leftovers easily.
5. If you ever said 'thanks' right and left, this is the opportunity.
To our realtor team and the photographer they sent our way to capture the beautiful pictures for the listing ... we hit it off with them all right from the first minute.
To the guys at Home Depot and the hardware store and the garden center. They know their stuff.
The flooring installers and the appliance delivery men deserve some kind of medal. They didn't get bored with our questions and observations or irritated by our obsessive insistence on details and minutia. We tipped them well and called their bosses and sang their praises. I hope they get big fat raises.
And then there was the patience and grace we had to keep extending back and forth to each other, husband and wife, as we got under each other's skin on more than a few occasions. And the great relief in knowing that God was right in the midst of all the craziness as we forged together 'round the next corner.
Literally.
Let's talk houses.
Updating, staging, listing, selling.
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THE TRANSITION JOURNEY ~ AN UNEXPECTED SERIES
The Getting-the-House-Ready-to-Sell Whirlwind
Leaning in the Whirlwind
The Sheer Joy of Kindred Spirit Companionship
Honoring My Clients As I Close Up Shop
3 Things I Loved Most About House Church
Choosing Light-Hearted Responses
Moving On
Leaning in the Whirlwind
The Sheer Joy of Kindred Spirit Companionship
Honoring My Clients As I Close Up Shop
3 Things I Loved Most About House Church
Choosing Light-Hearted Responses
Moving On
*
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And God will provide The Buyer! Great Job!! The fun of moving will be your next chapter!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
And now to start going through those large Rubbermaid tubs in the basement and pull out stuff for auction.
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JOB WELL DONE!!!! I can see the peace of God in those pics. Your house was in tip top shape before but it is pristine now. Happy for you but sad for us.....you both will be missed tremendously.
ReplyDeleteI know, I know. This is hard. Wish I knew what I could do to make this transition easier.
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What an awesome video plus a super house & gardens to beat!
ReplyDeleteWell, thanks, Sonya! You're a sweetheart!
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Whew! You worked so hard - I'm tired just thinking about it! Getting a house ready to sell is such hard work - but is so worth it!!! Good luck with your move!
ReplyDeleteA peaceful satisfaction and sweet release came when all was said and done, ya' know? It's all in His hands now, Ginger.
DeleteAll!
Ah! I've done that! It's been awhile since we owned and sold a home--we ended up moving to new jobs in a new state just four months after we had added a bathroom to our tiny 2 bedroom, 1 bath cottage. I sold it myself--and it was A LOT of work! Fortunately, my husband is quite the handy man--so I did the selling and he did all the fixing ;). May God continue to be with you on your journey!
ReplyDeleteYep, I've got the handyman around, too, Anita. He did 99.9% of what needed to be done. I pitched in here and there, did the staging ... and gave too much unsolicited advice!
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Oh, Linda,
ReplyDeleteYour house looks beautiful and you are brave...look at all the new stuff you did with hammering etc. to get your house ready...Praying for a smooth sale and move...Glad you'll still be here online...praying God gives you extra grace as you say "good-bye" as I imagine that will be hard...((hugs))
Yes, the good-byes are hard. Some are excruciating. Yet, I know we'll still connect. In some way. God is good to give us dear companions along the way, isn't He ...
DeleteGod has someone perfect for your home, I just know it! This such a big change for you my, friend, I am SO very, very thankful that you are experiencing the peace that comes from being in the center of His will. Huge prayers for the next step.
ReplyDeleteThe center of His will. You said it all, June. That's just where we want to be, our sweet spot, our peaceful zone.
DeleteContinuing to try to discern that as we move forward. I know He'll take us there ...
Hi Linda! I can't help but think that you are being such good stewards of your property. You are applying loving care to your home, and learning such wonderful lessons in the process.
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing to me is that you and your husband aren't having duels out back every day! So much stress! And you guys are thick as thieves and working together toward you common goal. THAT is something to be so proud of. God's greatest blessings on you and your precious spouse,
Ceil
Nope - no duels out back. Not yet, at least. We're allowing each other the grace and space to get a breather from each other's intensity!
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Yes, yes, working together. Still crazy after all these years ...
Your "Whirlwind" epistle is surely something to read!!! You sure put a great deal of thought and work into what you have written - now you can have a day to do absolutely nothing at all but relax, nothing more can be done or said!
ReplyDeleteYou've got it! I plopped myself down in a chair on that wonderful back deck yesterday with a good book ... it is hard to relax at this point, but I love the process of trying to get there!
DeleteAww! Your home is beautiful and reflects you through and through. Your blood, sweat and tears have paid off. Blessings in the journey and new beginnings!
ReplyDeleteYour words are kind and gracious, friend. Thanks for your blessing as we continue to move ahead ...
DeleteSabbath peace and rest to you.
It always seems simple and easy until you actually do it yourself. Experience is the best teacher really, huh?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, it won't be too hard for us anymore then if it's our time.
Yeah, it's been an experience for sure, Lux. Now that it's done, I'm collapsing!
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Wow! What a video! I really hope you get a good house sale and very soon too. God will favor you my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless and have a fantastic New Month
It was fun to do a little house tour with you all!
DeleteYes, trusting in God's favor through this up-and-down process ...
Linda, I can almost feel the anxiety and emotions we felt as I read your post, and we weren't in our home long; though it was the first we built together. There is always that hope of someone loving and caring for it as you have; of fitting in with the neighbors you love and will miss. Okay, I'm starting to get misty-eyed now.
ReplyDeletePraying you have a quick sale and God guides you into that next phase of your journey.
Yeah, now that this phase is over, the reality that we are leaving is roaring in. I'm trying to ride the wave, by His strength.
DeleteYour prayers mean the world, Kim. Thanks for much for being here ...
What a beautiful home, Linda. One with so many memories, I'm sure, so I can feel the emotions of the leaving and good-byes. Praying for you, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteMuch love.
xoxo
btw, I made the decision recently that I'm stepping away from blogging at least until 2016. I do plan to still come by and visit you because I just love you.
I feel so honored and blessed that you will continue to be a vital part of this little community, dear friend. Thank you for gracing us with your lovely presence.
DeleteI hope you're doing really well and that you'll keep in touch with email when you can.
Best blessings, dear Beth!
Linda,
ReplyDeleteYou made it to my Top 10 Post this month http://soulstops.com/post/2015/05/30/What-I-learned-in-May-ver-1.aspx I pray God continues to give you strength, grace and peace with this move...((hugs))
Well, wow! What an encourager you are, Dolly! Thanks for sharing what's happening here over at your place.
DeleteCan't help thinking that we often run in the same circles and share the same connections.
And that is a lovely grace, isn't it ...
It sounds like you have had quite the adventure, Linda! I have also learned that it's a lot easier to buy too much stuff and return it when you don't need it. It sure beats going to Home Depot when you are covered head to toe in dirt, paint, or whatever other crazy mess and running into 12 people you know to boot! ;) Blessings to you on your grand new adventure!
ReplyDeleteAnd it never fails that when we look our most dreadful, that's when we run into someone who hasn't seen us in years, right?
DeleteAlthough I must admit that I doubt you would have this kind of problem ... you are a beauty, girl. Inside and out!
;-)
Your house looks amazing, Linda! It's display-ready, for sure! And you have such a lovely house to begin with--not to mention the park-like setting. I know it won't be on the market long! Thank you for all these practical tips too! I hope that Gary and I will be able to use them--if we can ever carve out the time to really get serious about this "house-selling" endeavor. So many other responsibilities beckon to us! But it will be here soon enough. I must get through our oldest son's wedding on June 20th and then maybe I can do a bit more! Love this and can't wait to see how things go for you! I know God is going to bless big time!
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking the other day that the wedding was coming up quickly, Beth! I can't wait to hear details, see pictures, and share in your joy, my friend ... whether on your blog or through email!
DeleteYou'll be one gorgeous mother of the groom, my radiant friend.
Hard to believe you guys visited our place a year ago. It was one of 2014's best and brightest blogging highlights. For sure!
What a lovely home - gracious, minimalist, warm, and inviting. I'm sure that some family will want to make it their home and that you will make your new home every bit as lovely as this one. Blessings to you!!!
ReplyDeleteThe trend toward getting minimalist around here has evolved over the last few years, and the house is really stripped down for the staging. But I do love having much less stuff surrounding me, finding peace and contentment in fewer things to sort, wash, store, display, clean, move around, trip over.
DeleteI've realized in recent months how little I truly need to really make me happy. It's been a life-giving discovery!
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Getting a house ready to sell is no joke! Way to go, it looks great!
ReplyDeleteNo joke ... ain't that the truth, Heidi!
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Looks like you know how to do this right, Linda! You go. I'm impressed. But not surprised at your many skills. :)
ReplyDeleteGod seems to have infused me with a huge amount of energy in recent days, Lisa ... and then grace and space when the tasks are done to lay low, to be still, to recalibrate. Which is where I am right about now.
DeleteI am grateful for His provision since I'm not exactly a ball of fire when it comes to keeping up a high pace ...
Yep, on all counts! This made me smile. A beautiful house. So unlike South Florida homes. Your post made me smile. The best part is yet to come. I'm sure of it :)
ReplyDeleteAh, a south Florida home sounds mighty appealing around here come winter, Debby!
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God is in the midst. He is right there. I know it is so hard to get everything in order, prepared and ready to go! There is abundant grace. We all need that message. Cheering on your truth today from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.
ReplyDeleteWhat a comfort, what a strength, Kelly! Yes, God is right in the middle of these endless details, big decisions, excruciating farewells, fresh starts.
DeleteAnd I couldn't be more grateful ...
Beautiful beautiful house - I'm sure it will sell quickly. May you be blessed in your future wherever God takes you. Visiting from Purposeful Faith.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rebecca! I'm so glad you're here ...
DeleteOh Linda, I can see why you have mixed emotions about leaving your lovely home. :-) I'm also glad that God continues to confirm your decision to go ... what a blessing in the midst of all the transition! I love your list and add an extra-hearty "amen" to No. 4!
ReplyDeleteYep, we've always stocked up on stuff because we've lived so far from town ... who needs to stop in the middle of any kind of project {or recipe!} because you've run out of a major ingredient?
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Wow, moving is so stressful! Blessings on your new adventure and may God continue to give you strength:)
ReplyDeleteYeah, stress would be a good word for it! Working at keeping calm, being still in my soul, trusting God with the hard stuff ...
DeleteThanks, Meg, for hearing my heart.
What a beautiful home, Linda! You will have no problem selling. I'm in love with your yard and view! My backyard is surrounded by other houses. I feel like I'm in a fishbowl sometimes.
ReplyDeletePraying for your journey, my friend. Moving is such an intense process on so many levels. It's awesome how our online community moves with us :). That made me smile reading your thought about no online goodbyes. Many blessings to you!
Candace, you've got it right. This is an intense time on so many levels. I'm leaning on God each and every day. Your prayers encourage me, friend. So much!
DeleteI'm grateful to do life with you ...
All of your hard work is going to pay off. One lucky buyer is going to appreciate all of the blood, sweat, and tears you have put into it. And YAY! For no online goodbyes! :)
ReplyDeleteYou said it all, girl! YAY for no online goodbyes. These in-person ones are breaking my heart ...
DeleteVisiting from Holley and know you could probably use some coffee for your heart for this next stage. Blessings on you and your hubby as you work together. : )
ReplyDeleteYes, Crystal, I'm gratefully soaking up the grace He and sweet souls around me give right about now ...
DeleteThanks for coming by today. Truly!
Linda,
ReplyDeleteMoving and all that goes with it can be so exhausting but then looking forward to decorate a new place is so exciting! And your trunk in the photo? I had one just like it but I painted it green . . .then I didn't like it so I gave it to my mother {where all my decorating projects I don't like end up!}, but tell me you're taking it with you? And wouldn't it look great in a shade of Miss Mustard Seed's milk paint? Oops -- I'm adding another item to your to-do list! Love accompanying you on this adventure, friend! xo
How fun to have your mama appreciate all your projects that didn't quite work out, Valerie! Yes, I have two trunks - the one in the picture was one Grandma's and I have a smaller one that has served us well as a coffee table from my other Grandma.
DeleteI have a feeling they'd just sit and shake their heads in bewilderment to find their travel boxes being used as much-loved decor items!
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I love the fact you are not leaving us...praying for you as you adjust to some changes.
ReplyDeleteI cherish those prayers, Betty. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart ...
DeleteWOW!!! Looks like you've been busy!!! It's amazing that you've found time to blog!! Stay sane my friend! <3 - www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteBlogging = Sanity!
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You did a wonderful job-the house is going to sell quick!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you don't have to leave me ;)
Saying a prayer for your next phase and all the excitement that goes with it!
Nope, I am not leaving this little community! Now, more than ever, Sarah, I thank God for 'every remembrance' of you all ...
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I never realized how much stuff I had until I started packing it. :)
ReplyDeletePraying for you. Hugs
Delusional that I am, I guess I'm thinking that I've gotten rid of SO VERY MUCH STUFF over the last few months that maybe I'll just jump in the car and take off come July.
DeleteI think a rude awakening is coming, huh, Lyli?
;-{
Wow! So I had no idea!
ReplyDeleteI just clicked on your blog, which I should do WAY more often, and subscribed to the email...finally, so maybe now I WILL know what's going on in your beautiful life.
The photos of your home bring back warm, blessed, powerful, sacred moments of time with you and Tim.
Sitting in your living room, sharing scriptures, with photos of your girls on the mantle.
I am so very happy for you for this new stage. I know all that goes into being a "Newcomer" and hope you can look up the book "After your Boxed Are Unpacked" by Susan Miller. I've met her and led her books study several times, it's wonderful.
Yeah, those pictures bring back alot of memories, don't they, friend. God has been good to send us such close relationships along the way. You guys have blessed us in more ways than you'll know.
DeleteThanks for subscribing to the blog ... it means so much to me.
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Great video. Your house looks fantastic. I've always wanted to learn how to do home repairs, but I've never gotten around to learning. Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone. Good luck with the next step of your moving journey!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a real ride, that's for sure! We're grateful that the house has sold to a buyer who loved it.
DeletePhew! Thank You, Lord!