Some tips on getting through real estate grief.This article is dedicated to the readers who could lose properties to short sale, foreclosure or who may be entering bankruptcy. Every day, people call me to ask my opinion of the market, and my answer is, “It sucks right now, and if you don’t need to sell—don’t.” I’ve talked to people who cry and express their anger and frustration, regretting they didn’t sell two years ago, kicking themselves for buying in the first place. Short sales and foreclosures are on the rise, and as I thumb through The Maui News, I see the number of foreclosure notifications increasing.
Please remember, if we knew then what we know now, we all would have made different decisions—hopefully. Lately, I find myself falling back into my counseling career, acknowledging people’s fears and pain around real estate. This is a time of great loss; not only in real estate, but also with jobs and financial investments (retirement, college, nest egg, etc.), and many are leaving the island, which creates the loss of a community of friends and family.
Loss causes grief, so here are some tips on getting through grief:
- Accept and acknowledge your current situation; don’t judge it, acceptance creates change.
- Talk to experts that can help you; whether it is real estate, employment, or bankruptcy, there is help available.
- We live on Maui, so enjoy the sun! Many people are experiencing these bad times in cold, wet weather!
- Take a walk on the beach. It is free… and beautiful.
- Breathe, exercise, smile and laugh as often as you can, but also allow yourself to cry when necessary.
- Save money and get healthy. Shop farmer’s markets and support our community.
It looks like the party is over and we are in for a long hangover. Many of us have been living on credit for a long time, and maybe it’s time to simplify—and stop spending money that doesn’t exist.
Chris Bakeman, broker, has been a realtor since 1997, selling in both buyers’ and sellers’ markets. Now with her own company, she offers an affordable way to sell your home starting as low as $4,000 full service on the MLS. Contact Chris Bakeman Realty LLC at 283-6126 or www.chrisbakeman.com.