Letting Go: My Rollercoaster Experience Selling the Family Home in New Zealand
As someone who had never sold a property before, I thought I was prepared for the task of selling my family home in Auckland. But nothing could have prepared me for the emotional and practical hurdles I’d encounter.
Here’s my honest story—warts and all—about what it was really like to sell our home, the mistakes I made, and the lessons I learned along the way.
The Emotional Bittersweet Goodbye
I inherited our 1950s weatherboard house after Mum passed away. Every corner held memories—my brother’s height marks on the laundry door, the treehouse Dad built, the creaky floorboard in the hall. I’d put off selling for years, but rising maintenance costs and my own growing family finally forced my hand.
I wasn’t prepared for how emotional the process would be. Sorting through old boxes was like reliving my entire childhood. I cried over photo albums, found forgotten toys, and felt guilty about every decision—should I keep this? Sell that? The emotional weight was overwhelming and, honestly, slowed me down before I’d even begun.
Where Do I Start? Choosing an Agent
I naively thought choosing a real estate agent was as simple as picking someone friendly. I picked the first one who called me back. In hindsight, I should have interviewed at least three, asked about their recent sales, and checked their marketing plans. The agent I chose was well-meaning but busy; I often felt like an afterthought.
Preparing the House: The Never-Ending Chore List
I underestimated how much work goes into preparing a home for sale. My to-do list seemed endless: paint the fence, fix the leaking tap, replace broken tiles, weed the garden. The agent recommended “staging” the property. I tried DIY staging—moving furniture, buying new cushions, and even baking cookies before open homes (a tip from the Internet). It was exhausting!
Open Homes: The Vulnerability
It felt strange having strangers walk through my childhood home, opening cupboards, and judging our wallpaper choices. Keeping the house spotless with two kids and a dog was a nightmare. One week, we had three open homes and I felt like a guest in my own house.
Negotiations and the Fine Print
When offers started coming in, I was relieved—but confused. The contracts were full of jargon: “unconditional,” “due diligence,” “Sunset clause.” I thought I understood, but I missed an important clause about settlement dates, which led to a rushed, stressful move.
Unexpected Costs and Delays
I was shocked by how little of the final sale price I actually received. Between the agent’s commission, legal fees, marketing costs, and minor repairs requested by the buyer, my “profit” shrank quickly. When a buyer’s building inspection revealed some old plumbing issues, I had to negotiate repairs or risk losing the sale.
Letting Go and Moving Forward
On settlement day, I stood in the empty living room and said goodbye. It was sad, but also a relief. The process was harder, more emotional, and more complicated than I’d ever imagined. But I learned so much, and I hope my story helps someone else feel a little less lost.
Our Top Tips for First-Time Sellers
- Interview several agents. Don’t just go with the first one.
- Budget for everything. Repairs, staging, legal fees, marketing, and last-minute fixes add up.
- Get legal advice early. Don’t sign anything you don’t fully understand.
- Prepare emotionally. It’s tougher than you think to let go.
- Ask lots of questions. There are no silly questions—this is your home and your future.
Conclusion
Selling the family home was a journey through nostalgia, stress, and eventually, a sense of accomplishment. If you’re about to embark on the same path, know that it’s okay to make mistakes—and to ask for help. You’ll get through it, and you’ll be stronger for it.
Have you sold a family home? Share your experiences or questions below—I’d love to hear your story.