Earlier this summer, our Portland house went on the market. It's now September and it still hasn't sold. The resulting stress is eating me alive.
When we put the house on the market, we knew that it wasn't going to be cakewalk. Listings tend to sit for 40 or more days (on average) before being sold in Portland. The real estate market is schlumpy all over, but by all indications it's especially schlumpy in Portland. Our last house sold in a week. We didn't expect it to sell in a week or even a month knowing Portland, but we sure weren't prepared for this.
We've reduced the price many times trying to match what the market is telling us, but still—no dice. Shittier houses in way shittier neighborhoods are selling for what our house is on the market for. I'm perplexed.
My mom says I need to give the house over the universe. That when I emotionally detach it will sell. I've been trying to do that for months now.
I need to get this out of me and then I am letting go of the house so it can sell.
Dear House,
It's not your fault that you haven't sold. You are an adorable house in an extremely desirable neighborhood with the best schools on the eastside. You have everything going for you: plenty of space, a private yard, a brand new kitchen. By all accounts you are a smashing house.
Yes, you are on a busier street and some people might not like that, but it's not the busiest street in Portland, not by a long shot. Once inside the house that's a non issue. You have new windows both on your second story and in the basement family room. Inside, it's quiet.
A huge plus is the fact that you are so close to so many cute shops, cafes, and restaurants. Somewhere in Portland or beyond there has to be a family with small children that loves to walk and explore. That's why we chose you: so we'd never have to rely on a car to get a coffee, grab a bite, or do our shopping.
Perhaps the lawn could be better attended, but had we stayed, that was our next project. Yard, we had such nice things planned for you. As it stands we can't be there to check that the gardener is doing what he is supposed to be doing. I'm not there to say, "Trim that more, pull those weeds."
I think you aren't selling because Bunny still talks about you all the time. She remembers every nook and cranny. Everything about you in the way only four-year-olds can. She still tells me about her red room and how she could look down on the back yard and see the flowers. She tells me about the family room where she used to play with Wallie. She is still clinging to you and I don't know how to tell her to let you go.
[the day we moved in, Bunny's room was set up first.]J. and I are ready for you to sell so we can get on with our lives in San Francisco. Keeping up two houses is expensive and we can't afford to do it anymore. (We couldn't afford to do it two months ago, but I have the best mother in the entire world.)
House, you will always have a treasured place in our heart. You are the first house that Wallie ever knew. You kept yourself so warm and cozy for her the night we brought her home. You are the place where Wallie said her first words, learned to crawl, and took her first steps. You are where Bunny and Wallie had birthday parties. You are where we entertained friends. We never expected to leave you so soon.
But we need you to put your best foot forward now and make another family want you just as much as we wanted you. I'm not sleeping well. My body is tight with tension and stress. I haven't been able to be wholly present in all aspects of my life because I am so worried about you.
Bunny isn't old enough to cut her attachment to you so you are going to have to do it for her. Please.We had a great 16 months together. We loved you and always will. But we have to let you go.
Universe, meet cute yellow house.
Cute yellow house, meet universe.
