Dear Parents:
                                                                           A SEASON OF "LASTS"

 

As you get in the car to go to the high school for the concert or go to see another game, it may be strange to think this will be the "last."  When my daughter ran her last high school race, went to her last Prom and took her last final; I couldn´t figure out where the time had gone.  I had such mixed feelings of excitement about college and sadness knowing that things would never be the same.  I was really going to miss all this!

 

You may have been through this before or you may be experiencing it for the first time.  Having just been there, I know that it is a time of change.  Your kids are most likely excited about the next few months and maybe even experiencing a little "senioritis."  They have gotten through the hardest part of high school and probably even know where they will be in the fall.  Most of the pressure is off and they cannot do too much to mess it up right now.  You, on the other hand, are thinking about what lies ahead.  I can assure you that there are many wonderful "firsts" on the horizon.

 

Many of these feelings are similar to what you go through when you move.  You are excited about the new place but may have a few pangs of sadness about leaving the place you have called "home" for so long.  It is hard to get the current place ready to sell so that you can move on.  (After all, it was fine for you.)  This market is especially hard because it is less forgiving than in past years.  Even the most pristine and well-decorated homes are experiencing longer market times and more competition.  If you are planning to move, you may be decluttering your house while filling it up with college gear.

 

In the event that you plan to sell your home this year, I would be happy to assist you in getting your place ready to sell.  The way you live in a house and the way you sell a house are two different things.  Color, clean and clutter are important things to consider.  There are even professional "staging" services that can give you advice.  I can tell you what most buyers find appealing as well as what might be considered a "turn-off." 

 

Enjoy your "lasts."  They are so special.  Please know that the "firsts" are just as exciting.  You will be surprised what your kids can do when you aren´t there.  (They actually have been listening, I promise!)  Please call or e-mail me if I can be of assistance!

 

Warm regards,

 

Lori Rowe
Mom of a College Freshman
(847) 774-7464
Rltrmom@aol.com

 

P.S.  In 2006, 79.7% of my business was repeat & referral.

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