How stressful is selling your home? Respondents in one survey ranked it higher than divorce, losing a job, and becoming a first-time parent. Emotions can cause you to make bad decisions at a time when it's important to keep a clear head. Here are some expert tips to keep your emotions in check when selling your home. 

1. Understand Why You're Selling

Have you accepted a great new job offer? Maybe you need more room for your growing family. Understanding why you're selling your home lets you focus on the ultimate goal and keep from being distracted by bumps and curves along the way. 

2. Declutter and Depersonalize

As you prepare to sell your home and move to a new one, reminders of memories made in your current house will become even more important to you. Make a point to clear any clutter and pack up photos, souvenirs, and other personal memorabilia. In addition to minimizing your attachment, this activity will make your home more attractive to potential buyers. 

3. Avoid Expectations

Unfulfilled expectations lead to disappointment, which in turn leads to emotional thinking. For instance, if you set your mind on selling your home within a specific time period and it doesn't happen, you may start to panic and make poor decisions. Deal with the factors you can control and stay flexible with the rest. 

4. Stay Out of Showings and Open Houses

As a home seller, it's only natural to be curious about the reactions of potential buyers, but the homeowner side of you makes it hard to remain neutral in the face of negative comments or disinterest. Make it easier on yourself and buyers by finding somewhere else to be during showings and open houses. 

5. Set an Accurate Sell Price

Your home may be priceless in your eyes, but buyers aren't paying for sentimental value. Don't let emotion cloud objectivity and cause you to scare buyers off with an inflated price. Study the current housing market, particularly in your neighbourhood, and price your home accordingly. 

6. Follow a Positive Lifestyle

When stress causes you to lose sleep or eat poorly, it affects you emotionally as well as physically. Ultimately, you end up in a vicious circle where bad health and negative emotions feed off each other. Don't let the process of selling your home consume your days. Take care of yourself and make time for enjoyable activities to maintain balance. 

7. Hire a Real Estate Agent

The real estate industry is constantly changing, so no matter how many homes you've sold, it's difficult to stay up-to-date on trends, regulations, and market conditions. An experienced real estate agent can skillfully guide you through the process and be an objective third party to keep you on track. 

Selling your home is a potent emotional experience. Acknowledge your feelings, but don't let them take over. Approach the sale as the business transaction it is and pour your emotions into making your new house a home.