Last week, I shared that things are pretty rough right now. From crazy neighbors and financial stress to losing my boyfriend and a big freelancing contract, there’s been plenty of reason for me to be down in the dumps. Thanks to everyone for your encouragement–the comments, tweets, and emails I’ve been receiving are appreciated immensely.

I’m proud to belong to such a supportive community of bloggers, and I am so thankful that people don’t seem to mind the more emotional posts I’ve been publishing lately. I’ve always had a bit of an unorthodox approach to this blog, but I’m a bit of a quirky person (quirky quirky as a special someone would say). Please bear with me as I move through this and get back on track with our regularly scheduled programming.

Staying Positive, Strong, and Determined

Being the optimistic, glass-half-full gal I am, I refuse to let any of this adversity destroy me or everything I’ve worked so hard to have. Instead of wallowing or becoming numb to my responsibilities and need for some changes in my personal life, I’ve faced things head on. I’ve already made some significant, lasting changes that are paving a path built on health, happiness and stability for my future.

I’m battling a writer’s block the size of Texas, but I’m keeping up with my work in the freelance world. I’m scared and devastated over the relationship stuff, but I’m already making changes that will allow the opportunity for a second chance for the amazing connection we share to only grow better and stronger. And in terms of the neighbors and financial stuff, I’ve decided to move forward with my plan to sell my place sooner than later.

The Decision to Sell

Anyone who reads this regularly knows that I LOVE being a homeowner. I love the HGTV-inspired DIY projects, tinkering around the house, and generally basking in domestic bliss. But the reality is no matter how much I love my physical space, it’s not in the proper location. Despite living there for 3 years, I have realized that the neighbors leave much to be desired and I’m not happy with the area anymore.

That being said, there’s a lot more that goes into selling a place than simply not liking where you are. Luckily, I’ve been planning this for a bit now, so I’ve done my homework. It’s a seller’s market in my area in terms of the limited inventory of condos that are in the condition my place is in (and that are as large as mine). After consulting with various realtors, I’ve learned that my place will most likely sell fast–and at a profit.

Being Strategic

To me, these factors provided the ‘no-brainer,’ realistic outlook I need to make this decision with a rational, level head. No matter how broken my place is to me, I wouldn’t just be dumping it to get rid of it. This is a strategic decision to sell at a great price and ensure that the investment I always thought my place would be actually comes to fruition.

It doesn’t hurt that I stand to have well over $100K in my savings account after that check is cut to me at closing. Talk about motivation!

To make sure I’m doing this the best possible way, I researched realtors, interviewed them (and their references), and chose who I thought would be the best at selling my place quickly–and at the right price. My realtor comes with amazing references (turns out he sold my downstairs neighbor her place!), a complete support package including professional photos, a stager, etc., and in-depth knowledge of the market where I live.

It gave me great satisfaction that when the stager visited on Tuesday, she actually offered me a job to join her team after remarking what a great eye I have for design. Perhaps yet another side hustle is headed my way?? 

Prepping for the Sale

With the photographer scheduled to arrive on Tuesday morning, there’s been a whirlwind of activity in my place. While my DIY skills have done me right in terms of setting up the place quite well, there were a few changes I did need to make–including painting my living room because we wanted to be sure that the electric blue walls–no matter how much we all loved them–wouldn’t turn off any prospective buyers.

I’ll have a more detailed post soon about the prep work but my next big step is landscaping tweaks out front and a bit of de-cluttering in the closets.This weekend will be filled with cleaning, planting, painting, running, and spending time with friends. I’m motivated by the prospect of closing this chapter in my life, and I’m more than positive that things will all work out in an amazing way if I just. keep. swimming.

Wish me luck!