A friend and her husband are looking to sell their house, find a lot and build a new home. Here in Nashville we are experiencing a real estate expansion, and she was having trouble figuring out a good selling price for her current home. When she quoted her price, it sounded way too low. She also didn’t know how much land would be for their new home, where to best buy or what the construction costs might look like.
I offered to introduce her to one of my long-time clients, a highly regarded and knowledgeable realtor and developer. He would be able to help you fill in many of the pieces of the puzzle you’re trying to put together.
But my friend just shook her head. My husband wants to do it all himself. I think he just likes being in control.
Whether or not this man will get a fair price for his existing house, buy land he loves in a great location and be able to handle the construction costs involved, I may never know.
What I do know is that his belief that asking for help puts him out of control, is actually controlling him.
He’s out of control in terms of understanding the market and being able to make informed decisions. By trying to stay in control, he is creating a bigger financial risk for himself and his family. A risk he will sell the house for too little or buy the land for too much or miss an opportunity to find just the right house, in the right location, at the right price.
So take a minute and ask yourself: What you are trying to control? What is your belief around it? What risk are you trying to minimize? Is your need to stay in control actually creating a situation where you are out of control?
Then ask yourself if what you are doing is truly helping you accomplish your end goal. Is it time to let go of control? What benefits might come your way if you do?
Until next Tuesday.
Elizabeth