I decided to list our house for sale less than three months after Irene died. Several friends suggested that I should not consider such a major change so soon after her death. Rather, they suggested that I follow the old one year rule - no major decisions for one year.
I took their suggestions to heart but decided to go forward with the listing. My reasons were twofold. First, I knew it would take at least a year to find a buyer. And if I felt that this was a bad move, I could always cancel the listing and take the house off the market.
The months wore on as I went through the marketing process, open houses, viewings, feedback from people that felt it was not "their" house, and suggestions by my Realtor for price reductions, which I made. As time passed, I realized how much the house had become a boat anchor in my life. Irene was the "dirt babe", and I was not the dirt guy. I was doing the bare essentials to keep things manageable and under control so the property showed well. As time passed, I was more and more comfortable with the idea of moving out and moving on.
Now, the house is under contract and final conditions required for the buyer have been met. Documents should be drawn Friday, and I should have cash in the bank by next week.
As I come to the end of my responsibilities to the house my heart is becoming lighter, and I am looking forward to breaking ground on my new home. It will be exciting to watch it go up. I am confident in my decisions. The house was a wonderful home for Irene and me, but it is time to pass it along to a new, younger family that can make their own memories there. I have mine.
