We sold our home in just two weeks — not because the market was easy, but because we took full ownership of the process.
We didn’t rely on staging companies.
We didn’t blindly trust agents.
We treated the sale like a project, with clarity, data, and intention.
And it worked.
The turning point: ownership
We interviewed four real estate agents. All were competent, but none felt emotionally invested the way we were. This wasn’t just a transaction! We had built this home, waited 18 months for it, and truly believed we’d live there for years.
When life changed, selling a nearly new home felt risky, emotional, and expensive. So my husband and I made a decision: We would own the process end to end.
What actually made the difference
- We stopped relying blindly on opinions and started using data. We researched:
- Who sells the most homes in our area
- At what price points
- How frequently
Platforms like Zillow — and yes, even ChatGPT — make this information accessible if you’re willing to dig.–> Ryan Milo – Real Estate Agent in Shelby TWP, MI – Reviews | Zillow
- We decluttered aggressively
No personal items.
No excess furniture.
No emotional attachment.
I learned a powerful idea from Audra Lambert:
Buyers need to feel like they’re walking into a hotel — not someone else’s life.
That mindset changed everything. She is very cool, take a look –> (5) Audra Lambert – Lambert Group Homes – YouTube
- We aimed for 60% empty
The goal was space that could breathe.
Even though we had a large home with relatively little furniture, going through drawers, closets, and storage still took time and discipline. But it was worth it. - We staged the home ourselves — simply and intentionally
No overdesign. No trends.
Clean lines, neutral tones, and green plants for warmth and elegance. Those plants are now in our new home!
Yes, we did choose an agent in the end but intentionally
After research, we selected a local agent who:
- Came with a clear plan
- Walked the home carefully
- Charged a fair commission
He was professional and supportive. But here’s the honest truth:
Even the best agent will never care about your home as much as you do.
Being a project manager helped more than I expected. I treated the sale like a project:
- Clear scope
- Data-driven decisions
- Defined start and end dates
- Intentional execution
When everything aligned, the right buyers showed up quickly.
The biggest lesson–> No one will manage:
- Your life
- Your money
- Your outcomes
better than you.
Ownership isn’t about doing everything alone, it’s about being intentional, informed, and accountable.
And that principle? It works in real estate, career growth, leadership, and life. Take ownership. It works in anything you do.
As I step into 2026, my goal is simple: to take full ownership of my career — my growth, my choices, and my direction.
I hope you choose one thing that truly counts this year. If you do, I’d love to hear about it.
I’m a Project Manager with a deep passion for both professional and personal growth. Designing and building the next generation of vehicles is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its challenges—especially for someone as emotionally invested as I am!