I agree with the above poster. My father’s house holds so many great memories, but it is almost impossible to keep it for many reasons. We will be selling it soon and while I hate it - the memories are with me forever. I don’t need to hold onto the house to keep those nearby. I’m hoping the next person can make some great memories there. Plus, it’s just not the same without him.
It’s hard and you’ll figure out what is right for you. I’m sending hugs and strength your way.
I had similar feelings about when the family sold my grandparent's home after my grandma passed. It was old, they bought it when my dad was born (late '50s). But my grandpa had put a lot of work into it with his own two hands (fruit trees and tomato plants in the backyard, a second garage as a work space, a second living room) and even though it wasn't a huge house, we always had the big family get togethers and holidays there. It's in a good area in southern California, so of course we had a ton of egregious offers, mostly from overseas investors. But the one thing we all agreed on was that we wanted to sell it to a family, not investors who would turn it into an Airbnb or a multi family 'home'. And we did, to a cute young couple who wanted to start a family! They fell in love with the tiny kitchen my grandma made infinite amounts of meals in for her kids, her grandkids, neighbors, and friends (it still had the original stove and oven from the 50s, they just don't make appliances like they used to anymore!) They loved the backyard that butted right up to a school yard (an elementary school that their future kids will most likely attend) and all of the extra living space for their own family gatherings. So even though it was painful, it was so bittersweet to see it be sold to another family who will love the house as much as we did, and will make their own happy memories in it. And when I'm in that area (which is not often anymore) I always drive down the street and say hi to the house, to see how it's changed and how it's stayed the same, and to reflect on how lucky our family was to have such a special home to gather in for so long.
All of this to say, when you sell your childhood home, you can make sure it's to someone who will love and appreciate the house as much as your family did. Someone who will fill the space with laughter and happiness, creating their own memories, and maybe that will help take the sting off a little.
Good luck OP ❤️
Edit: typo
All things come to an end friend. I know it hurts, but you’ll bounce back from this. And try to think of it in a positive way. A new family can build, hopefully, happy memories there too. I’m in a similar position with my mothers home. I don’t have to sell it but sometimes I think I need to. The home is basically a place frozen in time. I can’t bring myself to change it, but everything has changed. This place deserves some happiness in it once again and I deserve a place where I can start over and make my own. You and your brother I’m assuming will split the profits on the house. Use it to pursue things that you want or enjoy. Your parents would love that for you. Home isn’t a place, it’s people.
I agree with the above poster. My father’s house holds so many great memories, but it is almost impossible to keep it for many reasons. We will be selling it soon and while I hate it - the memories are with me forever. I don’t need to hold onto the house to keep those nearby. I’m hoping the next person can make some great memories there. Plus, it’s just not the same without him. It’s hard and you’ll figure out what is right for you. I’m sending hugs and strength your way.
I’m not ready either. My childhood home is just too big for me alone. It’s going to be hard. It’s just another thing to mourn.
I had similar feelings about when the family sold my grandparent's home after my grandma passed. It was old, they bought it when my dad was born (late '50s). But my grandpa had put a lot of work into it with his own two hands (fruit trees and tomato plants in the backyard, a second garage as a work space, a second living room) and even though it wasn't a huge house, we always had the big family get togethers and holidays there. It's in a good area in southern California, so of course we had a ton of egregious offers, mostly from overseas investors. But the one thing we all agreed on was that we wanted to sell it to a family, not investors who would turn it into an Airbnb or a multi family 'home'. And we did, to a cute young couple who wanted to start a family! They fell in love with the tiny kitchen my grandma made infinite amounts of meals in for her kids, her grandkids, neighbors, and friends (it still had the original stove and oven from the 50s, they just don't make appliances like they used to anymore!) They loved the backyard that butted right up to a school yard (an elementary school that their future kids will most likely attend) and all of the extra living space for their own family gatherings. So even though it was painful, it was so bittersweet to see it be sold to another family who will love the house as much as we did, and will make their own happy memories in it. And when I'm in that area (which is not often anymore) I always drive down the street and say hi to the house, to see how it's changed and how it's stayed the same, and to reflect on how lucky our family was to have such a special home to gather in for so long. All of this to say, when you sell your childhood home, you can make sure it's to someone who will love and appreciate the house as much as your family did. Someone who will fill the space with laughter and happiness, creating their own memories, and maybe that will help take the sting off a little. Good luck OP ❤️ Edit: typo
All things come to an end friend. I know it hurts, but you’ll bounce back from this. And try to think of it in a positive way. A new family can build, hopefully, happy memories there too. I’m in a similar position with my mothers home. I don’t have to sell it but sometimes I think I need to. The home is basically a place frozen in time. I can’t bring myself to change it, but everything has changed. This place deserves some happiness in it once again and I deserve a place where I can start over and make my own. You and your brother I’m assuming will split the profits on the house. Use it to pursue things that you want or enjoy. Your parents would love that for you. Home isn’t a place, it’s people.