When the deal is done, consider a legacy letter for the new homeowners

It’s only natural for you to get super busy as you get your household ready for the big move. But what of the newcomers?

Packing, sorting through things you don’t want or need to take with you, and emotionally saying goodbye to all the memories made in the home, is a daunting task.

In these times of isolation, social distancing and extreme sanitization measures, it’s very unlikely your neighbors will come over to welcome their future homeowners.

So in lieu of a personal introduction, here are a few things to consider when passing the legacy of the joy you felt in your home to the next owners.

Write a letter of welcome. Whether you take the time to pick up festive craft paper and grab a quill and an ink well, or scribble a note on the back of a napkin, or print out an email message, taking the time to pass along kind words is a much-needed personal touch in these trying times.

Write a letter of introduction. Amid this pandemic, your soon-to-be former neighbors likely will not ring the doorbell to introduce themselves to the new owners. And forget about dropping off a Bundt cake or chocolate chip cookies.

If you actually know some of your neighbors, use that quill and ink to write a few words about who lives nearby. Who lives alone, where the dogs live, who has kids, and who has the motorcycle they rev up super early (like every Saturday morning). This is certain to bring a smile to the new owners and help get them on their way toward making new friends.

Make an album. Consider taking some photos of the rooms as you had them set up, so the new owners have a baseline to launch their journey in your former home. If you care to share, pull out some vintage photos of your family enjoying the home – playing in the yard, swimming in the pool, or the trees changing over the seasons. You’ve got to go through all of those boxes anyway, right?

If you want to go all out, make a small photo album or go all out and order a hard-bound book with your personal message included. What a way to pass on your legacy and make the new owners feel welcome in an age where we can all use more of the personal touches.

Leslie Sargent Eskildsen is an agent with Realty One Group West. She can be reached at 949-678-3373 or leslie@leslieeskildsen.com.