For Sale Forever?!

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Our house has been on the market for 9 days now. We've had 7 showings, plus an Open House which brought in approximately 10 people (4-5 couples). The Open House couples appartently were interested. But 3 days have now gone by and nothing has come of their so-called interest. I personally am getting very tired of having to keep my place in pristine condition, ready to show it at any time. We're not selling our home privately . . . we have a realtor working for us and he's doing a great job. And I do get several hours notice before a showing. But I am just tired. I've been sick for 5 of the 9 days we've had the place on the market, and now my boys are getting sick too. We've got 3 dogs that we take out with us when a realtor brings clients in, which means we either pile into our car (evening showings only because my husband has our car during the day) or go to the park. The park thing worked great last week because it was nice outside. Now it's getting cold and my kids (and dogs) aren't too happy about spending 30 minutes "playing" when it's chilly out.

I know 9 days isn't a long time, but with how "hot" we were told the market is out here, combined with the number of showings we've had, we thought we'd at least have an offer by now. The purchase of our acreage is totally dependant upon us selling our home unconditionally by November 24, 2006! I know that's still 23 days away, but we need to have a firm offer in soon in order for them to remove any conditions they have to make this a done deal by November 24th. This is all very stressful and I just want it to be over and done with.

Of course, this all has to do with trust. I know God is testing me on this. He's promised that he "knows the plans he has for (me), to give (me) a hope and a future . . . " (Jer. 29: 11 etc. very paraphrased). But I'm starting to have a difficult time with this. Our realtor says our asking price is not the problem. The fact that I'm keeping it neat, tidy and clean are a big plus. But there is an "architectural" feature that seems to be holding people back from wanting our home. You see, we have a raised deck in front of our house, not in the back. We did not make it this way. This is how it was when we bought it, and there's nothing we can do about it. If there was some way to change it, we would, if that is truly the reason people are not bringing in offers. It's frustrating. Wayne, my husband, has been very encouraging through this all and keeps telling me that "the right people will come along." I guess he's right. BUT WHEN??!!?? I'm the one who is seemingly most-affected by this. I have to keep the house in order. I have to leave with the kids and the dogs. I'm the one with the trust issue. Ahh, the trust issue. Yes, that's what this all comes down to. I know this in my mind, but I'm struggling to give this over to God. I'm trying. I try so hard, but then negativity sets in and that, together with my cold, sore throat, aching head and body and lack of sleep makes this all to much to bear sometimes.

You know what, though, it felt good to just get that all out and allow frustration to be relieved through my fingertips as I typed. I'm growing in this whole area of trust and God is using this experience to form me into a better person. Patience is a virtue but right now I guess I wouldn't be considered very virtuous. I've got to work on that.