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Original poster

Why won't my house sell

999 replies

StopSearching · 05/03/2021 13:57

My house has been on the market for nearly two years. Recently we took it off and remarketed with new agents. No viewings. We've been so patient for two years but it's getting me down now.

I just want to move on. Nothing wrong with where we live, it's a lovely little town but we have plans and this is all that stopping us. I've stopped looking for houses to buy as they are sold before we even get viewings.

Anyone else having similar problems? It's so frustrating.

OP posts:
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46
Eatingsoupwithafork · 05/03/2021 19:42

Not a helpful comment but I’m shocked at how much people in the South pay for houses vs the North.

AlecTrevelyan006 · 05/03/2021 19:43

it never fails to amaze me how bad most estate agents are at taking photos and how poor they are at offering advice to sellers

it really is money for old rope

SidLowe · 05/03/2021 19:45

@Eatingsoupwithafork

Not a helpful comment but I’m shocked at how much people in the South pay for houses vs the North.
I live in the North and it doesn't seem that much compared to prices here.

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Cindersrellie · 05/03/2021 19:46

I think it's lovely! Nice views. The big field at the back would put me off as I'd expect 5000 new homes to be built on it.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 05/03/2021 19:46

The shower is just like an ensuite except there's no loo in it

In that case it's nobody's idea of an ensuite and the idea of no loo on the main bedroom floor level would kill it for me
So, I'm afraid, would a massive future development, now that someone's said the field's in the local plan for housing/industry
These, together with the generally "unloved" look of the place would make it a definite no, so I agree with mose PPs ... it's either reduce the price significantly or dress it nicely and hope for the best

twolittlebears · 05/03/2021 19:48

It looks very tatty on the video. That makes me worried that the pictures are actually nicely done. I'd only view as a full refurb and the price doesn't reflect that.

Doris86 · 05/03/2021 19:49

The obvious question is why is it priced at the level it is? Is this the price the estate agents have recommended? Or did the estate agent recommend a lower price and the OP has gone against their advice.

bitheby · 05/03/2021 19:52

@StopSearching

DH is currently lying on the floor of the 4th bedroom/study to see if he could fit a bed in there Grin

Quick take an artful photo

23PissOffAvenueWF · 05/03/2021 19:53

The conclusion I made was that viewers are idiots who need a lifestyle forcibly thrust at them to even contemplate looking.

You’re selling something. If you actually want to sell it - and get a decent price for it - you need to market it.

Why would anyone be interested in parting with good money for something unappealing?

Especially when they could just go down the road and get something better / nicer / cheaper...

MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 05/03/2021 19:54

When I click on a property and the first 5 photos are of the outside, I automatically assume there is something seriously wrong with the inside.

AtseneGatnalp · 05/03/2021 19:57

Not sure about that, @Eatingsoupwithafork! You wouldn't get much for that price in my part of the North...

OP, thinking yet again. I've had a look at the shower pic now. I think, realistically, you need to do some really, really cheap cosmetic bits (fresh flowers, cushions, throws, white bedding - you could borrow all this stuff from family/friends, apart from the flowers, obvs). These will make it look more instantly appealing in photos, and will get people through the door.

Anyone buying the house would rip the shower straight out. Those white power-shower things scream '1990s'. The Artex would have to go. The layout needs reconfiguring (the kitchen/dining/garden/utility rooms need completely reorganising - and someone could extend right across the back of the house). The built-in cupboards need ripping out. What are the visible nails/screws in the panel in the attic bedroom?

I think you will either have to spend a lot on it (and then sell it for what you're currently asking), or spend very little on it (and sell it for a fair bit less).

BTW, I admire you immensely for taking this all on the chin, and I really, really hope you sell it soon and find somewhere you love.

Claudia84 · 05/03/2021 19:58

It’s almost always price. We sold our house recently and originally put it on too high and then reduced it and we got viewers so quickly after that. Three other properties are currently on the market that are smaller that they are trying to sell at a similar price we sold for and they’ve been on for a while now. What I learned was that it really is what people are willing to pay and although it erked me that other people seem to be able to make money on their houses I’m so pleased we did it as we got to move and I love where I live now.

RandomUser18282 · 05/03/2021 19:58

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toocold54 · 05/03/2021 19:58

Sorry not read everyone else’s replies. I personally like the house and all the photos APART from the first one. If I saw that photo first it would put me off looking at the other photos. Is that one always first?

Also I’d LOVE to have a field behind my house but when it’s a Jew build it often means that it will become more houses which could worry people.

Corcory · 05/03/2021 20:00

To make it more appealing I'd get a load of planters in groups at the front of the house and I'd market it as a 3 bed house with a study/nursery. The kitchen really is too small for current tastes, I'd be inclined to knock through to the dinning room, but that would cost. Also, pity you didn't go the whole hog and do a proper en suite in the attic, I wouldn't market as an en suite, just makes people disappointed.Take out the references to open views too as they probably won't last. What about a feature wall in the lounge? Add some style and colour to make it stand out from the crowd.

RandomUser18282 · 05/03/2021 20:03

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KirstenBlest · 05/03/2021 20:06

@toocold54, did you mean new build?

4doorclub · 05/03/2021 20:07

we have actually had this problem twice.

The first time it was put up for less than one that had been sold recently just down the street so i assumed it'd be ok. Nope. took us ages and in the end it sold for way less than the one down the street

I think what it really comes down to is most people tend to overvalue their own house.

try to be honest about the real value of the house

KathyWilliams · 05/03/2021 20:08

What about a feature wall in the lounge?

OP, if you do anything, don't do that (sorry, Corcory).

Think the planters are an excellent idea, though. I know it has parking for three cars - but who, realistically, is going to park three cars there? Kerb appeal, as the House Doctor used to say!

donewithitalltodayandxmas · 05/03/2021 20:08

Knowing area well , I don't think its too overpriced as such
But pictures are not the best
Can't place exactly where is but maybe building on fields is a concern
Although with the huge estate being built can't see that happening for a while as so many houses going up

toocold54 · 05/03/2021 20:09

@KirstenBlest yes! Thank you for pointing that out as I didn’t notice!

oobedobe · 05/03/2021 20:09

Two years waiting to sell!! Why not just google Home Stagers Dorset and hire somebody?!

They can rent you modern furniture, accessories everything you need to stage it properly.

They will also give you a consultation report of other things you can do to improve it; paint colours, updating backsplash etc

It will be better than a price reduction and you should sell ASAP. Home just needs to look more modern and aspirational.

Your current photos are so bland that it is turning everyone off.

RandomUser18282 · 05/03/2021 20:11

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lockeddownandcrazy · 05/03/2021 20:12

priced too high for a house that needs updating and may well be built behind

RandomUser18282 · 05/03/2021 20:12

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