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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel completely deflated

33 replies

Bambamboom · 02/09/2014 10:25

We've been trying to sell our 2 bed flat, of which was valued at 155k 2 years ago, in a nice area of town since January. We've had 3 buyers pull out, our last yesterday just before we exchanged! I'm so angry and jut don't know what to do. We need to move for schooling and have found a house we can afford in a very good catchment area and we are desperately clinging onto it.
I feel really let down by the estate agents, who I'm pretty sure just go through the books and get any tom, dick or Harry to come round and have a look to make it look like we have genuine interest when clearly we don't.
It went on originally at 169k and we accepted an offer of 152k after having the price reduced to 155k fixed price (which I didn't like the idea of, fixed price or not people will always push for money off).
I'm really worried about losing the house now and I'm trying to think of what to do to make the property more desirable.
Would moving into in laws house, emptying the flat of all our furniture and other crap be of any advantage?
We tidy and clean to our best, but it's not a huge flat and I've run out of places to hide dds array of toys.
I'm pretty reluctant to drop the price further and still have 10 weeks left in the contract with these useless estate agents.
Any suggestions?! Grin

OP posts:
whois · 02/09/2014 16:43

just a lot of flats on the market and easy to easy cheaper property of you're not bothered about living in alum chine itself

Then it's just not worth the asking price really. Lots of flats, people not bothered about the nice area etc.

Original poster
Bambamboom · 02/09/2014 19:42

It's definitely worth the asking price, other properties similar in the area go for more.
Having said that it's only worth what someone is willing to pay.
We shall see

OP posts:
Wantsunshine · 02/09/2014 20:11

I am looking to buy in Bournemouth or Poole area was looking to spend more but having a look at Alum Chine and your flat seems really reasonable. We are just looking for somewhere to use at the weekends that is near the beach. My SIL lives down there so have asked her to do a drive by on your place as I don't know the road. The odd things that happen on mumsnet!
I won't be down that way for about 3 weeks so can't view before then but I hope for you you can sell before then!
I should have said in my first response lower your price Grin
Also how quickly can you walk to the beach, looks close on the map.

ItsDinah · 02/09/2014 20:12
  1. It's unfortunate that the purchasers have had the time to get cold feet but in part inevitable due to the time it is taking for mortgage papers to be issued. Make sure there is nothing that would cause delay on your side. e.g. don't delay to give yourself time to tie up your purchase.
  1. While it might not make any difference,your flat is lacking anything that would make people fall in love with it and stop them looking at more flats. I think fixing the cosmetic issues and doing a bit of a House Doctor dressing up might be worth a shot. I'm rubbish at that but you could try a thread for suggestions as a lot of MNers are really good at cheap decorating fixes.
  1. People say they were put off by bedroom size - although the Schedule gives the measurements and both are of double bed size. I would put a double bed in the child's room for viewings. A small (4 foot wide) might be good. You can fake the bed using cardboard boxes and covers.
TheBloodManCometh · 02/09/2014 20:21

I was bought up in Westbourne Smile

OP there doesn't look to be anything wrong I just think that it's a waiting game.

I agree that you should stay in the house. More appealing to buyers

Original poster
Bambamboom · 02/09/2014 20:45

Haha, who needs estate agents hey?
It's about 10 minutes walk to the beach down the chine and 5 mins into westbourne. I will miss Westbourne so much, but have to move for schooling.
Sucks.
I could do a bit of DIY, probably make the problem 10x worse though. A couple of tiles need replacing and could put some more pretty bits up but I just find myself surrounded by junk because I'm pretty rubbish at home decor!
Unless I start pulling carpets up, reprinting and purchasing new blinds I'm never going to make it look totally amazing. I could if I was staying, it's tempting to stay sometimes because with a little bit of money thrown at it could be really lovely.

OP posts:
Purplepoodle · 02/09/2014 22:14

I would say try and find a single bed that fit in your daughters room even if you have to buy 2'6 small single. It's probably not having a usable second bedroom that is putting people off as rest looks nice

Purplepoodle · 02/09/2014 22:15

Love the idea of fake bed

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