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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would these things put you off from viewing/buying a house?

110 replies

howdyetti · 22/07/2019 10:21

In the process of selling our home and have an estate agent coming over to take photos tomorrow. There are a couple of things that DH and I disagree on, so your opinions would be much appreciated!

Firstly, we have a miniature dachshund (sausage dog) and have read that we should remove any traces of having a pet for photos/viewings such as dog bowls etc, which is no problem. The house itself is kept spotlessly clean so I don’t believe it shows that we have a dog at all. However, we do have a number of (tasteful!) dachshund related things around the house such as a framed piece of artwork from John Lewis, Emily Bond sausage dog bedding on two of the beds, a door mat, coasters etc. DH thinks that leaving these things around will put people off when it comes to viewing the house as it would look like we are crazy dog people with a potentially dog smelling home! The house is painted white throughout and all neutral furnishings, very minimalistic. I really don’t think it necessary to remove these things?

Secondly, though our house is only 15 yrs old it was rented before we bought it 2yrs ago and was in need of a lot of TLC. We had to strip everything out and redecorate. It’s a large 5 bed over 3 floors and 3 of the bedrooms aren’t used. Whilst they’ve been decorated, furnished and have had blinds fitted, we never got around to having light fittings or a light shade in those spare bedrooms. DH thinks that having the bare light cable hanging down will look off-putting in our Rightmove photos. At the moment we are saving every penny towards our next home and this seems like an (albeit small) unnecessary expenditure when we have already spent so much on the home. AIBU to think that surely these little things won’t put prospective buyers off, or am I the one who has it wrong?!

OP posts:
MadamWaffle · 22/07/2019 12:13

I also have a miniature dachshund and I also have sausage dog bedding on two of our beds. I absolutely love that set you posted and now I need it!

I'd like to see the picture from John Lewis, please?

Would these things put you off from viewing/buying a house?
NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 22/07/2019 12:23

You can get paper lightshades for literally pence online etc.

To you your house won't smell of dog, but I have never, ever gone to a dog owning home that didn't have that faint smell of dog. It always puts me off but if your house is priced reasonably someone will see past it.

I wouldn't worry about soft furnishings/pictures etc unless they are huge & really dominate the rooms .

crazycurry · 22/07/2019 12:38

There's nothing wrong with that bed linen, either way its reversible so easily changed if need be. The light fittings would be irritating but if the rest of the house was good and didn't smell of dog it'd be OK - I'd want my own shades anyway.

TheStuffedPenguin · 22/07/2019 12:39

Crumbs that bedding is quite expensive! Unless I read it wrong £75 for single duvet set So what ?

Notcopingwellhere · 22/07/2019 12:40

Yes TheDarkPassenger it is just you.

OP I am allergic to dogs so I’d want you to be upfront about owning one because it would mean I’d have to factor in the cost of replacing all the carpets to the overall cost. I’d be annoyed only to find that out later (though caveat emptor I guess! )

user1480880826 · 22/07/2019 12:42

Fit lights. Leave the dog decorations.

Get a second opinion on whether the house smells of dog. Dog owners never seem to notice.

HeadintheiClouds · 22/07/2019 12:44

Nobody loves dog smell. Dog owners just go nose blind after a while

LenoVentura · 22/07/2019 12:50

I wouldn't be worried by the light fittings, although a bit of effort will make the pics look better. Nor would I be put off by the dog themed bedding- if the house ticked my boxes, I would view it regardless because the bedding wouldn't be there when I moved in and the light fittings can be sorted in a heartbeat. However, I would be put off by the dog smell, and as others have said, your house will smell of dog, whether you know it or not. It's pervasive and lingering and very difficult to eradicate.

OP posts:
PapayaCoconut · 22/07/2019 12:53

Is it just me who loves dog smell???

I hate dog smell but I like the smell of horses. However, I do realise that most people don't and that if my house smelled like horses it would make it harder for me to sell it...

curiouscatgotkilled · 22/07/2019 12:54

I was really pleased to see that there was a dog living in the house we bought because we wanted to get a dog so it was nice to see that the house was 'suitable'
I realise that I am not an average house buyer though. So I'd say remove the bowls etc leave the rest. Get some cheapo light shades.

IsobelRae23 · 22/07/2019 12:54

Get some simple light fightings from Argos and have same day delivering, will cost you under £20 for two with delivery.

I would change one of the bedding, and hide the coasters etc. It’s sausage dog overload!

Ask someone to tell you if your home smells. We had dogs, and couldn’t smell it, but I know it did, as I could smell friends homes with their dogs! You do get used to your own doggy smell. It will put some people off- the thought of all new carpets throughout etc.

Original poster
howdyetti · 22/07/2019 12:54

Re the dog smell, I’ve asked everyone I can think of and I’m told there is no smell. Hopefully they are being truthful. I think it may be due to not having carpets and then fact I’m a bit obsessive when it comes to cleaning and floor mopping Grin

OP posts:
IsobelRae23 · 22/07/2019 12:55

@PapayaCoconut I love horsey smells!!

BlackeyedGruesome · 22/07/2019 12:57

I would try and avoid a house that had dogs previously unless everything else was right. Most people would not be too bothered though.

hibbledibble · 22/07/2019 12:58

  1. dog ornaments aren't a big deal. Unless it's OTT, which you say it isn't

  2. get some cheap light shades at least. This would look odd and off-putting.

hibbledibble · 22/07/2019 13:00

Also I disagree about the dog smell. Not all dogs smell. Some do, but certain breeds are odourless. Mine is.

Original poster
howdyetti · 22/07/2019 13:01

Light shades bought, glad I asked!

OP posts:
HeadintheiClouds · 22/07/2019 13:02

What breed is it, hibble?

1forAll74 · 22/07/2019 13:04

I wouldn't be put off buying your house, just as it is,and wouldn't wan't to go out buying any new stuff,even cheapo things. It seems that everyone has to have show home standards,for agents photo's these days.

It reminds me of that tv thing location location,where some people go to view a beautiful house, and the people say,,oh I don't like the shape of that window , or the type of door is all wrong etc.

People buying a house,should all go and buy a brand new house, if they wan't to view a place that has had no dogs living in it, or any nice homey items in it.

itbemay · 22/07/2019 13:08

Judging by the bedding and framed print your I imagine your house is lovely OP! Good luck with the sale

CSIblonde · 22/07/2019 13:12

I worked for an EA. The lack of lightshades will put people off. You have to 'stage' a room as people often can't use their imagination. It's why show houses are furnished for new builds. The dog stuff is fine.

MadamWaffle · 22/07/2019 13:15

@howdyetti

I absolutely love these.

I'm tempted. I really shouldn't. But I'm tempted...

georgialondon · 22/07/2019 13:28

Definitely buy inexpensive light shades.

Gamble66 · 22/07/2019 13:42

Fix lights - change on set of the bedding for neautral/ match room - 2 rooms looks very doggy possible multiple dogs to me