Best cheap way to make house more desirable to potential buyers?

[carriewintermeadow]

Our house is on the market, we need to sell for financial reasons.

unfortunately it's a bit tired, some cracks, grubby marks, dirty old carpet. However, the colours are neutral. We have no money at all, so can't decorate or put down new carpets.

What I can do is clean carpets, use polyfilla on cracks, touch up paint etc. What would you think?

We've had 4 viewings, the feedback was from one couple that it was too expensive (we were happy to accept lower offers, but council tax was too high for them), another two couples have said they would need to make changes but didn't state what or try to negotiate, the last viewers have no reason.

I will try and post a link to Rightmove.

In the meantime, would you be happy to take into account the fact it needs a coat of paint and new carpets if we said we were happy to look at offers below asking price? We have already reduced by £10k already.

We're in Yorkshire by the way.

[carriewintermeadow]

Joan how many bathrooms can they need? There is a family bathroom, an en suite and downstairs wc.

[joanofarchitrave]

oops sorry I totally missed that there was more than one bathroom!

Actually could it be that others are missing that too? Am I a complete dunce, or is there only one bathroom picture? Willing to accept that I may be a dunce...

[carriewintermeadow]

No, you are right, just one bathroom picture. But the others are shown on the floor plan and listed in the details. However it's possible people are missing it.

[rockpinkpumpkin]

It was the citizens advice bureau that told me that (after I'd sold)
Even if that route doesn't work out I hope you manage to sell your house soon! !

[happybubblebrain]

I think it looks about the right price. It looks like a good family home with good decor. It does look a bit boring though. It needs a bit more creativity and interest - flowers, cushions, pictures, a bit more colour, a bit more personality and originality. This can be done very cheaply. For inspiration have a look on Rightmove at some of the properties in Brighton at the higher end of the market, loads of great ideas there.

[happybubblebrain]

And plants. And lamps - lighting is very important.

[carriewintermeadow]

Sadly the mortgage rescue scheme, where the government buy your house, no longer exists as of March 2014 .

[joanofarchitrave]

OK, I would ask the estate agent for more pictures to show the other bathrooms?

[bilbodog]

the dreaded estate agent again - have you checked on rightmove to see what your local competition is? This is the best way to see if your house is priced correctly? Put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer, with that amount of money to spend, then look at all the houses in the area that are available at the moment to buy (you could even be a bit cheeky and go and look at some of them) - see how yours compares in its size, rooms and general decor. I agree with all the others earlier who said that otherwise it looks fine. A few fresh flowers or plants strategically placed - and how about some pretty cushions that you can take with you?

[momb]

The house looks lovely on right move: some things which may be affecting the sale/desirability:
Does the house smell of cats? Really clean the carperts and use whatever cleaners you can to freshen up the place.
Clean the windows, tuck back the curtains to maximise light.
Wash down the walls if possible and certainly maike sure that all the gloss paint is gribby fingerprint free
One tin of white emulsion can brighten a whole house if you paint the ceilings!
Talking of which: is that stains on the ceiling in the penguin bedroom?
Make sure the hosue smells fresh and looks bright and clean and you can get away with most other issues.
good luck.

[carriewintermeadow]

I don't think it smells of cats. I always open windows and doors well in advance of people coming, the cats go in the garden, the dog in the car and I put all their beds etc away in the garage.

[JeffreySadsacIsUnwell]

Spam spam spam spam...

Given the OP's financial circumstances 2 years ago, and her worries about repossession, I really hope she's sold it now.