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Why can't we sell our house!

259 replies

cocomom · 11/05/2017 22:18

Long story short we've accepted 3 different offers off 3 different people all for them to 'change their mind' in less than 72 hours.
Lowest offer being 5k under asking and highest full asking, I think this is now really affecting our chance of selling as our house has been STC on rightmove three times now only for it to pop back up a few days later Angry

OP posts:
sunshinesupermum · 14/05/2017 16:15

I wouldn't worry at all about the current decor - you will never please everyone. I do agree that softening the garden would help. I have paving stones on my large roof terrace and have covered a good portion of it wth astro turf - it has made a huge difference to the look of the 'garden' and requires no maintenance. Best of luck!

callmeadoctor · 14/05/2017 17:24

I understand that you don't want to extend into the loft, so as not to upset the neighbours. However the people you sell the bungalow WILL!!!!!! (So try and get your head round that before you move to a bigger house that will cost you more!!!!)

sunshinesupermum · 14/05/2017 17:44

Good point about extending and staying put - it should be considered even if neighbours don't like it as it would save money.

Suttonmum1 · 14/05/2017 18:45

I can't see any books, paperwork, computer area or any room for those things. The fence needs painting a different colour and next time you take photos try to make the garden a bit more colourful, put the animal house and bins in the garage while the photos are done. The house looks like all you do in it is watch TV.

Parker231 · 14/05/2017 19:02

Where are the bookcases?

cocomom · 14/05/2017 19:17

We don't own a computer, my DH has a work laptop that he only uses in work, we don't own any books, shock horror! My kids books are all under the bed in a box and we have a cupboard for all paper work, which is pretty standard bow adays id say.

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 14/05/2017 20:14

I really don't understand why you started this thread.

TheFirstMrsDV · 14/05/2017 20:35

Where are the bookcases?

Are they compulsory now?

AvaCrowder2 · 14/05/2017 20:46

coco your house is lovely.

The difference between the prices 2012-2017 would put me off more than anything.

Especially if I wanted to make changes to suit my personal taste.

I don't know your area at all, but Sunnyside Street sounds like a nice place to live.

Keep it on the market until you have committed buyers in a position to proceed is all I can constructively add.

FrancisCrawford · 14/05/2017 20:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Iamastonished · 14/05/2017 20:57

The only books I buy these days that aren't kindle books are recipe books.

FrancisCrawford believe it or not, not everyone needs all those things.

Squishedstrawberry4 · 14/05/2017 21:07

It's overpriced compared to others possibly

m.zoopla.co.uk/house-prices/ashton-in-makerfield/sunnyside-road

Squishedstrawberry4 · 14/05/2017 21:09

The market has frozen elsewhere

mathanxiety · 14/05/2017 21:51

The people who made offers and then withdrew are not indecisive. They were looking for something else and your house almost ticked all their boxes. Then they found what they were really looking for.

In order to sell, you have to gauge who might be interested in buying, and then pitch your property to them. You may therefore need to make some changes, because it's easier for your target to imagine themselves in your home if you include elements of what they may already have in theirs. The best changes are superficial ones that won't compromise your lifestyle, won't cost much, and will mute your decor or suggest buyers' existing decor or lifestyle. I agree with people who are saying your potential buyers are elderly downsizers or a young family. So you need to tone down the decor and make the house look less like a place that shouldn't be touched.

Paint the radiator (is that a radiator?) on the living room wall. It should be white to match the walls.

I would not add a bath, not because it is your home and you don't take baths, but because this could be a bargaining point for you - someone likes the house but hesitates because they like a bath, so offer a little discount off the price to make them feel they could afford to put in a bath themselves. Maybe get this job costed by a reputable plumber or contractor so you could persuade them it is affordable.

Add some books. Go to a boot sale and buy some cook books and two bookends for your kitchen counter, and a few hardback books for your bedside tables. Lose the stuffed animals and put out books in the children's rooms. Install large house plants. You could have at least two, no more than three in your living room.

A side table with a lamp that could accommodate some hardback books would be nice too, so the couch doesn't look as if it's there purely for decoration.

If you have an open house, set out a bowl of fruit on your breakfast bar, dramatic plant on your bathroom counter, replace family photos everywhere with books and plants.

(What is the green thing behind the dining table? Apologies if that has been explained before.)

mathanxiety · 14/05/2017 22:09

I would put bookcases where the TV is, since I have a much smaller TV. I think it would be possible to put a built in or moveable shelving thing with space for a TV, and maybe a potential buyer would consider that.

No space for a desk is not really standard.
You could put a very small desk in your kitchen between the fridge and the corner. There would need to be wiring there for a computer.

Alternatively, someone who is downsizing might use one of the bedrooms as a home office/hobby/workout room. But a kitchen desk is a real plus.

FrancisCrawford · 14/05/2017 22:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Iamastonished · 14/05/2017 23:16

We have loads of books - 6 bookcases full. I just don't buy any more unless they are recipe books as I prefer to use my kindle and I don't have room for any more books

mathanxiety · 15/05/2017 05:32

A lot of older people use books as opposed to e-readers. This is a bungalow that might appeal to older people who don't want stairs.

TheFirstMrsDV · 15/05/2017 07:02

Oh Francis that is not why the question was asked was it now?
'Where are the bookcases?' doesn't mean 'where are the bookcases?' on MN.

FrancisCrawford · 15/05/2017 07:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FrancisCrawford · 15/05/2017 07:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TinfoilHattie · 15/05/2017 07:49

What if we change decor and then that isn't to everyone's taste

You're still not getting this. It's not about appealing to everyone, it's about appealing to MORE people than it is at present. Dozens of people have said on this thread that your living space is stark, cold and appears unlived in. You could very easily warm it up by painting over the black/white wallpaper in any warmer colour. Just not grey or white. £40 tops for paint. Then get down to your local charity shop or car boot sale and buy some large, colourful paintings or posters to hang on hte walls that were papered and another above your dining table. It will make the house much warmer and cosier and broaden the appeal. It doesn't matter if it's not your taste - you are trying to sell your house!!

We put a bath in, might appeal to people but we have to live with this

Again, it's about broadening the appeal. Agree that this is a bigger job than planting, and the ideas about getting a quote for the work is a great plan.

Kokusai · 15/05/2017 07:59

To be honest I would stay and extend into the loft! You've obviously put a lot of time and effort into getting the house how you like it so makes sense to stay and extend.

TheFirstMrsDV · 15/05/2017 08:05

It means 'I have lots and lots of books and you haven't. How awful'
A house with books has no soul, apparently
Grin

I get that people need to imagine themselves and their stuff in a house but that generally means room for a fridge freezer and a sofa. There will be people who are looking for room to house their ten thousand books but most of us will find a way to house our books along with a way to house our shoes or the kid's toys.

Book cases are only one way to store books. They are not vital if you like a house

FrancisCrawford · 15/05/2017 08:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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