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Original poster

Are buyers expecting pristine houses?

295 replies

Lofu · 05/04/2021 15:29

Our house has been on the market since Dec at £280k. 3 bed extended detached in a desirable area. Garden, drive for two cars, garage.

It's a 1970s house so not attractive from the outside, we know this. Neighbours houses which are smaller but older and more attractive have sold recently for £325k. So I think we are priced accordingly.

We've had 7 viewings so far and each one has said the same thing- the house needs a bit more work than we anticipated.

The only thing I think needs doing is the bathroom which is serviceable but about 10 years old and not on trend. Again estate agent said this is reflected in the price. Everything else in the house is done.

I can't think what people mean. Our house isn't show home standard but I would say appropriately done up for a house of its age.

I thought it was normal to expect to do a few bits in an older house. Is anyone else finding that viewers are being very fussy about how houses are decorated?

OP posts:
Soontobe60 · 05/04/2021 15:31

We need a link!

whiteshark · 05/04/2021 15:32

Positing a link to your house may be beneficial. Similar post usually get really good advice on simple things you can change to make it more attractive to buyers.

PegasusReturns · 05/04/2021 15:36

Post a link and you’ll get loads of really good advice.

IME when you live somewhere you get blind to the imperfections.

FTEngineerM · 05/04/2021 15:37

Do the pictures make it look like there’s not much work required?

Original poster
Lofu · 05/04/2021 15:38

I found this property on the Rightmove Android app and wanted you to see it: www.rightmove.co.uk/property/101286317

Link!

The garden looks a bit sad because the photo was from Dec. Was planning to ask for it to be re-shot soon once the flowers are out.

OP posts:
turtlewurtle · 05/04/2021 15:38

Our previous house had awful kitchen that really needed replacement. It was reflected in the price and we sold quickly. We could have done it but the price of the house would have only increased the amount new kitchen costs.

StrongerOrWeaker · 05/04/2021 15:41

It looks lovely to me (aside the garden, as you said). Are there parts of the house that the EA deliberately not photograph? Or did they go a bit heavy handed on photoshop?

FTEngineerM · 05/04/2021 15:42

Why has it been sold so much? You haven’t been there long. Nobody stays there very long, why?

Original poster
Lofu · 05/04/2021 15:45

We planned to stay longer. I am 7 months pregnant and both mine and DHs employer have decided we are working from home forever now so the babies room is now an office. We need a four bed now basically!

Only room not photographed is the downstairs loo because it's just a toilet.

OP posts:
Clymene · 05/04/2021 15:45

Looks fine to me

gretagreengrapes · 05/04/2021 15:46

We have just bought and looked at lots of houses. I dont think the listing is that bad but there are a few things I would change and then get new photos.

Curb appeal - pick all those weeds up round the wall and borrow a jetwash for the green mossy driveway, maybe a few plant pots (you can take them with you) to make it feel a bit more loved.

The garden - i agree with you, tend to the lawn and get a new photo

The cot room - there's a lot of mismatched furniture and colours going on. Take some out like that little brown drawer set and any clutter. Rearrange to make it less corridor like.

The bathroom would need doing imo but not for you to do, for the buyer and they'd know that from looking.

Have you been there when people have been looking? Or just the agent? Try it the other way round.

LolaSmiles · 05/04/2021 15:46

It looks good to me and the sort of place I would buy if I wanted to avoid paying for someone else's decor tastes. The garden photo would be a big negative to me as it looks quite small and not so appealing, but you've said it was a winter photo.

I dislike buying houses that have been done to a high spec as most of the time it's been done in whatever is on trend and I like to decorate to my taste not whatever is in fashion.

If you were being honest, would you say those photos are realistic representations of those rooms on a typical day? I'm thinking in terms of level of light, clever camera angles etc. If the 3rd bedroom is much smaller than it looks then that would be a negative to me.

bravotango · 05/04/2021 15:47

I think it's overpriced I'm afraid, based on other properties nearby. You're right that not much needs doing though.

Original poster
Lofu · 05/04/2021 15:48

The house is a bit more cluttered downstairs when people come to view because we have some toys out for the toddler. I think there's a bit of over exposure on the photos that makes it look artificially stark/ clean, but is a fair representation of what it is.

OP posts:
Grinnypig · 05/04/2021 15:48

I think it looks fine. I also don’t think people have moved unusually frequently.
Maybe try using a different agent?

Alannathelioness · 05/04/2021 15:49

What are the conditions of the walls, skirting etc, wiring etc? The house we bought looked modern in photos (white walls, wood floor) but in reality on viewing everything was showing its age and the the work had been done poorly (bodged DIY). It was reflected in the price but it was more than a lot of viewers wanted to take on, but it was perfect for us.

espressoontap · 05/04/2021 15:49

I think the bathroom is fine to be honest! I can't see where it needs work. It's a lovely home.

Thirtyrock39 · 05/04/2021 15:50

I love your kitchen- I've actually just screen shotted it as looking for ideas of how to update ours and your bathroom seems fine to me. Is it all open plan downstairs? For a family house that would put me off a little as it can be useful to have space apart

User0ne · 05/04/2021 15:50

Do you have it as tidy as it is in the photos when people view? If not that could be your answer.

People don't expect pristine but it certainly helps with a quick sale.

Persipan · 05/04/2021 15:50

It looks nice! I definitely don't look at those photos and think 'there's a house that needs a lot doing'. If you do have further viewings with similar feedback it might be worth asking the agents to probe a little to find out what it is people think is in need of attention.

Original poster
Lofu · 05/04/2021 15:51

"Curb appeal - pick all those weeds up round the wall and borrow a jetwash for the green mossy driveway"

That's exactly what DH is doing today!

OP posts:
babbi · 05/04/2021 15:52

It’s definitely the garden !
A lot of people are wary of gardens that need work as it can be costly .
And also the front looks drab and bare .
Clean up the moss at the front and put brightly coloured plants in pots outside and inside the porch .
Rest of the house is lovely .. kitchen diner area is very nice . I love it .

LaMainDeFatima · 05/04/2021 15:52

When people say it needs work , I would ask what work. I wonder whether it's just an excuse as in my opinion , not a lot of work seems to be needed

Soothes · 05/04/2021 15:52

It looks like a show home to me!. I wonder if the pictures are unusually flattering? If close up the finish isn't very good, bearing in mind the comments?

I think a "done" house that isn't done well is a harder sell than a house where it's clear a lot of work is needed.

DoingItMyself · 05/04/2021 15:53

It's lovely. I was expecting something ramshackle! Have the garden photos re-done, as you said.

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