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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:
TooOldandTired · 05/04/2021 17:44

I think it looks really good, fairly neutral and nothing offensive in terms of decoration. I wouldn't be keen on the large mirror built in wardrobes but that is just personal choice. Front and back garden could do with a tidy up but can't see anything you would need to do other than that.

MagicSummer · 05/04/2021 17:44

As an aside, why do sellers always take pictures of beds which haven't been made properly? It looks so much better to pull the duvet up to the headboard and then put the pillows on top! Much neater, smarter and looks as if you want the bed to look tidy!

Longingforatikihut · 05/04/2021 17:46

Agree with PPs, increase immediate curb appeal, borrow a jet wash if you don't have one.

I would also struggle to read the third bedroom as a bedroom. If you can switch to easily tidy away laptops on the kitchen table until you move and put a double bed in the bedroom. I know it's a pita. But you're highlighting a potential 'lack of space'.

(You have a beautiful home btw, I second a PPs kitchen envy)

Bythemillpond · 05/04/2021 17:47

Sorry fat fingers

Whilst a 3 bed detached went in 2017 for £225,000 there was also a 3 bed detached that went for £170,000

Things might have gone up slightly they haven’t gone up a huge amount.

Also whilst being detached has its advantages there are semis that look like they have a larger square footage for less money.

Woodpecker22 · 05/04/2021 17:48

It has had a 55% price increase in 5 years from 180k to 280k. Has the local market gone up that much?

Original poster
Lofu · 05/04/2021 17:49

@MagicSummer

As an aside, why do sellers always take pictures of beds which haven't been made properly? It looks so much better to pull the duvet up to the headboard and then put the pillows on top! Much neater, smarter and looks as if you want the bed to look tidy!
Because I was brought up terribly and did not know that this is what is considered a properly made bed.

But again, this shouldn't put someone off surely?

Also I had my giant pregnancy pillow under the duvet until DH pointed out it looked like a body and we promptly hid it in the wardrobe.

OP posts:
OnlyToWin · 05/04/2021 17:51

I honestly think most people don’t have much “vision” when viewing a house, so it’s your job as a seller to make it easy for them and get them to see what you want them to see!

LovePoppy · 05/04/2021 17:51

@Lofu

Only one viewer out of seven has said the bedrooms are too small, which I can't argue with.

I can't believe people would be put off by a toilet seat! Ours cracked two days before the photos so I ordered one quick off prime and it doesn't quite fit! I was so annoyed!

I have never pretended to have any inclination toward interior design, I'm sorry but I do expect people to look past my furniture and the way I've laid it out. I'm not selling you my furniture.

And I certainly can't be doing with turning the office into the baby room and putting a double bed in the toddler room. Where are we expected to work whilst this is all in place?

Certainly going to replace the December garden photo with a new one now the flowers are out and the grass can be mowed, and get some colour out front.

Will discuss with DP about lowering price too.

Most people cannot look past furniture. It’s why stagers are so needed.

Your rooms are a bit cluttered, can you put a 1/3 of stuff into storage?

My last move I had to put more than half into storage, as well as remove any personal touches. People want a blank slate

quiteathome · 05/04/2021 17:51

@Woodpecker22

It has had a 55% price increase in 5 years from 180k to 280k. Has the local market gone up that much?
This is what I was wondering. £100K increase. Have you added that much value?
Original poster
Lofu · 05/04/2021 17:51

@Woodpecker22

It has had a 55% price increase in 5 years from 180k to 280k. Has the local market gone up that much?
Yeah this area has gone a bit mad and the house needed quite a bit doing to it when we bought it.

You should have seen the garden before! Not a single plant and no fences. Rotten decking that you could put your foot through.

OP posts:
quiteathome · 05/04/2021 17:52

It is a nice enough house though. Nothing wrong with it. might just be cluttered when people look at it.

nicknamehelp · 05/04/2021 17:54

Once front and back garden tidy get some new pictures up.
When have a viewing tidy all toys away and take toddler out so will help make feel bigger.

GiantKitten · 05/04/2021 17:54

@Lofu

Also I had my giant pregnancy pillow under the duvet until DH pointed out it looked like a body and we promptly hid it in the wardrobe.

I am enjoying your contributions to this (and admiring your good humour Smile)

MagicSummer · 05/04/2021 17:55

@Lofu - I wasn't criticising you in particular about the bed! I meant that as an observation, having trawled through many, many house details. No, it shouldn't put people off, it was just a comment!

CuthbertDibbleandGrubb · 05/04/2021 17:57

Are people thinking that getting tradespeople is going to be difficult over the next couple of years or longer, so want a house where they do not have to do anything?

Bluntness100 · 05/04/2021 17:58

Op the old pics are on line,,,

www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/detailMatching.html?prop=50517070&sale=59760378&country=england

Pepperminttea16 · 05/04/2021 17:59

I don’t think it needs much work at all OP, nothing unreasonable. The garden needs a bit of landscaping but not a huge job. I would rip out your fitted wardrobes and replace the vinyl(?) in the bathroom/kitchen just because they aren’t my taste and I can’t start vinyl flooring.

The curtains on your french doors look a bit scruffy.

I would probably make an offer if the price was appropriate. Looking at your area other 3 bed detached houses are on for around £20k less so it’s probably too expensive.

Ihatemyseleffordoingthis · 05/04/2021 17:59

Stay put
Garden Office
Pricing looks like you are on the make

Alsohuman · 05/04/2021 18:00

Because I was brought up terribly and did not know that this is what is considered a properly made bed.

So was I. And everyone else I know. 🤣

Bluntness100 · 05/04/2021 18:01

I think it’s the price op, it seems you’re about forty to fifty grand over priced if you look at properties which sold next to you recently.

www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/detailMatching.html?prop=59541046&sale=11653543&country=england

www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/detailMatching.html?prop=97541999&sale=92139159&country=england

mummabubs · 05/04/2021 18:04

Looks fine to me OP! My only thoughts were:

  1. I'm a little surprised by the price to be honest as we just sold our house in an expensive area of Wales (they do exist!) for £15k less and our house is aesthetically very similar but 30sqm bigger. Interestingly we were originally advised to list it at £280k and we didn't get any offers at that band so just be prepared you may experience similar!
  2. Can you take a picture of the garden when it's got the most sun on it? Having to returf or general upkeep wouldn't bother me at all but I've found it really off-putting when pictures show the whole garden in shade as it suggests you might not ever get much or any sun there! (Especially when grass looks a little sad too as this would fuel my lack of sun theory!)
PrtScn · 05/04/2021 18:10

I personally wouldn’t pay that much for a house like that. It’s far too close to next door, they might as well be attached. It looks a bit claustrophobic for the money.
Doesn’t look like it needs much work though.

Snog · 05/04/2021 18:12

The garden could be made more inviting but I think the house is fine. I suspect the price is the real issue unfortunately.

Good luck OP.

Dodie66 · 05/04/2021 18:15

Mow the lawn and tidy the garden. Edge the borders and get some plants already in flower and out around the borders, Maybe put garden seating on the decking. Also give it more kerb appeal by putting pots by the door etc. Otherwise I would buy it. It looks lovely and I like the bathroom

Suzi888 · 05/04/2021 18:15

Looks fine to meConfused. If it gets a bit cluttery could you literally grab a laundry basket, chuck stuff in it and hide it somewhere?
If I was being picky I’d have some curtain tie backs in the dining room and some curtains in the bedroom. Mow the grass and pop a couple of plant pots at the front or some fake trees even!
Kitchen looks nice and clean.