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Original poster

Help me sell my house

146 replies

DoIneedflowersatthefrontdoor · 26/02/2023 16:46

As my name changed username suggests, I’m wondering what else I could do to get more viewers. Would flowers entice you in more or is there something more fundamental that would help? I know there are loads more photos than you normally get on RightMove, but it’s not that out of the ordinary here in NI.

Some more background - we’ve been back on the market for four weeks after our buyers pulled out. We’ve had 8 viewings and no real feedback on what we could change. Some of the viewers have said no based on the location being too far from Belfast/other towns, but about half of them haven’t said they’re out, they’re still thinking about it. I know I need to be more patient, but I’m finding it very hard when I don’t want to lose the house I’m buying!

I feel like I’m exposing my soul, but here’s a link: www.propertypal.com/784958

OP posts:
Snippit · 26/02/2023 22:31

Beautiful, stunning property!!

The colour of the front doorway is a very bright (green). Perhaps a Farrow and Ball colour ie, Stiffky Blue would be softer. Farrow and Ball can be an arse to work with, I get a special mix at B&Q, cheaper and easier to paint with. The rendering is a little dull, painting it would make a massive difference. It looks as though there are some planting areas under the windows, popping some colour in there or architectural plants would look good.

A standard bay tree in pretty pots on either side of the door on the entrance steps. Have faith and patience, I nearly lost the will to live when we were selling our old house in 2013. The prices had plateaued then, I had 41 viewings in the space of 9 months.

Your property is absolutely gorgeous, it will sell, the right person is out there. January, February, March are fairly grotty months when people tend to hibernate. The clocks change in March, it’s Spring with more daylight, it makes such a difference to peoples psyche.

LibertyLily · 26/02/2023 22:57

Ratatatatatouille · 26/02/2023 17:55

It’s beautiful, if not a bit soul-less. Where are the flowers? The cushions? The rugs? It doesn’t feel homely, but it’s got lovely bones.

My thoughts exactly....but then I love lots of flowers everywhere (tulips and daffodils at the moment and these are very cheap!) as well as cushions and rugs in abundance....

Without these it feels rather flat, imho.

You definitely need the dimensions in feet as well as metres and looking at the floor plan is virtually the first thing many people (including me) do, so this needs to be earlier in the listing.

It's a lovely house though, but I have to agree regarding the outside being dull by comparison. Huge planters full of colourful bulbs or bedding plants would definitely help.

Also agree with the poster who mentioned garden furniture.

All this sells a lifestyle and makes a potential buyer visualise what their life could be like in your home.

As for the pics - that's way too many (I appreciate you said it's normal there, but even so it seems over the top) and I also got bored scrolling through.

When we were selling a similarly sized house in 2014, our EA - a very well respected independent in the South West of England - only ever put EIGHT pics on their listings, regardless of property size, which we queried at the time. They said it was just enough to get the potential buyers hooked but not enough to make them think they'd seen everything. The result being they'd have to book a viewing to see more. I guess this has changed since covid though.

bellswithwhistles · 26/02/2023 23:04

Love it!!

Only thing I would change is to add a LOT more plants/flowers. Artificial is fine. Just needs a little more 'colour' soul injected. Things like coloured towels maybe in the bathroom? couple of olive trees in large pots outside the front door (I would actually change that green as it's depressing!)

I would honestly buy it in a heartbeat though irrespective.

Agree with the other comments about too many photos.

newwings · 26/02/2023 23:08

Paint house white and get some nice flowering pots. The outside look a little start. Inside is beautiful, minimal, spacious. Cut back on the photos. X1 for each significant room and a floor plan.

mrsbyers · 26/02/2023 23:16

Way too many photographs and personally I think some of the paint colours don’t match the floors well , for example the cold grey in the entrance hall with the dark floor. The floors would need lightened if I bought it personally but someone will be very lucky to own it just need the right person to view

mathanxiety · 26/02/2023 23:34

The exterior looks so bleak. I'd definitely add a lot of potted bushes and flowers.

I'd add some quirky and warm detail to your kitchen too. It seems very clinical. Maybe flowers, or plants, something to suggest natural light and warmth.

Huge house and great views. Just looks very shiny and new and not cozy.

mathanxiety · 26/02/2023 23:35

I'd paint the exterior a nice warm cream/ off white if you can.

anon37484291918 · 26/02/2023 23:54

I love it as it is. If I was relocating just now I would buy it in a heartbeat.

TheAustralian · 26/02/2023 23:55

Beautiful house.
get rid of the wedding photos, random clock photo needs to go also.

is it an old house or antique furniture?
if it’s an old house. Take phots of the windows (looking out at the paddocks) and the doors (looking outside or looking back into the house)
Remove the cars before taking photos

I only made it to photo 16. All the photos are the same.
what made you fall in love with your home?.
Take photos of those things you love about the house.

add some pots of colour at the front door

Cornishclio · 26/02/2023 23:56

I think it is lovely but hard to believe you have three children. Only sign of any child is the cot bed in your room (misses the point).

I think the market is very slow since the interest rate rise and a lot of people don't start thinking about moving until Spring. There would be no harm in putting a few tubs of flowers in the front to brighten it but I doubt that is putting people off. It is more that the housing market has taken a dive.

Appleblum · 27/02/2023 00:06

It's a very lovely home! The inside looks so welcoming and comfortable.

howmanybicycles · 27/02/2023 00:17

It's got many lovely features but does not feel homely and the outside looks awful. Can you soften it inside and out? I'd also lose the photos of chairs etc. That always just makes me feel like people must be trying to distract you from something when they focus on things which are not actually included in the sale.

Crispynoodle · 27/02/2023 00:40

Ha! I'm only here to see people drool over the amount of house you get for your cash in NI. Reality is that it's the wrong time for buyers here, they usually start viewing from March onwards you will have no bother to sell it in spring

user1492757084 · 27/02/2023 01:33

What an amazing house. It looks very well presented. I also love the green tiles! The only thing that irked me inside was the pink laundry so if I moved in I would change it to a fresh green to reflect the garden.
I would put a couple of living area suggestions into the outside - some seating and large floral pots, umbrella. Perhaps a dog kennel, bicycle, birdcage or something to give it a lively connection to the wonderful living space inside.
I agree with cutting back on the photos. It might help to add a large leafy plant or two in the kitchen and dining room and some flower in the living room and entrance etc.
Some might not find an all black bathroom to their taste. Would the wall behind the bath be better white or dried grass wallpaper or a green herb living wall?
It is a very impressive property and the floor plan is ideal.

0o0o0o0 · 27/02/2023 02:11

It's done to a high standard but way too modern and clinical for me.

nocoolnamesleft · 27/02/2023 02:42

Inside is smart/stylish, but feels dark. Was it an especially cloudy day when they took the pictures? Outside looks, well, stark and grim. Even a couple of pots of flowers/hanging baskets by the door would break it up a bit. Though I'd prefer the paint it white option. You've got a fair bit of outside space, but didn't spot anything to make it look useable (outdoor furniture/seating/bbq etc). And I'd almost given up on ever finding a floor plan, and I love floor plans.

Neighbour23 · 27/02/2023 02:49

It's bloody gorgeous. Sorry to be a repetitive bore, but PAINT IT WHITE.

LindorDoubleChoc · 27/02/2023 03:22

I'm not going to look through 78 photos for anybody I'm afraid and I doubt I'd make the effort even if I were looking for a 4 bed detached house in Belfast! You need no more than 20 for a house that size.

It wouldn't be for me due to the open plan layout and black kitchen and 4 bathrooms but presumably your viewers didn't have a problem with these as that info is all obvious.

Can't think what else it might be? Sorry!

MayLeaveADentInYourSofa · 27/02/2023 03:31

It is a beautiful property! My suggestions would be

paint the outside, it looks so dull
add more kerb appeal such as outside plants in pots and furniture
move the antique sewing machine from the living room, I found it distracting
change the stairs and landing carpet to a beige/neutral color
dress the house with flowers, plants, cushions, throws.

Honestly, though, the house is stunning. Good luck!

Mumof3girlsandaboy · 27/02/2023 03:33

Treetopviews · 26/02/2023 17:09

I also think it looks great and can’t get past how cheap it is. The only thjng on the market close to me at that price is a small two bed flat.

is it maybe location? Is it quite rural?

Me too I can’t past how cheap it is. That price will only buy a small house in my area. Good luck op

Lampzade · 27/02/2023 03:47

Definitely less photos
Soften the house using plants and flowers.

sjxoxo · 27/02/2023 03:47

Gorgeous house.
A couple of thoughts.. too many photos that are irrelevant. You need about 15-20 and make each one epic! The second or third one with a chair and plants for example - not relevant.
You’re very tidy.. with that size house your target buyer is likely someone with kids/a family. I’d try and add some ‘cosy’- I’m assuming your kids are grown up but I would think your target buyer will be thinking about a playroom and family meals aswell as adult space. So I’d adjust my styling to that. Perhaps add a few rugs and some colour.

But as others have said - gorgeous house and 4 weeks isn’t long at all! I reckon you’ll sell with no changes tbh but might take a bit longer. I’d look at all the competition on the market around your price point in radius of 5/10 miles and look at their styling and what your visitors are comparing. Good luck! Xxx

MissMarplesbag · 27/02/2023 03:48

The house is perfect as it is so the changes I'd make would be to reduce the photos:

  • front door & external pictures first
  • remove random photos of vases etc
  • have the floor plan as a separate link so you don't need to scroll through 70 odd pictures to get to it
MissMarplesbag · 27/02/2023 03:50

No need to change the stairs carpets as people will want to choose their own when the move in.

WeAreTheHeroes · 27/02/2023 03:51

Fairly high priced houses in rural locations can take longer to sell. Your agent has posted way too many photos as many pps have stated. The exterior is very typical for Ireland. The other house for sale nearby has more kerb appeal, but did the agent really need to include photos of the huge slobbery-looking dog and hideous concrete yard? The interior photos of that one are terrible. If you were looking in that area though, you would view both.