Viewing in this scenario

[WonderWoman123456]

I just put up my house for sale as I am leaving the country. There was a flurry of viewing bookings around 7 in the first week, but only 4 bothered to turn up. One was exploring, one opined house needs work done, one didn't like the size of the second bedroom and the last one was coming for a second viewing but found something else.

Now after the first week nothing. People are looking at the ads on zoopla but no viewings. Was wondering if I should knock the price down a bit or just find a new agent. It's been 2 weeks now, I understand things are slow.

This is my listing. 139576364

I thought Picture 10 was at the rear of the property?? Picture 1 appears to show trees/hedge growing across the drive/front entrance at the front.

Kindly I think you need to do a big clean and clean out and the have the pictures retaken for example does your oven have a door?

If I was looking at the photos I'd be thinking that it would need completely refurbishing, new kitchen, new bathroom, rewiring as there's a lot of trunking in the kitchen photos etc.

From looking at the sold prices locally there are two that were in much better condition sold in 2020 and 2021 for between £280k and £290k I think you'll definitely have to reduce the price quite a bit if you want to sell it quickly without doing any further work beyond tidying and cleaning.

How are people seeing the listing? I love these threads, I did one and sold my house in 4 days!

Go to the first post and click on “edited “ button.

This! I can't see a link or find it with the reference. These threads can be so helpful.

Thank you @Twiglets1

Aha the first pic. The hedge is sort of a divider between mine and the flat complex to the side. And the trees(ornamental plants) are my neighbours, which she planted on my side. There was rose bush there before which died, so she planted it.

@TokyoSushi I love these threads too and peoples brutal honesty.

But I would not be brave enough to do one of my own home 😱

Glad you found it useful though. I think they can be where the owner takes some of the comments on board.

Ooh OP... Are you living in it until it's sold? Or moving out shortly and then the sale will carry on once you've gone?

There's a lot to do, but I can imagine how you might not be that inclined to do it seeing as you're leaving the country... An 'out of the box' suggestion, but if you're going pretty soon, might you actually be better to clear it out completely, give it the absolute deep clean of it's life, have it re-photographed and sell it empty?

Yes will live in it until sold. I have until April next year so have some time.

In that case WW I would try to take some of these comments on board. Get a gardener round to have a tidy up ahead of Autumn and cut back some of the bushes. Make the rooms look a bit more loved, declutter and tidy up. Get rid of the freezer in the bedroom! None of that would cost much.
You may need to reduce the price too if it isn’t selling- sorry.

I agree with others that the photos aren't particularly helpful.

A good declutter and removing piles of 'stuff' from for eg top of fridge, coffee table, bedside table, should help.

Also, is the oven broken? Does it not have a door? The pan which is pushed in there needs to go too.

Your kitchen’s nice but otherwise house and garden look completely unloved - and unlovable.

Actually I had removed the oven door and using it as storage. I rarely used the oven and have an air fryer to use. In hindsight I should have fixed the door back before the photos were taken. I have put it back again anway.

Yes will get some more de-cluttering done and new pictures taken.

I have never sold a house and naively thought the photographer might offer suggestions but I was so wrong.

If they are on your side, I would take them out, or cut them right back. That would really open up the front and make it look much more attractive.

Good luck with the sale, I have just sold my late Mum's home from overseas and it has been very stressful.

I've had my house on since 12/6... it's a beautiful house but I haven't sold yet.

The market is terrible 🙄

@WonderWoman123456 - like you, I also thought the photographer would advise how to make the rooms look their best and was very disappointed when they didn't.

Needs a massive declutter and TLC then photos redone.

In all honesty, I think the solar panels are likely to put off as many people as they attract.

Well the solar panels were for myself as I thought I will live there for long. But life throws curve balls at you then you need to move on.

Some people will appreciate the solar panels - think the EA could make more of the appealing “B” rating in their description of the house.

That's true but you've asked for feedback and I, as well as other posters, have identified that for some people they will be a drawback rather than a boon, but likewise some might be delighted with them. Maybe you've just had a run of the former rather than the latter.

As per the above poster, the EA needs to make more of them... and at the very least make it clear they are staying so at least those through the door are open to them and clear on what the position is.

Can you move without selling? You have seven months before you plan to go and unless you spend some serious time and money on your place, I don’t think it will sell. Unless the price is significantly reduced and someone who wants a doer upper comes along.

Every bit of it looks uncared for and it needs cleaning, decluttering and decorating everywhere. You need someone to sort the green out too.

I don’t think its very cluttery but the lounge pic you could def move things around to make it look more attractive

the one thing that puts me off the most is the big red sign in the front yard. Def get that dealt with!

Ps solar on a roof is attractive, solar in a garden is not. But otoh depending on where you are going you could take them with you?

Taking with me isn't worth the effort and cost. But if any buyer doesn't want it I can sell them easily here.