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Original poster

Worthless/ unsellable house

82 replies

GreyhpundGirl · 08/12/2023 07:02

Hello. My FiL died unexpectedly a year ago. My husband is the sole beneficiary of the estate which is his house. My husband was on the mortgage so probate took a few months.

When it was put on the market in the summer it got lots of interest and an offer was put in (120 000) but this was withdrawn when the survey came back (some damp and movement) Since then there has been nothing. It is listed on the open market and was listed on a modern auction site for much less than original asking price. (80 000)

We can't afford to do it up to remedy the problems but my husband is stuck with a house he can't sell nor can afford to keep paying the mortgage and council tax. There's about £40 000 left on it.

Any advice as it's causing us a lot of stress.

OP posts:
FlatWhiteExtraHot · 08/12/2023 14:28

Honestly, take it off the market completely and promise yourselves you will not think about it for a couple of months. Clear it out completely and clean it from top to bottom.

Then choose a new estate agent, preferably one who is actually proactive at selling. We used a fixed fee local one when we sold my mum’s house. She was independent and knew the area like the back of her hand. Get nice new photos that show it in its best light and be really honest in the description, then you don’t get a load of viewers who moan because it’s old/damp/needs work.

Don’t make it stupidly cheap or people will wonder what’s wrong with it that you’re not mentioning. As your husband owns it, you should be able to get the utilities reconnected; you don’t want burst pipes to deal with as well. It will also show better if people can put the lights on.

NewFriendlyLadybird · 08/12/2023 14:35

FlatWhiteExtraHot · 08/12/2023 14:28

Honestly, take it off the market completely and promise yourselves you will not think about it for a couple of months. Clear it out completely and clean it from top to bottom.

Then choose a new estate agent, preferably one who is actually proactive at selling. We used a fixed fee local one when we sold my mum’s house. She was independent and knew the area like the back of her hand. Get nice new photos that show it in its best light and be really honest in the description, then you don’t get a load of viewers who moan because it’s old/damp/needs work.

Don’t make it stupidly cheap or people will wonder what’s wrong with it that you’re not mentioning. As your husband owns it, you should be able to get the utilities reconnected; you don’t want burst pipes to deal with as well. It will also show better if people can put the lights on.

I think this is really good advice. Definitely look out an independent, local estate agent. They are ten times better than agents in big chains.

LahnaMJA · 08/12/2023 14:52

Would you be happy to share the area the house is in? It might help with property auction house links or estate agents.

housethatbuiltme · 08/12/2023 17:08

Do you have a link to the house?

For the prices quoted you maybe up my neck of the woods (North East England).

If we can see the house we could advise better. Maybe just simple cheap things might help get it sold. Lots of houses are sat on the market right now it not that they are 'unsellable' but rather many people aren't moving right now.

A lot of sellers are over pricing between £120-£140k here when there house is only worth £80-£100k really... if you are happy to take those lower amounts the have it listed with a proper estate agent at say £90k and be open to offers.

Original poster
GreyhpundGirl · 08/12/2023 17:31

housethatbuiltme · 08/12/2023 17:08

Do you have a link to the house?

For the prices quoted you maybe up my neck of the woods (North East England).

If we can see the house we could advise better. Maybe just simple cheap things might help get it sold. Lots of houses are sat on the market right now it not that they are 'unsellable' but rather many people aren't moving right now.

A lot of sellers are over pricing between £120-£140k here when there house is only worth £80-£100k really... if you are happy to take those lower amounts the have it listed with a proper estate agent at say £90k and be open to offers.

Edited

The house is in an ex-pit town in Notts with excellent connections to the city (tram and bus, plus close to the M1) I don't have a link but it's a busy town that attracts different people (my American hairdresser lives there!) because it's relatively cheap with great transport links. Thanks for your suggestions 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
GreyhpundGirl · 08/12/2023 17:33

Thanks again for everyone taking the time comment— it's much appreciated. It's just received an offer so fingers crossed!

OP posts:
Twiglets1 · 08/12/2023 17:50

GreyhpundGirl · 08/12/2023 17:33

Thanks again for everyone taking the time comment— it's much appreciated. It's just received an offer so fingers crossed!

Wow! That’s a great update. Hope the sale goes smoothly

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