Feedback from viewers - I can't get my head around.

[Downsizingandmovingon]

Hello everyone. Please go easy with me on this, as it's all a bit overwhelming.

I am early 70s and my husband of more fifty-three years died almost five years ago. After a huge amount of thought, I have decided I need to sell my home, because even though it's a typical thirties-semi, it's just too big for me now. I want to move to either a bungalow or a flat (I am very much keeping my options open). It's a huge step, as this is the only house I have lived in since 1972.

My husband used to do all the repairs, and we have all the usual things like central heating, although a part from a lean-to extention to the kitchen, the house is the same size as it was when built. I won't be posting a link to it as I don't want to show the world, and I know it needs some updating, but the estate agent has assured me the asking price will reflect this.

The problem is this; it's been on two weeks and I've had three viewings. The feedback from all of them is that it needs TL and that it wasn't right for them, however, the agent asked one of them to go into more detail, and they said that it's not the work that puts them off, it's the fact that it 'obvious' a lot of it was done by a DIY person and that they are worried about what's going to turn up over time!

I'm horrified, and a bit offended too, as we never had any problems with anything my husband did or repaired, but they've mentioned really silly things, like in the kitchen (which my husband put in) the flexes to the appliances below go through a hole in the worktop and are plugged in above - I mean how else are they supposed to be plugged in? They also mentioned how some of the doors didn't look well fitted - there were several things, but I don't remember as I was too upset.

I feel thoroughly down about it, and I'm really worried that other people are going to pick up on it too, not that I can see a problem, but if this is going to be a thing then how do I make it better? I have three more viewings booked for tomorrow and it's making me sick with worry. I thought people bought houses knowing that problems might show up, but I didn't know some people think the previous owners could leave them a legacy of unknown issues. Please share you (kind) thoughts.

But they didn't know your husband, so I don't see why you are taking this so personally

I’m sorry, it must feel very hurtful to hear these things.

In fairness, it will put some people off because they will feel like they have to get a professional in to do it, particularly if they are not DIY people or are used to new properties.

Its not a reflection on your family home or husband’s abilities, they don’t know you or him and they’re just thinking in very practical terms about money.

We’re on our second house that was obviously diy’ed and both have had serious failings in electrical and building work, so while your DH’s work may have been fabulous, if it doesn’t meet modern standards those people who don’t want to risk taking on a lot of work probably wouldn’t take the chance.

If your home is generally safe, clean, and neatly presented you will almost certainly get offers. But if there are things that aren’t up to spec you may find they are lower than you hoped.

It must feel really hard when it comes in as criticism of someone you deeply loved and have lost. But remember that it’s not a personal reflection on your husband.

I can live with the "personal" side of it, it's the idea that what they have seen makes people think the house is going to be filled with problems. It is likely to be a first time buyer, due to the size and price and I can understand how they feel as we were first timers too, so there's a lot anxiety on the buyers part I understand, but we bought it knowing that anything can go wrong. Having someone make out that seeing what my husband did worries them is stressing me out as I don't know how to make that better. Is my house going to be unsaleable?

That was only ones persons comments - consider asking the agent for their recommendations on small jobs you could maybe get done by someone else

Im certain, in time someone will come along and love the house as much as you have

My husband has done most of the DIY in our house too, he's repaired everything that has ever gone wrong - including the roof and fitted the kitchen / bathroom. So I empathise OP, I'm incredibly proud of our house too.

However, like yours, in some places you can tell it's been a home job. We've done it ourselves because of money being tight. If we were in a position to sell and buy another house, I'd want one that has been done to a higher standard than ours and one I wouldn't have to spend years doing real work to. The only thing I'd want to do in the first few years is decorate

It won't be unsaleable from what you have described... but the world of house buying and maintaining is very different now to when you bought it...

People will likely be taking on a much bigger debt than you did in the 70s and things like insurers, surveyors, solicitors will be wanting to see evidence that the work done/likely to need doing is reasonable.

It's not personal but everything about selling a home you love can feel very personal!

It's a shame. But amateur DIY is a big turn off for prospective buyers. Standard were a lot less stringent in years gone by. Please dont take this personally. But your price will have to reflect the work that needs to be done.

People seem to have excessive expectations these days. They are used to having their technology being constantly updated and seem to think that it now applies to houses, too.
Also, if they are used to renting - where there are all sorts of regulations laid on landlords e.g. inspecting electricals every 5 years - they seem to think that owned houses have the same checks.

Why not ask the agent not to pass on feedback? Explain that you’re not in a position to change any of the issues raised and let them know that all you want to discuss is any offer that’s made.

Putting holes through worktops for flexes for appliances isn't a standard practice, at least not now. Most people have sockets behind the appliances, below the worktops.

But anyone replacing a kitchen would want to put in more sockets anyway.

Your house won't be unsaleable, everything will sell at the right price. Hopefully you got a few valuations, and your estate agent has priced it accordingly. Some people are more than happy to take on a project, but lots of people are wary, which is why you will get this kind of feedback.

When we bought our current house it needed all new kitchen, bathrooms, redecoration and carpets. However we hadn't anticipated how many other things had been done by the previous owners themselves, which also needed fixing. We had to have the whole house rewired, as there was a fair amount of DIY wiring but in general it was probably due for renewal. I was happy to spend money and time getting the house exactly how we wanted, but a lot of people don't want the hassle, even if the house is cheaper.

Please try not to take it to heart, easier said than done I know. We are also trying to sell our house and it is wounding when it feels like no-one likes it! I'm sure you will find a buyer sooner or later and will be able to move on to your next lovely home.

Your house may well worry some people, but there will be someone out there who may well love it, even if it does require some TLC. Somone who has time and money and who sees the potential in what it has to offer. We bought our house, also a 1930's property, no fitted kitchen, lots and lots of work needed because we knew that we could make it ours over time. There were quite a few surprises, some things we laughed at, but eventually after a very long time it became our most wonderful family home where we have raised our children. It is almost time to sell it now and we accept that there will be things others dislike. Obviously you adored your husband and your home, sometimes people do not see the love, attention, time and money you took to make your home your own and have different tastes and ideas to yours. Please do try not to take it personally and remember the love your house had and the memories which you made there. It is time for a new chapter for you, sad as it is and time for the house to have someone else to love it and make the changes they need to live there. Wishing you lots of luck in your future home.

Your house would probably not put off people who planned to DIY themselves. I expect to uncover issues. It just takes different viewers...don't be disheartened by people who are not right for your house

Your agent isn't worried so you shouldn't be. I imagine it just hasn't gone yet because it's December.

I'm not entirely sure why your agent fed that back to you - it's not very constructive.

I would try to put it out of your head until after Christmas - I bet it'll pick up in January.

People buying houses will always try to knock down the price. If they think someone who likes DIY has done the job they will try to knock it down based on that. It's just the way it is when people buy houses.

I'm really sorry you lost your husband. It sounds like he was a really good guy. Don't worry about this now. I think it's more likely in the end that when you sell it somebody will knock down the price because they'll say they want a new kitchen or a new bathroom. And that's probably quite reasonable. I know if I were to sell my house then there would be a number of things that people would knock down the price for. If you have a look at houses in your area that are similar to yours you will probably find they have new kitchens, new central heating, new bathrooms etc and the people looking at your house want a newly done house so that they don't have to do anything to it.

It's always going to be difficult selling at half after so long. You want the new owner to love it as much as you do and to pay you the money you are expecting. However if you were buying a new place you would factor in any costs that would have to be made to get the new place ready for you.

Well this is the thing, because the whole of the kitchen could do with being changed again anyway, it's the second one we had from new but it's still a good 25+ years old and needs changing. It's clean and very serviceable still, but it doesn't look new. Estate agent told me a buyer would likely wish to take down the existing extention and build a bigger one anyway, they say the house is immaculate, if not in need of updating. I am willing to negotiate on price, because I can't face the thought of having major work done to sell it.

It's very hard not to take the feedback personally but it honestly isn't. Most appliances are plugged in below the worktops now so you can't see the sockets or wires. It's not a big deal but probably just making people think there is a little work to do that they are not keen on. The right person will come along eventually.

Yes exactly this. Feedback is a waste of time when selling a property. Either they want it and make you an offer, or they don’t want it because of reasons you can’t change.

Tell the estate agent you are only interested in hearing back if someone has made an offer. Then in say 2 months , if no one has made an offer reduce the price. Rinse and repeat until you get an acceptable offer.

Thank you all so very much - these replies are so comforting x

Did you hear it direct, or just reported from agents? I think sometimes agents will just make stuff up to cover up that they didn't make a sale and maybe he/she decided this was the angle to go with.

First time I put my first place on, the agent said potential buyers after an open day said they were put off because it didn't have period features, but when I put it on again with a different agent who was better at his job I got multiple offers.

Don’t panic. You are dealing with a lot and this is a bad time of the year to try to sell.

I had to sell a few years ago, in awful circumstances. I wasn’t in a position to make any changes. So told the EA I didn’t want any feedback. The house sold for a decent price and yours likely will too

Maybe take it off the market and put it back on In spring? The market is in the deep freeze until end of January anyway

It reads to me like they are worried it's a bigger job than just redecorating. Remember the estate agent has probably been reassuring people 'with a lick of paint it'll be spick and span!'. They're answering him more than they are criticising you.

I hadn't thought of that! Thank you so much.

Please do not worry about it. Younger people just expect shiny everything nowadays, practical people can see how they can improve or work with what is there. Every house gets multiple viewings with all sorts of reasons given not to buy... the thing is vendors shouldn't take them personally... nor should you.

PS - Your husband putting flexes through the worktops is no problem at all, but most people nowadays will expect to see a new socket installed underneat the worktop. Both options work, but the latter is more aesthetically pleasing but more expensive. Horses for courses. Don't let it bother you. Your house sounds like a gift to the right person.