To those selling in these difficult times Part Deux. AKA sellers support network!

not_loaded

WheelieWood wrote: »

We have a cat flap fitted in a UPVC double glazed fixed-panel that's beside (& matches) our front door. (The cat flap is in a UPVC section, not through the glass).
Our plan has always been to leave the cat flap there until our sale is completed, at which point we'll offer to have it removed and a new UPVC section fitted at our cost (assuming the buyer doesn't want a cat flap).
However, the cat is now "enjoying" his new life as an outdoor cat, following repeat offenses of sleeping in the new baby's bed (thankfully before she was born), which makes me wonder whether we should go ahead and have the cat flap removed now.
Is a cat flap likely to be off-putting to anyone who is seriously interested in the house?

We’re planning on doing exactly the same if a buyer wants the cat flap gone. I’ll ask at the checking f&f stage.

I wouldn’t worry about it, but I suppose you could always keep the panel complete with the flap. Quite a few of our viewers have got a cat (or cats) and liked it being there.

Davesnave

cindiedunkley wrote: »

Davesnave, wow, sounds like you are living my dream. My husband said if we ever moved again it would be to a small holding. Have you read the books that are out there about peoples' experiences? Some are quite funny.

I'm living my dream all right, but about ten years late! However, I should be thankful as there are many who never get the chance. We have a whole long-running thread about it called 'The Daydream Fund Challenge' over on Greenfingered.

Congratulations on doing so much so quickly, including chickens, which we're only just getting to now.

I've read a fair bit about downshifting, but most of the books I'm on ATM are down-to-earth 'how to' books. e.g. fencing. I always read Simon Dawson in our local rag though, and he's just brought out The Self-Sufficiency Bible, so I will probably put that on my birthday list.

Davesnave

Wheeliewood, if you remove the cat flap now, the cat will probably jump up the door and scratch it, especially if it can hang on and peer through a glass window, frosted or not!

My cat does this, and the cat that was here before our cat did it too, judging by the scratch marks. We don't care that much as the door will be replaced, and we also like to monitor what the moggy might bring in, since she averages several rodents a day!

WheelieWood

Well after nothing for a while, I got a call at lunch time today asking about a viewing tonight. Cue mad tidying after work this evening due to 3 weeks of no viewings and a new baby :eek:

Viewers were nice enough, but not holding out great hope.

Davesnave wrote: »

Wheeliewood, if you remove the cat flap now, the cat will probably jump up the door and scratch it, especially if it can hang on and peer through a glass window, frosted or not

Luckily the cat prefers to sit outside the kitchen window, at the back of the house. Half the time he was too lazy to walk round the house to the cat flap and would just sit at that window until someone gave in a let him in... usually me

maya+2

rosered100 - congrats on the offer!, its good to hear some positive news

I'm still waiting for someone to view my house, over 2 weeks now with nothing, considering dropping the price in time for next weekend. I really wouldnt mind waiting so much if I hadn't already found my next house, argh.
I keep trying to tidy just incase, but im sure i'm much more likely to get viewings booked in the house is a complete mess, as thats always the way:D

kst101

We have a cat flap but in back door (although it is used more than the front door due to parking access). Never considered getting it removed tbh.

Had letter from the solicitor today saying how pleased they were to be able to ask us more questions that the buyer's solicitors have brought up. Mostly about planning permission that was from before us buying the house (am trying to remember what happened about the lack of them then). Also questions that were answered in the HIP - would be nice if I felt someone read it.

Buyers still wanting a quick exchange - we would too now so hope nothing happens to get in the way. Took 4 months from sale to completion last time so hoping it will be quicker this time although would settle for it just going smoothly.

Have sorted out the shed (is a big shed:rotfl:) today with my SIL so freecycyle is now benefiting and there is somewhere to put things if we manage to start packing.

azkaban420

Nice one KST hope it all goes well for you.

We had a viewing today after a gap of about 2 weeks, which is unusual for us, as we're usually chokka every weekend. It was a young couple looking for a house on a hill with a big garden, which ours is - they want to grow their own vegetable patch. They had a good look around the garden and commented on the fact that we're not big gardeners, which I jokingly admitted to (we're so not!) so all smiles around, but they did say, well at least it's a blank canvas which is a good thing.....They didn't have a car, as the agent drove them up to the house, so I guess they're not too bothered about parking. As always I'm thinking positive, it's the first time I've heard someone specify 'house on a hill' and 'big garden' so who knows.

Wanted to ask you all though, agent no. 2 has not brought any viewings in as yet, and we were still pondering about the price drop of another £10k (but as OIEO £190k), and I think it's time to do it. Do you think we should wait for feedback from today's viewers (probably on Tuesday) or call in with the drop in the hope of enticing them?

Thanks for your thoughts,

Az

Karmacat

Wheeliewood, I love the whole thing about the cat being too lazy to walk to the cat flap and congratulations on the new baby!

Azkaban - I'm really, truly no expert, but I would've thought that if they view it at one figure, see if they want it at that figure before you phone with a drop in price - if they don't do an offer, then go forward with it, if it still seems right.

I've just had proof that my EA was right on the button - my house has been on for four weeks, and has just had a firm offer, from the people I've showed round myself both times they've been here. Its on at £280k, and I've accepted £267.5k. Astonishing, if it goes through. I'm downsizing, for various reasons, but the news came through too late for me to put my offer in on the house I want. Tuesday will do.....

azkaban420

Thanks Karmacat, I think it could be good and bad in both ways, so maybe it is better to wait...let's see what Tuesday brings...and well done on your offer

Davesnave

Fingers crossed for you, Karmacat!