19 viewings, no success

gloomynorth

You shoulda seen how homely it looked before I bought those twigs, bedspread and strategic pot pourri

I already have candles, throws, cushions and a bowl of fresh fruit... but I'll see if anything else catches my eye. Maybe the problem is that mentally, I've already moved out. Not everybody likes their environment to be this sterile.

savingmummy

gloomynorth wrote: »

You shoulda seen how homely it looked before I bought those twigs, bedspread and strategic pot pourri

I already have candles, throws, cushions and a bowl of fresh fruit... but I'll see if anything else catches my eye. Maybe the problem is that mentally, I've already moved out. Not everybody likes their environment to be this sterile.

yes!! It just looks a bit empty no personality there.
Not that it matters houses sell completely empty/needing major work etc adding small touches just makes people visulise how it would be with there things in the room etc!

gloomynorth

Thanks for all the advice, it's certainly something to think about.

I just feel very downhearted when my competition is other flats "priced to reflect need for refurbishment", and people can't see past my lack of nicknacks.

The_Palmist

I suggest if £60K is the lowest you will ever go, advertise at at least £65K+

gloomynorth

Nobody offers asking price, I'm not that silly

Catblue

I think you've done really well to get 19 viewings. Must be a record in this market.

And the flat is nice. First Time Buyers are nervous these days (if they can even muster a deposit) - they don't want to make a mistake in uncertain times.

Probably just a matter of hanging in there. You'll probably get an offer soon.

orangeslimes

One of the major things that puts me off flats is smells. Do you air the place before viewings? Have you smoked in the flat?
Just a thought.

Guitar

I live close by in a similar flat. Yours is a good example of how good they can look once properly decorated and is one of the better tyneside flats that I've seen. That said I know a couple friends with similar flats that had a lot of trouble getting a buyer. There's always just plenty of these flats on the market, for various prices and states. The shared yard might put people off too. Personally I hate living in a tyneside flat and I'm sick of neighbours stomping around above me.

They're popular with renters (and therefore landlords) rather than FTBs or families. Maybe you can get the advert changed to include the potential rental income. Remember to mention that the gym and swimming baths is just a few streets away too!

gloomynorth

Guitar - Thanks for the compliment. The rental yield at this asking price is actually very impressive. It surprises me when landlords come to view and then claim they don't like the area... like they care? Anyway, half of the population of Gateshead lives in one of these flats so the interior can't be that damn surprising! Ha ha.

orangeslimes - It's completely smoke free. There's even a (hidden) air freshener in the bathroom

MrandMrsB

It's a million times better than most properties in that price bracket that we've seen on Rightmove, in fact I think it's lovely.

I only have three thoughts sorry.

1. Have you considered letting the property out yourself? That's what I did when I had negative equity in a house, and I enjoyed it so much that I bought a second house to let out. Eventually I sold both of them and doubled my money (one after only a year!). Just a thought.

2. I have a gut feeling that house price will fall a lot in the near future. I really cannot explain why your flat has not sold, but Mr B always tells his clients that if a property does not sell quickly you need to reduce the price - sorry!

3. Have you looked at the Express Estate Agency online? I know nothing about them except that people who are desperate to sell use them. I am keeping an eye on the market and I look on their website every day.

Good luck. Mrs B.