In need of updating (flat on the market)

PaulStat

Hi Folks,

Not sure if this is the right section, but I'll give it a go anyway. Last year we put our Bristol city centre 2 bed garden flat on the market, after months of trying (and one offer which fell through) we eventually gave up with the idea of doing a bit of work to the place so it was more appealing (some of the comments we previously received were things like 'it needs updating').

Anyway since then we have had the bathroom and toilet refitted, and redecorated the porch, hallway and two bedrooms. All in all it's looking pretty good imo.

So we've only just gone back on the market, but we've already received one comment which says 'in need of updating'. I know it's early days but it's quite frustrating hearing this again and I'm not entirely sure what 'updating' means? Anyway I was wondering if I were to post some pictures on here of the flat whether people could give honest feedback on how we can make it more appealing? Hopefully this is the right place, if not any ideas where I should be asking?

Cheers,
Paul

budgetdiyer

As an estate agent myself i'm more than happy to look at the photos and give you some advice, its what i do most days! :-)

Chunks

Agree with other poster, post pics by all means (it cannot hurt).

A house sold on my street recently at a knock down price because it needed 'updating' - this is a subjective term of course, which in the case of the house in question, resulted in a new kitchen, a lick of paint here and there and a new block paved drive.....!

I would try and establish what the most recent would-be buyer saw as needing updating. At the end of the day you could spend a fortune and still get negative feedback.

PaulStat

Brilliant thank you, I'll take more pics later as the agent didn't take that many pictures (I'll probably send them along to him as well so he can update the info)

Ruski

It's the kitchen - @ minimum change the worktops.. imho.

Russ

abankerbutnotafatcat

Hi Paul, I looked and my general impression was that the photos were a bit dark - particularly the kitchen. I thought the wording could emphasise the garden by saying 'private' garden and personally I always like to imagine myself sat in the outdoor space so a little table and chairs might help less imaginative potential purchasers do the same. The only other thing, and I'm being picky as I'm trying to think what your recent viewers may have been getting at, is that the curtains in the bedroom pictured looked a little old-fashioned but then that could be fashionable again like patterned wallpaper for all I know!!! I think that bedroom could look fresher and more modern. Why are there two very similar pictures of the exterior? HTH

budgetdiyer

I replied to your PM with a long list of questions and comments etc.

The photos of the property and details in general of the property are not pretty poor imo, and its difficult to see much wrong with the flat in the photos but then most agents wouldn't show photos of bad bits....

The worktop looks fine in the photo to me, its a budget style available from most DIY shops, but not dated.

Chunks

Firstly, you are identifying where you live op which is not advised. You might want to adjust your post accordingly.

If I was looking for a property such as yours, and found you on the Right Move site, I would click to the next listing being honest. I have seen countless shows on the box about dressing rooms, decluttering etc. All well and good but you have to get me interested and through the front door; the pics aren't doing it for me. With apologies for being frank, the garden (although a plus point) looks rather unloved.

The basics are there, no doubt. New pics of dressed rooms/garden mini make-over does it for me.

PaulStat

Good comments so far thanks look forward to more comments later when I post more pics (hopefully I'm allowed to seeing as I'm not allowed to post links)

The picture of the bedroom is dark, and it does look a lot fresher and light than it shows there. Curtains a brand spanking new too . Hopefully I'll be able to show it off properly later.

The garden is a tricky one for me as I'm a bit clueless when it comes to gardening. It is all properly trimmed, unfortunately it's the wrong time of year to show off the garden as it looks great in the spring/summer but not so much in the winter months where everything looks dead, perhaps as said I should put out the table and chairs to give off an impression it is used.

Chunks

PaulStat wrote: »

It is all properly trimmed, unfortunately it's the wrong time of year to show off the garden

Gardens can be a huge asset and can be spruced up at any time - without spending a bundle - e.g. Garden Centres have potted flowering plants even at this time of year (jump in the car and see what they have - loads of free advice on offer too normally). You can even hire some hardy feature plants (in pots) if you feel inclined. Jet wash paving and spread some wood chippings at the base of that tree (to cover up the plastic membrane). Get out the furniture for the photo shoot (only if nice - you can dress the table with a bottle of vino, a couple of glasses and candles).

PaulStat

Can I PM someone to post up the pictures? I'm too new to post links apparently