Selling house - feedback would be really valued

GirlWonder · 22 May 2013 at 1:09AM

Hi Everyone,

Sorry if this is in the wrong place!

We need to sell...! We're moving to Chester and are already renting there.

CAN'T POST LINK AS NEW USER: post code on rightmove is NN33JW (will try post link later...) sorry

Partner bought the cottage in 2007 for £170,000. We took the advice of our agent, and went with the lower estimate. We are hoping to sell for the same price we paid 6 years ago of £170,000.

We've also redecorated, carpeted, put back fireplaces and spent £7,000 on re-mortaring the sandstone.

I honestly think it's on at a fair price (but I would think that wouldn't I... ) but we've only had two viewings since we put it on the market mid April despite it being presented well (I hope!)

We are chain free. I don't know if thats a plus but its not in the details. The area is a very good one, and it would not be possible to get into this area any cheaper at the minute unless it needed gutting.

I just wanted to basically say: look at our house... Give us some feedback and thoughts, honestly, because if you guys can give us any help it would be MASSIVELY appreciated! I have no idea if the agent could be doing more, we could be doing more, if the market is just slow...

If you read until the end of this ramble.....THANK YOU!

Strapped · 22 May 2013 at 1:16AM

Here's the link for you http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-41426408.html

GirlWonder · 22 May 2013 at 1:19AM

Thanks Strapped

hcb42 · 22 May 2013 at 1:24AM

It is lovely, could just be slow market, it is a lot of money for a home with only two beds.

The courtyard shots are not the best however.

Strapped · 22 May 2013 at 1:31AM

Without knowing the area at all - I like your cottage very much! Not surprising, as I have one the same age.

Maybe I should get some decorating tips off you. The quirky layout may put people off, and obviously it's not huge but there's not a lot you can do about that.

Things that jumped out at me when looking through the photos - pic 9 - the courtyard was looking small but perfectly formed until I saw that it was completely overlooked by the neighbouring modern property. I would lose that photo as it does nothing to enhance the property. Also, it's not immediately obvious, but I assume that the small window on the left (in the white wall) belongs to your adjoining neighbour? Which is a bit of a put-off tbh. But I don't think you can easily disguise it. Maybe crop photo 6 and 11.

Also, this is a bit random but I did notice that you have the smallest fridge freezer in the world, screaming "this kitchen is REALLY small" lol.

But the front room is gorgeous.

What's parking like in the area? Can you park outside the house? If so, I'd mention it.

Also - the EA is not really selling the work you've put in, is he?

And finally - within 1/2 mile there are 3 bed properties with gardens for less than yours. As I said, I don't know the area, and the other properties are modern - but it's a heck of a premium you are asking for character. To me, £170k looks (too) optimistic. Unless there's something extra special about that location.

GirlWonder · 22 May 2013 at 1:34AM

Thanks hcb42, houses rarely come up round here, especially period ones. Bigger ones sell for £300k upwards and a 4bed new build round near the village church recently sold for almost £500k (crazy money if you ask me!)

Agree with the courtyard shots, but it is just awkward shape! We have private courtyard but next door have access to their shed. Most cottages round here have weird spaces like that... But I have told my partner that will put some people off!

In practice the neighbours have only ever walked across the courtyard three times in the seven years... But it isn't ideal when selling the idea!

GirlWonder · 22 May 2013 at 1:38AM

Thanks strapped,

Lol!! We use the outbuilding as a utility. We have an extra fridge, freezer and washer in there. But totally agree lol. It's perfectly formed, but small lol

Parking never been a problem, but we did toy with the idea of applying to park in the space to the right of the house and lowering the curb... Didn't know if it was worth doing ourselves. The agents mention that that's an option viewers, but we've always parked easily.

The neighbouring properties... Totally agree! But as you say, little I can do

Riggster · 22 May 2013 at 1:39AM

My immediate thoughts are that you should lower your expectations.

Sorry, harsh but true.

I bought my house for £177k in 2008 and am selling it (for the second time) for £175k. Twas knackered ex-rental when I bought it, since had new kitchen, all new windows, conservatory and swish throughout.

First time sold it within 3 months after 15 viewings (chain fell through), second time within 4 months after 25 further viewings.

Nevermind Sarah Beaney and Phil Spencer, present your house beautifully, chuck out the chinz, lick of paint, hide your ironing basket in the boot of your car and price it reasonably and you'll sell it.

BTW the house I'm hopefully buying next month is my fourth in Chester. It's a brilliant place to live. London in two hours, Manchester, Liverpool, North Wales, The Lake District, what more could you ask for?

Riggster · 22 May 2013 at 1:42AM

BTW it's a lovely house, it all come down to price I'm afraid.

GirlWonder · 22 May 2013 at 2:01AM

Thanks Riggster,

I hear you!

Price is definitely something we're talking about. If we have to go too low we'll keep it and rent it out and buy something cheap in Chester... Although the areas we love there ain't the cheapest!!!

we're spending our weekends driving round getting a feel for different Chester areas. Renting nearby in Weaverham at the min but can't wait to settle in Chester and be in the thick of it.

monty-doggy · 22 May 2013 at 6:23AM

I think your house is presented beautifully, however there isn't much left to do and some people like to put their own stamp on it. The agents description is very vague, there are no individual room descriptions and measurements.i would also be raving about the utility as they are really what people are looking for at the minute. I would want to see a breakdown of the property and highlighting the features of each room. And also some comment stating viewing essential to appreciate the property etc.