Loads of viewings but house not selling.

seven-day-weekend

Unless it was considerably cheaper than similar houses, that back 'garden' would definitely put me off. Sorry.

Flyingpig

The house that sold was literally identical to mine even in decor, about 15 house away from mine but on a different street. As PP said we don't know what it sold for as its only just sold, but it was up for 170k, we've just reduced to 155 to try for a quicker sale.

The only difference is that is was empty, and the garden was also concrete but actually smaller than oursand had empty raised flower beds

getmore4less

Coming late to this.

What demographic are the viewers?

I know the place is on a slope(streetview) and anyone local looking for a house would as well even if this is not clear from the photos.

Outsiders moving into the area might not know and be put off but are you getting any of those?

As long as the steps and rails are well maintained not sure this will be a deal breaker for everyone.


Looks like you are addressing a major area that could assist the sale.

The slope and south facing give the garden sun and views but the space was not Selling itself as somewhere you would like to sit out or have a BBQ/party quite the opposite also does(did) not look like you were using it at all.

what it needed(and it's getting) was enough for someone to see the space as usable, tidy, welcoming, but with potential to make it much more given time.

Looking forward to the transformation that space has potential just needed a head start for the next occupier to make their own

DaftyDuck

Flyingpig wrote: »

The house that sold was literally identical to mine even in decor, about 15 house away from mine but on a different street. As PP said we don't know what it sold for as its only just sold, but it was up for 170k, we've just reduced to 155 to try for a quicker sale.

The only difference is that is was empty, and the garden was also concrete but actually smaller than oursand had empty raised flower beds

Then stick to your guns, and a buyer will come.

Next week is forecast to be much better weather, and super-hot. Get some photos of the garden as soon as you have decent weather, and get the agent to change them on his return to the office. Offer to bribe him with a smack on the chops if he doesn't!

Consider splashing out on a (cheap) barbecue unit, or borrowing one from friends or family, and stick a couple of chairs out there as well. There really is nothing wrong with that courtyard that a new owner can't fix with a little time and money, all you need to do is highlight the possibilities. Don't splash out any more (not even on my superb suggestions) unless you have some use for the objects in your next home.

It will sell. The fact that the identical one has sold (probably for more than you are asking...)tells you this. If you want to know exactly how much for, wander into the others' selling agents' point out theirs sold and yours didn't, and ask them what their very, very best commission and what you'd get from selling through them... If they don't 'indicate roughly' what the house achieved, I'll eat my chocolate hat.

Oh, and they did sell the other one.... sure you don't want to change agent? Say 0.9% commission, new photos, shiny brochure... go on, negotiate!

phoebe1989seb

Looking forward to seeing the new photos, OP!

One observation though - even though you've dropped the price I see you still have it as "offers in excess of". I would change this to something along the lines of "guide price" or just have the price and leave it at that. Chances are however it is worded you'll get offers below or at best at your asking price and as it was said upthread, "offers in excess of" puts a lot of people off

getmore4less

Agree on the offers over it sets an expectation unless someone falls in love with the place they will try negotiations on others first and may never get a chance on yours if some other seller bites.

I have not looked but others have indicated there is plenty of stock for sale and these are homes not dream homes which is why you are moving.

moneyistooshorttomention

Personally - I'm hoping we get to see photos of the garden makeover.

Reminds me - must watch out for today's episode of "Instant Gardener" on tv at 4pm or thereabouts on BBC1. Can't say I thought much of yesterday's episode - but there are tips to be picked up sometimes on that programme.

luwitters

I am not sure if this helps but I was in the same position as you. I don't know if you are showing people round, but I think that can really influence people. I used to show people round my house and I think it put people off as they could only see it as 'my house' not 'their house'. I requested that the estate agent do the viewings and the first couple that they showed round bought the house.

robatwork

luwitters wrote: »

I am not sure if this helps but I was in the same position as you. I don't know if you are showing people round, but I think that can really influence people. I used to show people round my house and I think it put people off as they could only see it as 'my house' not 'their house'. I requested that the estate agent do the viewings and the first couple that they showed round bought the house.

Good point too.

Some people show people round their house, and some people "show people round their house".

Better to be the former - just let them ask questions and leave them alone to explore once you have given them the basics. Like a good shop assistant, be within "catch your eye" distance but not close enough to hear any conversation.

phoebe1989seb

luwitters wrote: »

I am not sure if this helps but I was in the same position as you. I don't know if you are showing people round, but I think that can really influence people. I used to show people round my house and I think it put people off as they could only see it as 'my house' not 'their house'. I requested that the estate agent do the viewings and the first couple that they showed round bought the house.

Opposite experience here ;) Last two houses we've sold it has been the viewings we conducted that resulted in offers.

The last-but-one house our EA (understandably) declined to do the viewings after accidentally letting one of our house cats outside. The very next viewing we had the couple made an offer we were happy to accept.

When we sold last time in 2014 our EA - different county - was supposed to conduct the viewings and did the first few. No offers. Next three viewings they were short-staffed as the manager (who was looking after our sale) was poached by the opposition, so they asked if we'd mind showing the potential buyers round. Result - three offers, one at asking price that we accepted

Obviously it depends on the individual - one house we viewed a few years back, the lady owner was uber-friendly to the point she got her daughter's wedding photos out to show us......we didn't buy that house, lol!