Decoration status of the house when selling and effect on price

Albala

Waterlily24 wrote: »

Must admit that most of the houses we've bought have been doer uppers because we want to make it to our own taste but there are probably less people around like us.

That's us this time, but I'm sure it narrows the market, as it's a lot of work. We have a lot of experience and relevant skills, and one of us is not 'working', otherwise, it wouldn't work even for us. Family members have done up houses, but it's not a light undertaking even if there isn't anything structural, unless you have the dosh to get people in to do it, which none of us ever have had!

AdrianC

It depends on the property.

If there are a choice of very similar places - then the best-presented will "win", especially if you're selling to FTBs.

If it's a seller's market, or the place is different to others - then it won't make a big difference, but might tip the cash-rich-time-poor buyer in your favour.

ethank

Don't give them a reason to knock money off. It is worth doing to get the best price.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

If you haven't lived in it yourself for a while, it would be a good idea to go round room by room checking light bulbs/doors/windows etc. Just so that everything works as it should when viewers are shown round, and the house appears well maintained.

Fire_Fox

detomassino wrote: »

I am going to sell my house which has been rented for a couple of years.

It was thoroughly refurbished 8 years ago but now it would need painting. There is also a board around the kitchen sink which was damaged by water and doesn't look nice.

My question is to what extent such decoration issues affect the price?

Is it something worth doing or can do without it?

What type of paint was used, is the emulsion washable? What are the issues with the paintwork in each area? Or is the bungalow wallpapered?

A 'deep clean' with yellow sugar soap liquid - neat or strong solution, then rinse off with plain water - can work wonders. Most surfaces from paintwork to ceramic tiles to windows to greasy kitchens. Not wallpaper unless the paper is vinyl/ washable.

Microfibre cloths and a microfibre flat pad 'mop' are quicker/ more effective than a synthetic sponge when sugar soaping large areas.

Either you have either started preparation for redecorating, or freshened the place up so prospective buyers can imagine moving in and decorating later.

Albala

Out,_Vile_Jelly wrote: »

If you haven't lived in it yourself for a while, it would be a good idea to go round room by room checking light bulbs/doors/windows etc. Just so that everything works as it should when viewers are shown round, and the house appears well maintained.

I read years ago that a 'good hostess' ( i.e. the sort of lady who has a country house with 10 bedrooms and lots of weekend guests) sleeps in all the guest rooms (alone, hopefully) once a year so that she can note anything that is a problem (wardrobe doors that open in the night, dripping taps in the ensuite, etc.).:D

Mojisola

Albala wrote: »

I read years ago that a 'good hostess' ( i.e. the sort of lady who has a country house with 10 bedrooms and lots of weekend guests) sleeps in all the guest rooms (alone, hopefully) once a year so that she can note anything that is a problem (wardrobe doors that open in the night, dripping taps in the ensuite, etc.).:D

We once stayed with friends who had a spare bedroom which guests usually used.

For mobility reasons, they let us use their bedroom and slept in the guest bed themselves.

They were up really early the following morning and left the house as soon as the shops opened to buy a new mattress - they were horrified at how uncomfortable it was and that none of their very polite guests had ever mentioned it to them.