Unlucky in selling

amandacat

We put our house on the market 5 years ago. We sold stc 3 times and had 3 buyers pull out for various reasons. We lost a lot of money in solicitor fees, surveys on our onward purchase etc and in the end gave up. 
We put it on the market again recently and decided to go into rented to break the stress of another chain and buy again after 6 months. 
We sold stc almost immediately but the buyer pulled out one month down the line as they decided not to move. 
We went back on the market and sold quite quickly again but then their buyer pulled out so we went back on the market because it took them 6 months to find a buyer previously so it didn’t look hopeful they’d sell quickly again (and they still haven’t).
We are now on buyer number 3 who initially offered us 20k below asking but when we declined went up to asking price with no haggling in between, they have no chain as they are a FTB but I don’t get a good feeling about them as apparently they offered after only seeing the downstairs, they said they didn’t want to see upstairs and that seems a bit strange to me and makes me think they’re a bit spontaneous and likely to pull out.
Am I just destined to be unlucky?! Is this normal? 

FinallyStoppedLurking

Buying a selling houses is a nightmare. Sounds like you have been particularly unlucky.

Is there anything with your house that makes people more likely to pull out. eg. lots of repairs needed, quirky features,

amandacat

Thanks for your reply. It’s a 15 year old home so in good repair and none of my buyers have ever got as far as getting a survey so it’s never been survey related. 
I’m in a semi rural area, low covid and low crime so it’s quite a desirable area currently. Double driveway, enclosed garden etc so there is nothing obvious I can think that would make people change their minds and other houses close by that are similar have sold. Similar houses nearby have sold for between 175-185k according to rightmove sold prices  and we are on the market for 175k so I don’t think it’s the price. 

FinallyStoppedLurking

Sounds like you are just having bad luck then. 

UnderOffer

Does sound odd that they didn’t view upstairs, do you think they intend to rent out? Don’t give up, I’m sure the sale will be successful. 

BJV

My heart goes out to you. I had a nightmare buying my house and have vowed to never be in a chain again. I am going to do exactly what you want to do. Sell and then move out and wait to buy. The way our house buying system works i am amazed that anyone can ever buy a house. !!!

I am lucky as a hobby I buy houses to rent and I often see houses who are on and off the market. Sometimes for no fault of their own but I have to say it would make me nervous. Could be bad luck, unrealistic buyers or just a sign of the times. Silly question and please don't be offended but have done all the normal stuff. Quick de clutter, repaint, freshen up , scrubbed within an inch of its life etc?

I know that this is easy for me as it is not my home but be patient. There will be a buyer . I do think however a bit strange to look up stairs. I bought 4 houses this year to rent and even though I was going to renovate them and rent out so never live there I always looked upstairs.

Still FTB's it is their money and their prerogative I suppose? Honestly, genuinely hope this one goes through for you. 

 

amandacat

Thanks and yes we had several tip runs to declutter, repainted areas in neural colours and deep cleaned. 
Our issue doesn’t seem to be attracting potential buyers, just keeping them. 
The 3 buyers who pulled out 5 years ago were mortgage related, they had AIP but got declined at full application for various reasons (none survey related as it never got that far). This time, the first one changed their mind but it happened as soon as lock down 2 was announced so I think it was that. The second seemed genuine and lost their buyer and the house they’re selling needs a lot of work so I can see why they are struggling to get a new buyer, which is a shame because they seemed like they genuinely wanted it. Everything just seems a bit strange with the third buyer and I’m currently waiting for the memo of sale. My EA has put our house back to sold stc on the listing but personally I think she’s jumped the gun and should’ve kept it available until buyer number 3 checks out. It could be someone looking to buy to let as there is a high demand for rental where I am but EA seems to think it’s a FTB living in rental and said their mortgage checks out with their broker but I’m yet to see that they’ve proved they have the 15% deposit yet. I guess I should trust the EA to do her job... 
We do have both a video tour and virtual tour on our house listing so people can see what they’re buying but it still seems odd to not view upstairs but my EA said people are buying in my area from other parts of the country without even viewing them. 

Crashy_Time

Yes the 15 - 20% deposits required should certainly shake the market up a bit.