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Issues selling flat - help!

24

Comments

  • EmmaYo
    EmmaYo Posts: 17 Forumite
    10 Posts Name Dropper
    @FTB_Help hello! We can't get rid of it as such (it's a bespoke Chesterfield which was a wedding gift!) but I think there's a consensus there is too much in the pics, so I'll perhaps have the room re-shot without the chair, Thanks for the tip!
  • EmmaYo
    EmmaYo Posts: 17 Forumite
    10 Posts Name Dropper
    @Natbag that's an impressive timeline, congrats! Yeah, it's a cat bowl, and I am conscious of the fact it's visible in the pics. Fortunately I have my own professional camera so will have a play around at the weekend having moved stuff around. I find it quite amazing that people get so drawn into what's in the room as opposed to the room itself, but if that's the case I guess we need to take notice!
  • FTB_Help
    FTB_Help Posts: 336 Forumite
    100 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper
    EmmaYo said:
    @FTB_Help hello! We can't get rid of it as such (it's a bespoke Chesterfield which was a wedding gift!) but I think there's a consensus there is too much in the pics, so I'll perhaps have the room re-shot without the chair, Thanks for the tip!
    Yes that's exactly what i meant, not literally throw it out 😄 if you can get a new pic without it removed from the room (and possibly the video)
    It did feel cramped in the video tour and looking at the other flats in your block they did look a bit more spacious because that section of the room was open/ empty.
    Other than that i think its a lovely flat, the balcony is a nice bonus, maybe string up some fairy lights and get a pic during the evening with them on

  • Natbag
    Natbag Posts: 1,563 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    EmmaYo said:
    @Natbag that's an impressive timeline, congrats! Yeah, it's a cat bowl, and I am conscious of the fact it's visible in the pics. Fortunately I have my own professional camera so will have a play around at the weekend having moved stuff around. I find it quite amazing that people get so drawn into what's in the room as opposed to the room itself, but if that's the case I guess we need to take notice!
    Thank you, it still feels like a lifetime, and that's not including the 3 months I had to threaten to take my ex to court to list the house for sale. :(
    They really do - although with something pet-related I think it's the potential issues I mentioned that might put people off rather than the actual bowl itself. I'm sure your cat is perfectly-behaved, house-trained and doesn't cause damage, but sadly some do and property owners often leave it in that state when departing so if potential buyers are looking at several flats including yours, that could be the deal breaker. Also, some people are allergic. Definitely best to hide all evidence of a pet, including thorough cleaning on the day with fragranced products, just in case :)
    Property buying/selling timeline - currently into week 21
    04/12/20: Both properties listed for sale
    11/01/21: Offers accepted on both sales & on our joint purchase
    25/01/21: Identity checks completed, solicitors instructed
    27/01/21: Purchase survey & valuation complete, mortgage offer received 
    05/02/21: Reduction agreed on partner's sale (under-valuation) & on purchase. Mortgage offer amended
    08/02/21: Buyers pack returned to solicitor - sellers packs already returned
    26/02/21: Partner's sale contract signed
    10/03/21: Purchase searches all back
    16/03/21: My sale contract signed
    28/03/21: Purchase enquiries satisfied, Title Report & contracts issued, contracts signed & returned
    11/05/21: Still waiting on final enquiry in the adjoining chain to be resolved. Consent to break the chain granted, instruction to move to exchange given.
    17/05/21: All parties agreed to June 3rd for completion
    27/05/21: Exchanged on my sale only
    28/05/21: ALL EXCHANGED!
    03/06/21: Completion
  • EmmaYo
    EmmaYo Posts: 17 Forumite
    10 Posts Name Dropper
    FTB_Help said:
    EmmaYo said:
    @FTB_Help hello! We can't get rid of it as such (it's a bespoke Chesterfield which was a wedding gift!) but I think there's a consensus there is too much in the pics, so I'll perhaps have the room re-shot without the chair, Thanks for the tip!
    Yes that's exactly what i meant, not literally throw it out 😄 if you can get a new pic without it removed from the room (and possibly the video)
    It did feel cramped in the video tour and looking at the other flats in your block they did look a bit more spacious because that section of the room was open/ empty.
    Other than that i think its a lovely flat, the balcony is a nice bonus, maybe string up some fairy lights and get a pic during the evening with them on

        Oh, lol! Silly me! It's funny because I took the view some of the other flats looked stark and unlived in - and not in a trendy minimalist way. But agree stripping ours back a bit might be useful. And it's funny, the chair is actually something we got to fill a load of space that felt completely wasted, so totally respect what you're saying. We get the most beautiful sunsets, so perhaps I can get a couple of shots with those twinkly lights you suggest when the sun is setting!
  • EmmaYo
    EmmaYo Posts: 17 Forumite
    10 Posts Name Dropper
    @Scotbot that's useful insight, and also a good point - particularly given the surge in pet ownership. Our upstairs neighbours (who are under offer) also have a dog - which tend to be way more destructive than cats. We'll ensure Sock's continues to welcome potential buyers into our home 
  • Skiddaw1
    Skiddaw1 Posts: 2,322 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Good call! :)
  • EmmaYo
    EmmaYo Posts: 17 Forumite
    10 Posts Name Dropper
    Natbag said:
    EmmaYo said:
    @Natbag that's an impressive timeline, congrats! Yeah, it's a cat bowl, and I am conscious of the fact it's visible in the pics. Fortunately I have my own professional camera so will have a play around at the weekend having moved stuff around. I find it quite amazing that people get so drawn into what's in the room as opposed to the room itself, but if that's the case I guess we need to take notice!
    Thank you, it still feels like a lifetime, and that's not including the 3 months I had to threaten to take my ex to court to list the house for sale. :(
    They really do - although with something pet-related I think it's the potential issues I mentioned that might put people off rather than the actual bowl itself. I'm sure your cat is perfectly-behaved, house-trained and doesn't cause damage, but sadly some do and property owners often leave it in that state when departing so if potential buyers are looking at several flats including yours, that could be the deal breaker. Also, some people are allergic. Definitely best to hide all evidence of a pet, including thorough cleaning on the day with fragranced products, just in case :)
    Oh I can imagine it would feel like a lifetime, particularly if there's a more personal reason like yours for selling. Fortunately, she (cat) is very well behaved and we have minimal evidence of her in the flat (plus a food server with sensored lid that so you don't get food smells!) But we also have plug ins & other stuff to make sure there is a welcoming smell, so other than the bowl she may as well not be here!
  • Skiddaw1
    Skiddaw1 Posts: 2,322 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I always loved viewing a property with cats. At one house we looked at there were five (including one hiding under the quilt on one of the beds). We didn't buy the house but I'd have happily taken on the cats (if our cat would have let me). My advice is never worry about evidence of pets (within reason). As has been said, a pet-friendly flat puts you at a distinct advantage.
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