Back to square one

esubbs

After months of messing us around, renegotiating over silly things and finally getting to the point of discussing dates for exchange and completion, our buyers have just pulled out. 
They have sited an absolute non existent reason - the searches showed a 1 in 100 year risk of basement flooding, the property doesn't have a basement.

So anyway, we're back on the market and it's a race as to if we can get an offer before our onward purchase does - any tips for making a positive restart to the process? Is it worth decorating etc?

I'm so disheartened I just want to do something proactive.

Brie

Generally people state that decorating doesn't improve the price you get when selling.  And I agree it's not money well spent if that is your aim.  But having a place looking fresh and tidy will make it more appealing to buyers in my opinion.  Yes they may repaint as soon as it's theirs but who cares as long as it looks good enough for them to buy.  

Given that you're planning a move I assume you have done a major declutter already.  If not now's the time to think about what you actually want to move and what you can get rid.  

So clean, make sure the place has curb appeal (even if that means cutting the neighbour's lawn), and have things looking sparse to the point of being "Japanese".   Get the EA to take new photos (especially of the outside) if the set on file are from the winter.  

Mr.Generous

Easy win can be getting the EPC to the next band at almost zero cost. What was your EPC number ie 67 or whatever, rather than your band A, B, C etc? 

Free EPC's are available to landlords and homeowners - ask me how!!

20122013

Agreed with the above post.. I'd like to add that be realistic with the asking price (as the market price fluctuates) as what you sold for might have changed. and also whether you have more / less competition etc.  You will have more knowledge this time. Good luck. 

esubbs

Mr.Generous said:

Easy win can be getting the EPC to the next band at almost zero cost. What was your EPC number ie 67 or whatever, rather than your band A, B, C etc? 

Free EPC's are available to landlords and homeowners - ask me how!!

EPC is 83 with the only suggestion for improvement being solar panels so I don't think there will be any quick wins there.

esubbs

Brie said:

Generally people state that decorating doesn't improve the price you get when selling.  And I agree it's not money well spent if that is your aim.  But having a place looking fresh and tidy will make it more appealing to buyers in my opinion.  Yes they may repaint as soon as it's theirs but who cares as long as it looks good enough for them to buy.  

Given that you're planning a move I assume you have done a major declutter already.  If not now's the time to think about what you actually want to move and what you can get rid.  

So clean, make sure the place has curb appeal (even if that means cutting the neighbour's lawn), and have things looking sparse to the point of being "Japanese".   Get the EA to take new photos (especially of the outside) if the set on file are from the winter.  

Thanks, some good things to think on.

We did have an initial declutter but it wouldn't hurt to go again I think. As a busy family of four you soon collect stuff! I'm tempted to get some fresh eyes in and have someone come in to do a deep clean too.

The photos were in early spring on a nice bright day thankfully. The garden has grown since though.

Bigphil1474

I did quite a bit of DIY decorating before we sold last year, but it was well overdue. We didn't spend a lot , maybe a few hundred quid on materials. Personally, if it looks fine I don't think many buyers will be too fussed. Does depend which end of the market you are at, but unless it's a millionaire pad, i don't think most people are seeking perfection. I would just fix those bits that you never got round to sorting, and maybe give the paint a bit of a refresh. 

Definitely get the garden up to scratch - you don't want buyers thinking it's hard to keep up with. Are all your certificates up to date? I did quite a few of the viewings when we sold, and a lot of the buyers seemed happy to know that the gas had recently been checked, and we had an electric certificate, boiler certificate etc. Did the last lot send you a copy of any survey, or could you get hold of it - could be a pointer for any little jobs that can be sorted ahead of the next survey.

Mr.Generous

esubbs said:

Mr.Generous said:

Easy win can be getting the EPC to the next band at almost zero cost. What was your EPC number ie 67 or whatever, rather than your band A, B, C etc? 

Free EPC's are available to landlords and homeowners - ask me how!!

EPC is 83 with the only suggestion for improvement being solar panels so I don't think there will be any quick wins there.

Really good high EPC score. Get the agent to mention it in the blurb.