making a house more saleable

Rachie_B

paintpot wrote: »

I don't believe staging to the extent of setting tables is necessary but a pot of coffee on the go or some flowers and a fire lit can add to the ambience.

oh yes, people do look in cupboards, they might even look in your fridge even if they aren't going to be purchasing it. People can be strange. I do open cupboards, having bought many houses its surprising how many doors are stuck shut with superglue, propped shut just balancing on the broken hinges etc. I might even peer under people's beds having bought a carpeted house with what I thought were decent carpets to find the carpets had been cut round the beds and there was nothing underneath. Strange but true. I test everything! If you have nothing to hide it won't be a problem but buyers are not always fools and it is more of a buyers market at the moment.

!!!!!! ?! :eek: :rotfl:

nothing like that here thankfully !

oh another Q we dont have a shower at present,we all love baths and so have never gotten round to putting one in!

should we put a shower in ( over the bath) would it put people off do you think not having a shower ??

lynzpower

rachie, whats your bathroom like? We had one of these in our flat
and EVERYONE ooohed and ahhed over it!! I did polish it with baby oil tho

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/8321444/Trail/searchtext>SHOWER+HEAD.htm

its only 40 quids worth if it'll fit with your decor then choose this sort of thing.

paintpot

I wasn't wanting to scare you but just shows what people do. I have fixed up many houses where they were owned by Bodge it and Scarper! Buyers can be very untrusting, some are very naive but if your house is in order you have nothing to worry about.

Re a shower, most want a shower, I'm not sure of the answer but if the price reflects it doesn't have one then maybe leave it, depends if you want the hassle and cost of adding one. I am sure if someone fell in love with your house it wouldn't put them off but then if one down the road had one and they wanted a shower and the deal was the same they might choose the other. As I said, tough call. Have you asked your agent what they think?

Rachie_B wrote: »

!!!!!! ?! :eek: :rotfl:

nothing like that here thankfully !

oh another Q we dont have a shower at present,we all love baths and so have never gotten round to putting one in!

should we put a shower in ( over the bath) would it put people off do you think not having a shower ??

Bagpuss1973

Generally I think people like to think of the house as a home, so maybe treat a bit like a loved show-home. Why not go and visit some show-homes in your area to get some idea.

Little things like fresh flowers, fresh fruit in a bowl, no dust whatsoever anywhere.

You've already mentioned the de-cluttering but don't overdo it, if it's too empty people will be thinking there's no storage (very difficult one to win!)

In all the tv programmes they tend to have lamps and things on too.

I think the thing I notice on the telly is when beds aren't made properly - I know that sounds really daft but I just think for goodness sake they didn't even make the bed properly and don't really look at the room.

Get an HONEST friend to come around and give their opinion.

If you have dogs or cats ensure that someone without them can't smell them - however much you love them they could really put people off.

Think about what you are going to tell them (if you are showing them around) for instance don't say we're selling because we need more space (they hear that it's too small), perhaps you could be re-locating due to work.

Most imporant sparking areas for me would be the kitchen and bathroom.

Goodluck

Bagpussxx

lilac_lady

My neighbours sold their house within a month. Their house was clean and tidy but before they put it on the market they booked it in for a professional cleaning. This made a difference and didn't stress them out. It cost £10 per hour so for £50 the house was shining.

clutton_2

clean the windows - it makes a big difference to the amount of light in the rooms

if you have "energy" lamps which take a while to come up to full power, put the lights on before the purchasers arrive - especially on a darkish day

Rachie_B

I think we will do that TBH,a deep clean
as with work and the boys etc its hard to find time to do it properly!

in answer to some of your Qs,we havent even had any valuations yet,or any advice from EA!

only really decided this week that was really want to move !

so makig lists of things to do etc

carolt

I'd hold off on the air conditioner - I remember going to view a house where the smell of air freshener was so overpowering when I walked in it let me wondering what she was trying to hide....

Natural clean and fresh smelling is better - fresh flowers or coffee or something if you really do need to cover up a smell. And well aired - windows open.

Rachie_B

carolt wrote: »

I'd hold off on the air conditioner - I remember going to view a house where the smell of air freshener was so overpowering when I walked in it let me wondering what she was trying to hide....

Natural clean and fresh smelling is better - fresh flowers or coffee or something if you really do need to cover up a smell. And well aired - windows open.

thats why i love the glade fresh linen one

it just smells like clean fresh sheets ,not overpowering at all

:rotfl: no ,no smells to cover up lol

we dont smoke,fry foods,have pets etc

brazilianwax

TBH I wouldn't worry too much about lamps and fires and windows. I've sold 2 houses that I didn't live in full time. Both sold easily as they were spotless - 1st sold within a week of being on the market in January (agent did the viewing and first to see bought). 2nd sold within 2 hours despite not being 'perfect'. It was clean, and the only room I'd re-painted was the kitchen. Even a dark blue downstairs bathroom didn't put them off! :rotfl:

Both sold at asking price.

I think if you price realistically, market effectively, get rid of clutter, show how spacious each room is, and keep it clean it will sell.

Good luck :beer: