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| UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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'Dressing' a house to help it sell.....
HI All
We've all seen the 'my house won't sell' programs on the TV - where the expert swans in and with a few vases of flowers and a couple of candles here & there, miraculously converts an un-sellable house into something that's eagerly snapped up by the first family to view. OK - so the TV programs are going to be 90% er .... fertiliser .... g - but here's a question. Our bungalow seems to be taking longer than we'd like to sell. It's set up at the moment for 'our' needs - has two double bedrooms (only one has a bed in it at the moment), one quite small bedroom (currently used as a 'hobbies' room) and a large 2nd bathroom with jacuzzi and power shower. Our agent seems terminally clueless.... so I got to thinking..... How about.... Ditch the jacuzzi. Put the fittings from the 2nd bathroom into the smallest bedroom - so we end up with 2 bathrooms - one with bath and one with power-shower. Turn the existing large bathroom into a good-sized double bedroom. 'Dress' the new double bedroom and the existing spare bedroom so that they look like bedrooms, rather than just 'spare' rooms. Sounds like a lot of work, but I don't think it'd take all that long, and I can do the work myself. Net result would be 3 double beds rather than 2 - only thing we'd lose is the jacuzzi....... Of course - anybody buying the house could just as easily do this for themselves - but (if you believe the TV progs) potential purchasers don't have the necessary imagination to see this... So - leave everything 'as is' - or put in a bit of d-i-y effort to make the place more saleable ? your opinions please..... Thanks in advance Adrian Suffolk UK ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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Having moved recently, I can say that "dressing" and a little bit of
tidying up does wonders. 3yrs ago, my old 2 bed mid terrace was on the market for 6 months. 1 offer, 40k below asking price (half price!). Main problems we 1) ex was a smoker, 2) ex's stuff (tons of it) still all over the place. Remedy: Message to Ex (get your stuff from the skip by certain date) paint all ceilings & woodwork reposition the furniture. Get a friend you trust to tell you the truth (and truth hurts) and get them to appraise the house.... more work...gutted the kitchen, new B&Q units, some landscaping in the gardens etc. Net result... property back on the market after spending 6 months doing the work. Market prices had fallen a little...sold for more than the asking price within 2 months (had 2 buyers "competing"). So, in short, yes, DIY does help, but only the right kind. Not knowing your house, and I'm not an expert... make the 2nd bedroom a bedroom (stick a bed in it - get a cheap 2nd hand one, then sell it on when you don't want it anymore). Ditch the jacuzzi etc, make it another bedroom. Make last bedroom a study. Look objectively at the other rooms... lounge, dining room, kitchen,etc, and the outside too. HTH. Adrian Brentnall wrote: HI All We've all seen the 'my house won't sell' programs on the TV - where the expert swans in and with a few vases of flowers and a couple of candles here & there, miraculously converts an un-sellable house into something that's eagerly snapped up by the first family to view. OK - so the TV programs are going to be 90% er .... fertiliser .... g - but here's a question. Our bungalow seems to be taking longer than we'd like to sell. It's set up at the moment for 'our' needs - has two double bedrooms (only one has a bed in it at the moment), one quite small bedroom (currently used as a 'hobbies' room) and a large 2nd bathroom with jacuzzi and power shower. Our agent seems terminally clueless.... so I got to thinking..... How about.... Ditch the jacuzzi. Put the fittings from the 2nd bathroom into the smallest bedroom - so we end up with 2 bathrooms - one with bath and one with power-shower. Turn the existing large bathroom into a good-sized double bedroom. 'Dress' the new double bedroom and the existing spare bedroom so that they look like bedrooms, rather than just 'spare' rooms. Sounds like a lot of work, but I don't think it'd take all that long, and I can do the work myself. Net result would be 3 double beds rather than 2 - only thing we'd lose is the jacuzzi....... Of course - anybody buying the house could just as easily do this for themselves - but (if you believe the TV progs) potential purchasers don't have the necessary imagination to see this... So - leave everything 'as is' - or put in a bit of d-i-y effort to make the place more saleable ? your opinions please..... Thanks in advance Adrian Suffolk UK ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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Ian Cornish" "icornish at talk21 dot com wrote:
Ditch the jacuzzi etc, make it another bedroom. Wouldn't a jacuzzi be a big selling point? I reckon people buy dreams not houses. Dave |
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I suppose it depends on the market you are selling to. Stereo-typically,
bungalows go to older people, so, it's really all about tailoring the house to the market. (jeez, I sound like one of those TV shows!) david lang wrote: Ian Cornish" "icornish at talk21 dot com wrote: Ditch the jacuzzi etc, make it another bedroom. Wouldn't a jacuzzi be a big selling point? I reckon people buy dreams not houses. Dave |
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Hi Ian
Thanks for the comments On Fri, 19 Aug 2005 21:27:01 +0100, Ian Cornish "icornish at talk21 dot com" wrote: Having moved recently, I can say that "dressing" and a little bit of tidying up does wonders. 3yrs ago, my old 2 bed mid terrace was on the market for 6 months. 1 offer, 40k below asking price (half price!). Main problems we 1) ex was a smoker, 2) ex's stuff (tons of it) still all over the place. Remedy: Message to Ex (get your stuff from the skip by certain date) paint all ceilings & woodwork reposition the furniture. We've already had a tidy out - but there's probably (certainly !) more that we could do.... also done a 'strategic repaint' where necessary... Get a friend you trust to tell you the truth (and truth hurts) and get them to appraise the house.... more work...gutted the kitchen, new B&Q units, some landscaping in the gardens etc. Kitchen's only about 4 years old and in pretty good condition. Gardens aren't 'ideal home' style - but are reasonably tidy. Net result... property back on the market after spending 6 months doing the work. Market prices had fallen a little...sold for more than the asking price within 2 months (had 2 buyers "competing"). Well done ! So, in short, yes, DIY does help, but only the right kind. Not knowing your house, and I'm not an expert... make the 2nd bedroom a bedroom (stick a bed in it - get a cheap 2nd hand one, then sell it on when you don't want it anymore). Might even be able to borrow one from a neighbour - even better ! Ditch the jacuzzi etc, make it another bedroom. Yes - that's how I was thinking Make last bedroom a study. Got one of those (study) already g At least if we went for the '2 bedrooms' plan then there'd be one with a shower and one with a bath.... - the shower cubicle is a free-standing fiberglass one - so it'd be a doddle to relocate it. Look objectively at the other rooms... lounge, dining room, kitchen,etc, and the outside too. Done that - again some repainting and general tidying / finishing off.. HTH. Very much so - thanks Ian Adrian ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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HI Dave
On Fri, 19 Aug 2005 20:43:28 GMT, "david lang" wrote: Ian Cornish" "icornish at talk21 dot com wrote: Ditch the jacuzzi etc, make it another bedroom. Wouldn't a jacuzzi be a big selling point? I reckon people buy dreams not houses. Dunno.... Trouble is, the room with the jacuzzi in is about the same size as the master bedroom - and it's possibly a bit of a waste of space. We installed the jacuzzi - and find that we seldom use it..... Trouble is - I'd hate to do the work and then have a prospective purchaser say 'hey - we could convert this big bedroom into a jacuzzi room' g I guess as a general rule a place with 3 double bedrooms is going to be more attractive than one with 2 doubles and one single...? Thanks Adrian ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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#7
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Ian Cornish wrote:
Make last bedroom a study. Might be better to have a small desk/dressing table with computer (you can pick up old laptops for peanuts, it looks swisher and takes up less space than a desktop) in the 2nd bedroom. You don't want to miss the opportunity of presenting a third bedroom as a bedroom. If it's a bungalow it may appeal to retired people more, they may be more interested in space for children and grandchildren to stay than a home office. Try and aim to widest possible market. Look objectively at the other rooms... lounge, dining room, kitchen,etc, and the outside too. Outside very important - first impressions formed before people cross the front door. Some tubs and bedding plants cost next to nothing. Paint front door. Nice ding-dong doorbell, not cheapy. Trim hedges. Garden furniture - being sold off cheap now as end of season - show the garden as an extra room - families will want entertaining / child play space, retired people may spend more time at home. And there is no excuse for clutter or uncleanliness anywhere. Not that I'm suggesting, but it's surprising how accustomed to our own mess we can get. Owain |
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david lang wrote:
Ditch the jacuzzi etc, make it another bedroom. Wouldn't a jacuzzi be a big selling point? I reckon people buy dreams not houses. Yes, but bedrooms take precedence over dreams (usually). Owain |
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#9
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Adrian Brentnall wrote: HI All We've all seen the 'my house won't sell' programs on the TV - where the expert swans in and with a few vases of flowers and a couple of candles here & there, miraculously converts an un-sellable house into something that's eagerly snapped up by the first family to view. OK - so the TV programs are going to be 90% er .... fertiliser .... g - but here's a question. Our bungalow seems to be taking longer than we'd like to sell. It's set up at the moment for 'our' needs - has two double bedrooms (only one has a bed in it at the moment), one quite small bedroom (currently used as a 'hobbies' room) and a large 2nd bathroom with jacuzzi and power shower. Our agent seems terminally clueless.... so I got to thinking..... How about.... Ditch the jacuzzi. Put the fittings from the 2nd bathroom into the smallest bedroom - so we end up with 2 bathrooms - one with bath and one with power-shower. Turn the existing large bathroom into a good-sized double bedroom. 'Dress' the new double bedroom and the existing spare bedroom so that they look like bedrooms, rather than just 'spare' rooms. Sounds like a lot of work, but I don't think it'd take all that long, and I can do the work myself. Net result would be 3 double beds rather than 2 - only thing we'd lose is the jacuzzi....... Sounds good. Body jet showers help sell a place in north London. I'm not sure if they add value in your area. Of course - anybody buying the house could just as easily do this for themselves - but (if you believe the TV progs) potential purchasers don't have the necessary imagination to see this... The TV shows are right, most do not. Those who do, will rightly drop your price as they see work ahead. So - leave everything 'as is' - or put in a bit of d-i-y effort to make the place more saleable ? your opinions please..... Thanks in advance Adrian Suffolk UK ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply See my post on this point http://tinyurl.com/bzrnr Best of luck. |
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Adrian Brentnall wrote: Hi Ian Thanks for the comments On Fri, 19 Aug 2005 21:27:01 +0100, Ian Cornish "icornish at talk21 dot com" wrote: Having moved recently, I can say that "dressing" and a little bit of tidying up does wonders. 3yrs ago, my old 2 bed mid terrace was on the market for 6 months. 1 offer, 40k below asking price (half price!). Main problems we 1) ex was a smoker, 2) ex's stuff (tons of it) still all over the place. Remedy: Message to Ex (get your stuff from the skip by certain date) paint all ceilings & woodwork reposition the furniture. We've already had a tidy out - but there's probably (certainly !) more that we could do.... also done a 'strategic repaint' where necessary... Get a friend you trust to tell you the truth (and truth hurts) and get them to appraise the house.... more work...gutted the kitchen, new B&Q units, some landscaping in the gardens etc. Kitchen's only about 4 years old and in pretty good condition. Gardens aren't 'ideal home' style - but are reasonably tidy. I find that a new stainless sink unit top, a one handle mixer and downlighters over appeals to a woman. It looks clean and new and the bright light makes it sparkle. People like new things and a new sink top means they are not using what you used. All that can be done for less than =A3100. Make sure the agent always turns on the kitchen lights when showing people around, otherwise they may not notice the new sparkling sink unit and mixer. |
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Hi Owain
On Fri, 19 Aug 2005 23:27:43 +0100, Owain wrote: david lang wrote: Ditch the jacuzzi etc, make it another bedroom. Wouldn't a jacuzzi be a big selling point? I reckon people buy dreams not houses. Yes, but bedrooms take precedence over dreams (usually). Owain Coo - this is getting all a bit metaphysical ! Here's a question. If I went ahead with the planned reorganisation, what would I need to do with the existing electrics in the ex-bedroom / new bathroom. It's a couple of 13A twin sockets - is it sufficient to chokky-block the ring main and fit blanking plates to the back boxes. Could crimp if that was better. Likewise light switching - blanking plates and pull-switches in the ceiling ok ?? Thanks Adrian ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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HI Owain
On Fri, 19 Aug 2005 23:26:32 +0100, Owain wrote: Ian Cornish wrote: Make last bedroom a study. Might be better to have a small desk/dressing table with computer (you can pick up old laptops for peanuts, it looks swisher and takes up less space than a desktop) in the 2nd bedroom. You don't want to miss the opportunity of presenting a third bedroom as a bedroom. Yes - as I said before we already have a separate study with two desks and two computers - so more study area seems a bit extravagant g. The current 3rd bedroom is pretty small, and (taking your point from the end of the post) fairly cluttered. It'd make more sense as a bathroom, I think. If it's a bungalow it may appeal to retired people more, they may be more interested in space for children and grandchildren to stay than a home office. Try and aim to widest possible market. Yes - good plan - flexibility is the keyword..... Look objectively at the other rooms... lounge, dining room, kitchen,etc, and the outside too. Outside very important - first impressions formed before people cross the front door. Some tubs and bedding plants cost next to nothing. Yes - done that g Paint front door. UPVC g - though it could do with a bit of a scrub ! Nice ding-dong doorbell, not cheapy. Trim hedges. Garden furniture - being sold off cheap now as end of season - show the garden as an extra room - families will want entertaining / child play space, retired people may spend more time at home. Yes - had a go at all that too..... but thanks for reminding us. And there is no excuse for clutter or uncleanliness anywhere. Not that I'm suggesting, but it's surprising how accustomed to our own mess we can get. Guilty as charged, m'lud. In order to empty the 'soon-to-be-bathroom' I'll need to put all of my radio and electronics 'toys' neatly back in their boxes...... - I guess the way to look at it is that if we put ourselves out and live in a state of unnatural tidyness for a few months then we can get this place sold and get back into our 'normal' state in a new house all the sooner. (What a messy sentence - you wouldn't think that dear old Dad was ane English teacher !) Think it's time for one big push.....! Kind of frustrating - we're looking to move to the south-west of Ireland - and had an email just a couple of days ago from one of the agents over there - they're having an 'end of season auction' - 20 or so properties up for auction at silly guide prices - be great to be able to get involved in that, but need to get this sale sorted first ! Thanks for all the advice Adrian Suffolk UK ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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#14
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Adrian Brentnall wrote:
Might be better to have a small desk/dressing table with computer (you can pick up old laptops for peanuts, it looks swisher and takes up less space than a desktop) in the 2nd bedroom. You don't want to miss the opportunity of presenting a third bedroom as a bedroom. Yes - as I said before we already have a separate study with two desks and two computers - so more study area seems a bit extravagant g. Yebbut you're going to present the study as a bedroom. Or a bathroom. So you need a study space somewhere. And there is no excuse for clutter or uncleanliness anywhere. Not that I'm suggesting, but it's surprising how accustomed to our own mess we can get. Guilty as charged, m'lud. In order to empty the 'soon-to-be-bathroom' I'll need to put all of my radio and electronics 'toys' neatly back in their boxes...... Well, it all has to be packed for moving anyway, so it might as well be packed before selling. Owain |
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Hi Owain
On Sat, 20 Aug 2005 10:53:33 +0100, Owain wrote: Adrian Brentnall wrote: Might be better to have a small desk/dressing table with computer (you can pick up old laptops for peanuts, it looks swisher and takes up less space than a desktop) in the 2nd bedroom. You don't want to miss the opportunity of presenting a third bedroom as a bedroom. Yes - as I said before we already have a separate study with two desks and two computers - so more study area seems a bit extravagant g. Yebbut you're going to present the study as a bedroom. Or a bathroom. So you need a study space somewhere. Yebbut nobutt g - we have currently 3 beds, 2 bathrooms, misc other rooms _and_ a study....... The only changes I'm planning on making are turning a big bathroom into a (big) bedroom, and a small bedroom into a (small) bathroom..... Probably easier with pictures g And there is no excuse for clutter or uncleanliness anywhere. Not that I'm suggesting, but it's surprising how accustomed to our own mess we can get. Guilty as charged, m'lud. In order to empty the 'soon-to-be-bathroom' I'll need to put all of my radio and electronics 'toys' neatly back in their boxes...... Well, it all has to be packed for moving anyway, so it might as well be packed before selling. True ...... Adrian Suffolk UK ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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HI Bob
On Sat, 20 Aug 2005 09:54:00 +0100, "Bob Smith" bob@nospamplease wrote: "Adrian Brentnall" adrian-the papers and the wrote in message ... HI All We've all seen the 'my house won't sell' programs on the TV - where the expert swans in and with a few vases of flowers and a couple of candles here & there, miraculously converts an un-sellable house into something that's eagerly snapped up by the first family to view. snip So - leave everything 'as is' - or put in a bit of d-i-y effort to make the place more saleable ? your opinions please..... I had a mid terrace with a "junk room" loft conversion (not a bedroom due to building regs etc). Went for ages without selling, even though we had about 10 people look at it. I changed estate agents, then got on decorating. Did the loft in "house doctor" neutral colours, stuck an old duvet on the old bed, put a throw over the 2 large fold out spongy chair beds, stuck a picture on the wall, hid all the junk in cupboards. Yes - that's the sort of thing I had in mind - make the bedrooms look like bedrooms by putting beds in them.......g One couple came around, and the lady would not go up the stairs (it was an open wooden staircase, and a bit steep) because she was scared of falling through!. Waste of my time decorating I thought. An older couple came around. He thought the ancient carpet on the main stairs was nice because it reminded him of one his parents had (?). They put an offer in at the asking price. The same price one estate agent refused to put the house on for when I was switching. Also, on the occasion I sold the house, I purposefully made some fresh coffee to make the house smell. I have heard fresh baked bread works too. You would have thought estate agents would be able to give some house doctor tips, but they always said it was fine. Yes - you would think that the agents would offer 'handy hints' - but it seems that ours just aren't being all that proactive...... Thanks Adrian ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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HI Ian
On 20 Aug 2005 12:12:25 GMT, Ian Stirling wrote: Adrian Brentnall adrian-the papers and the wrote: HI All We've all seen the 'my house won't sell' programs on the TV - where the expert swans in and with a few vases of flowers and a couple of candles here & there, miraculously converts an un-sellable house into something that's eagerly snapped up by the first family to view. snip Our agent seems terminally clueless.... so I got to thinking..... What sorts of people are being shown round? The sort that haven't wanted to buy g A fair mix of families, and what used to be called 'dinkies' (dual income no kids). Last one wanted the big garage to house his e-type and his Maserati - but think he wanted something a bit 'quainter' in terms of accomodation. Even though we're out in the country there are school buses & etc - so that shouldn't be a handicap... I do waih that the great viewing public could be brutally honest and, on leaving, say 'thanks but no thanks'. The kind of feedback we've been getting (2nd-hand via the agents) simply doesn't make sense..... not that we seem to be getting very much feedback anyway.... Ah well Adrian Suffolk UK ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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#19
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In article ,
Adrian Brentnall adrian-the papers and the wrote: Yes - you would think that the agents would offer 'handy hints' - but it seems that ours just aren't being all that proactive...... Hint: Get rid of all those essential things you need for living. Go around a few new house showhouses for ideas about what is acceptable. -- John Cartmell john@ followed by finnybank.com 0845 006 8822 Qercus magazine FAX +44 (0)8700-519-527 www.finnybank.com Qercus - the best guide to RISC OS computing |
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Owain wrote:
They also need a bedside table with a lamp, drawers and wardrobe, to look convincing. And pillows stuffed under the duvets so people think someone is asleep :-) I'm always amazed that people on these TV shows can't see past the lived in mess and colour schemes and visualise what the room really is and what it could be. Dave |
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#22
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In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
david lang wrote: Owain wrote: They also need a bedside table with a lamp, drawers and wardrobe, to look convincing. And pillows stuffed under the duvets so people think someone is asleep :-) I'm always amazed that people on these TV shows can't see past the lived in mess and colour schemes and visualise what the room really is and what it could be. Dave Yes, so am I. But apparently they ain't atypical - and if we want our house to appeal to the widest possible audience we have to leave nothing to the imagination. Sad ain't it - and I'm sure that none of us in this NG would have any difficulty in working out what's what - but we are, after all, a select group - and there are millions of plebs out there who don't share our omniscience! g -- Cheers, Set Square ______ Please reply to newsgroup. Reply address is invalid. |
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HI Owain
On Sat, 20 Aug 2005 17:04:10 +0100, Owain wrote: Adrian Brentnall wrote: Yebbut you're going to present the study as a bedroom. Or a bathroom. So you need a study space somewhere. Yebbut nobutt g - we have currently 3 beds, 2 bathrooms, misc other rooms _and_ a study....... The only changes I'm planning on making are turning a big bathroom into a (big) bedroom, and a small bedroom into a (small) bathroom..... I didn't realise you lived in a mansion :-) Sorry for the delay in replying - was shooting peasants in the West Wing g Not quite a mansion - just a bungalow with more than its fair share of rooms - there's a lot of 'free space' out here in the wilds of East Anglia g Probably easier with pictures g I find floorplans *very* useful as part of the property particulars, it really helps imagine how the house 'flows'. Yes - odd how few Agents seem to understand this. For all his bad points (and believe me - there were many !) our 1st agent did include a floor-plan with the property details.... and it certainly saves the mental gymnastics involved in trying to guess how the rooms in a house are arranged by looking at the room dimensions ! Adrian ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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HI Set Square On Sat, 20 Aug 2005 20:44:34 +0100, "Set Square" wrote: In an earlier contribution to this discussion, Adrian Brentnall adrian-the papers and the wrote: Yes - that's the sort of thing I had in mind - make the bedrooms look like bedrooms by putting beds in them.......g Well you may laugh - but we're in the process of selling my father-in-law's chalet bungalow. He's now living with us 'cos he's too old (96) and decrepit to manage on his own. His bed is now at our house - so only 2 of the 3 bedrooms had beds in them. SWMBO has made a mock single bed by lying an old door on a couple of cardboard boxes and draping a quilt over the whole thing. It looks quite convincing - as long as nobody tries to sit or lie on it! The thought had crossed my mind...... - but I think we can 'borrow' a bed or two from next-doors - but the 'chunk of chipboard on cardboard boxes' might be a plan..... Got a new estate agent coming round on Monday am - so we'll see what she has to say about the presentation of the place. If she thinks it'll help then we'll set to and swap the bathroom / bedroom round - then start 'faking up' some bedrooms...... ....what a game, eh ?? Adrian ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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Hi Owain
On Sat, 20 Aug 2005 17:06:55 +0100, Owain wrote: Adrian Brentnall wrote: I do waih that the great viewing public could be brutally honest Well if you upload some pictures somewhere I'm sure we'll all oblige. I'm sure that you all would g I'll wait until I'm feeling unbearably optimistic before I go in for such public humiliation g - but if anybody wants to buy a bungalow then you're all welcome to come round and see for yourselves .... We try to be fairly 'organic' with our gardening - one rather up-market estate agent came round, name of Trystram or some such, and objected quite strongly to the bath sitting in the veg patch (home to some very organic frogs & toads - not just dumped there....). Odd what some people consider to be unsightly - the bath's now gone, by the way, and the frogs, toads and newts have been moved into the main pond in the front garden - leaving the free-range chickens in charge of molluscicide in the veg patch...... Ho hum Adrian ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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#26
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In message , Owain
writes Adrian Brentnall wrote: And there is no excuse for clutter or uncleanliness anywhere. Not that I'm suggesting, but it's surprising how accustomed to our own mess we can get. Guilty as charged, m'lud. In order to empty the 'soon-to-be-bathroom' I'll need to put all of my radio and electronics 'toys' neatly back in their boxes...... Well, it all has to be packed for moving anyway, so it might as well be packed before selling. We put a lot of stuff in to Self Storage, lot of books, some bits of furniture we wanted to keep but could do without, quite a bit of general ornaments etc. that again we wanted to keep but probably added little to the house for selling, camping stuff we had stashed in the spare bedroom etc. etc. We put a real effort into presenting our last house well, finished off lots of roundtuit jobs, decluttered etc. Some things we couldn't by then do anything about, but we made the best of what we had, which was by then looking very good. when the estate agent came round for taking pictures I hardly recognised the house. We sold the house in 2 weeks in Jan, for the asking price and we had 2 couples (out of I think 4 viewing) who wanted the house. other houses on our street had been on for a few months by then and were still on sale when we moved in April. -- Chris French |
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#27
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In article ,
david lang wrote: I'm always amazed that people on these TV shows can't see past the lived in mess and colour schemes and visualise what the room really is and what it could be. Same here. I can understand first time buyers wanting - if possible - something they can move straight into, as it were, but experienced ones are likely to see something that's been toshed over for what it is. -- *Why is "abbreviated" such a long word? Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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#28
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HI Chris
On Sun, 21 Aug 2005 09:39:12 +0100, chris French wrote: In message , Owain writes Adrian Brentnall wrote: And there is no excuse for clutter or uncleanliness anywhere. Not that I'm suggesting, but it's surprising how accustomed to our own mess we can get. Guilty as charged, m'lud. In order to empty the 'soon-to-be-bathroom' I'll need to put all of my radio and electronics 'toys' neatly back in their boxes...... Well, it all has to be packed for moving anyway, so it might as well be packed before selling. We put a lot of stuff in to Self Storage, lot of books, some bits of furniture we wanted to keep but could do without, quite a bit of general ornaments etc. that again we wanted to keep but probably added little to the house for selling, camping stuff we had stashed in the spare bedroom etc. etc. We've got plenty of room 'outisde' and 'upstairs' for hiding clutter - just lacking the enthusiasm g. Still - as others have said, it will all need to be binned or moved eventually - we did have a good declutter about 6 months ago - I think it's time for a second 'cut'.... We put a real effort into presenting our last house well, finished off lots of roundtuit jobs, decluttered etc. Some things we couldn't by then do anything about, but we made the best of what we had, which was by then looking very good. when the estate agent came round for taking pictures I hardly recognised the house. Yes - I know the feeling. It's the 'hey - this isn't a bad house... why do we want to move' syndrome g We sold the house in 2 weeks in Jan, for the asking price and we had 2 couples (out of I think 4 viewing) who wanted the house. other houses on our street had been on for a few months by then and were still on sale when we moved in April. Excellent. Houses clearly are selling. One of the older members at the Church last night had just sold her house (central Ipswich) in 3 weeks ! We congratulated her (through gritted teeth g) I'll see what tomorrow's estate agent suggests - we'll do whatever it takes.... Thanks Adrian ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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HI Owain
On Sun, 21 Aug 2005 13:50:15 +0100, Owain wrote: Adrian Brentnall wrote: I didn't realise you lived in a mansion :-) Sorry for the delay in replying - was shooting peasants in the West Wing g One of my favourite Punch cartoons is a couple sitting down to breakfast in a stately home, you can see room after room after room stretching away in the distance. They are reading the newspapers and says to the other, "I say, Davinia, it says in here the East Wing burnt down last night". Love it ! Adrian ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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Turn the existing large bathroom into a good-sized double bedroom
Re-use some of the plumbing from the old bathroom to make a new bedroom with an en-suite ? Would soil pipe for new bathroom be difficult ? Simon. |
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In message , Bob Smith
writes "Adrian Brentnall" adrian-the papers and the wrote in message ... HI All We've all seen the 'my house won't sell' programs on the TV - where the expert swans in and with a few vases of flowers and a couple of candles here & there, miraculously converts an un-sellable house into something that's eagerly snapped up by the first family to view. On a similar note, what does everyone think when they lay the table ready for dinner to "dress" the dining room? And putting a massive impractical pile of cushions on the bed. Are you supposed to spend 10 minutes every night throwing them into a pile in the corner of the room? I think it looks forced and false, and I would think it was weird to see a table set up for a formal dinner at 10am on a Saturday morning. re the table, I have also seen them on TV suggesting not to lay the table, because of course as you say it looks odd, but just to put one or two things on it to act as focus. I suspect that maybe they do the full table thing on TV because it looks ok on TV. With our dining room we removed the plastic table cloth thing that was normally on it, put a runner down the length of it that nearly matched the curtains, and had nice crystal vase with flowers - white lilies looked good . It really did lift the room up a notch when you first walked in cushions aren't my thing, but I think the point again really is about making an effort to present it well. We had a bed spread and a couple of cushions that matched the curtain, of course as a rule we never used it as it just meant we had to take it off when we went to bed anyway. But it did make the room look good with it on, so we used to put it on when were selling the house. Again it just lifted the room a bit on first viewing, pulled it together, gave it more thought out finished feel. I don't think that any of these small things in themselves make or break a deal, but I think they do go towards creating good impression in buyers minds which is crucial IMO. -- Chris French |
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Hi All
On Mon, 22 Aug 2005 20:50:28 +0100, chris French wrote: In message , Bob Smith writes "Adrian Brentnall" adrian-the papers and the wrote in message ... HI All We've all seen the 'my house won't sell' programs on the TV - where the expert swans in and with a few vases of flowers and a couple of candles here & there, miraculously converts an un-sellable house into something that's eagerly snapped up by the first family to view. On a similar note, what does everyone think when they lay the table ready for dinner to "dress" the dining room? And putting a massive impractical pile of cushions on the bed. Are you supposed to spend 10 minutes every night throwing them into a pile in the corner of the room? I think it looks forced and false, and I would think it was weird to see a table set up for a formal dinner at 10am on a Saturday morning. re the table, I have also seen them on TV suggesting not to lay the table, because of course as you say it looks odd, but just to put one or two things on it to act as focus. I suspect that maybe they do the full table thing on TV because it looks ok on TV. With our dining room we removed the plastic table cloth thing that was normally on it, put a runner down the length of it that nearly matched the curtains, and had nice crystal vase with flowers - white lilies looked good . It really did lift the room up a notch when you first walked in cushions aren't my thing, but I think the point again really is about making an effort to present it well. We had a bed spread and a couple of cushions that matched the curtain, of course as a rule we never used it as it just meant we had to take it off when we went to bed anyway. But it did make the room look good with it on, so we used to put it on when were selling the house. Again it just lifted the room a bit on first viewing, pulled it together, gave it more thought out finished feel. I don't think that any of these small things in themselves make or break a deal, but I think they do go towards creating good impression in buyers minds which is crucial IMO. Good comments. Had (potential) new estate agent lady round today - she confirmed that we've got the price about right (in her opinion) and that a bit of de-cluttering and 'dressing' will help to make it more instantly appealing. So - cardboard boxes 1st thing tomorrow morning !! What a game, eh ?? Adrian Suffolk UK ======return email munged================= take out the papers and the trash to reply |
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"Bob Smith" bob@nospamplease wrote:
And putting a massive impractical pile of cushions on the bed. Are you supposed to spend 10 minutes every night throwing them into a pile in the corner of the room? Watch "Along Came Polly" and you'll see Hollywood's view on the cushions on a bed syndrome ;-) -- |
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wrote in message oups.com... I find that a new stainless sink unit top, a one handle mixer and downlighters over appeals to a woman. Not this one. It looks clean and new and the bright light makes it sparkle. So? People like new things and a new sink top means they are not using what you used. Oh come on! All that can be done for less than £100. Make sure the agent always turns on the kitchen lights when showing people around, otherwise they may not notice the new sparkling sink unit and mixer. Well, I don't suppose it matters that you sell to the gullible ... their money's as good as anyone else's. Mary |
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"Owain" wrote in message ... If it's a bungalow it may appeal to retired people more, they may be more interested in space for children and grandchildren to stay than a home office. WHAT??? We don't WANT children and grandchildren to think they can come for a free holiday and bugger up our lives. We spent long enough being hampered by them, now we want time to ourselves! And we're not alone :-) Our office is important to us. The kids can stay in the caravan (very basic) if they want to come. Try and aim to widest possible market. Look objectively at the other rooms... lounge, dining room, kitchen,etc, and the outside too. Outside very important - first impressions formed before people cross the front door. Some tubs and bedding plants cost next to nothing. But need looking after by the buyers :-( Paint front door. Possibly in a colour the buyers would want to change. Nice ding-dong doorbell, BLECH! not cheapy. Trim hedges. Garden furniture - being sold off cheap now as end of season - show the garden as an extra room - families will want entertaining / child play space, retired people may spend more time at home. Wanna bet? And there is no excuse for clutter or uncleanliness anywhere. Not that I'm suggesting, but it's surprising how accustomed to our own mess we can get. Makes it look real though ... Mary Owain |
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"Bob Smith" bob@nospamplease wrote in message ... Also, on the occasion I sold the house, I purposefully made some fresh coffee to make the house smell. I have heard fresh baked bread works too. It wouldn't with me. I hate thesmell of bread baking. I've made all our bread for well over forty yearsand still hate the smell. But I doubt I'd be taken in by any of the suggested ploys. Why not be honest and present the house as it is, let the buyer decide what to do with it to make it his/her ideal living place? If they have any character they're not going to keep it as you think it should be. Mary |
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"Adrian Brentnall" adrian-the papers and the wrote in message What sorts of people are being shown round? A fair mix of families, and what used to be called 'dinkies' (dual income no kids). Ah - so your bungalow isn't attracting the old folk? Not surprised really, we know better. Bungalows are boring. Mary |
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