Thoughts on selling your house

[buffymad]

The first thing people normally do when they move house is to redecorate it to their taste etc.

I'm thinking about selling up (only thinking so far!) and although the kitchen and living room have recently been decorated, they both need new flooring (ie lino in the kitchen, carpet in the living room). The carpet isn't particularly that bad but you can see its a bit aged. Things could be redone in the two bedrooms too.

So my question is - is it best to update these things yourself before putting it up for sale? Would it put potential buyers off if you didn't? Have to keep stressing, it doesn't look like a slum, its really cosy to be honest, but some things do need updating. I'd be prepared to take less to take that into account, which I know is something that estate agents have put in their particulars before - "price reflects the need to update" or something like that.

What do you think?

[buffymad]

Conflicting advice now! That's the thing, if I could get away without having to get new carpets etc then I would - due to a lack of money for a start!! I'd obviously clean the place from top to bottom and tidying up and de-cluttering goes without saying. It is a bit of a nightmare if you do shell out money only to find it was pointless because the new people change everything straight away!!

Have already looked at other houses nearby (same straight, next street etc). Prices vary but even that doesn't make any sense. Some have been done up all modern (wooden floors, trendy etc) and others are old fashioned (dodgy patterned wallpaper, old gas fires, coloured bathroom suites etc) - and they're all up for around the same price! Ours is just a home, nice and cosy. Might not be to everyone's tastes - especially those who want new and modern - but then I don't suppose they'd be looking at houses that are over 100 years old in any case!!

I suppose I'm just trying to work out how much I can "get away with" not doing before putting it on the market.

[whiskeryron]

buffymad, that's a 'home' you are describing don't change a thing, if I was looking for a change of house I would appreciate a home feeling. Good luck with your project I know you will get the right buyer.

W Ron.

[woofgang]

so have a look at the sold prices and see what sells for what.

[droopdrawers]

I bought my apartment almost 5 years ago. The previous owners son had put very very cheap carpet in and freshened up the paintwork. [It was an empty property]
I knew we would gut the place, but having looked at 2 others on the same site I chose this one because it didn't smell or look like someone else was living here.

Next door has been on the market for almost 2 years. The deceased persons furniture is still in there with nothing done to invite anyone to take a second look.

Its also been reduced in price several times so now there are virtually giving it away;Its less than half I paid but...I know if they were to tart it up just a bit they might stand a better chance of selling....so yes every time. Make it look presentable and appealing from the outside and inside.

DD

[droopdrawers]

Forgot to add we chucked all the cheap carpet out.

[droopdrawers]

This is making me want to move and start again....

We threw out the really cheap carpet but it did look so much better than having someone elses smells in it. No matter what you do with carpet once its been down awhile it will have taken on your own smells and that of the cleanest animal.

All animal owners thing theirs dont smell.....ask a none owner. They surely do!

[mrs.chappie]

I agree with Droopy here. All animals (however much you bath 'em) whiff a bit.