Would it put you off

It always used to annoy me when I used to watch those making houses over for sale programmes that potential buyers would walk around and talk more about the pictures on the wall, or even the décor, more than the structure and layout of the property. So many lack any imagination at all but what business are the current owner's pictures to a potential buyer? I can see not having things too cluttered but it seems ridiculous for people to have to remove photos. I can see that people do have to do it but it is a shame that buyers can be so thick and that others have to adjust for it.

Use an online agent such as Purple Bricks and save yourself a ton of money. Last time I had agents to show people round they hardly spoke to the viewers other than a cursory- here's the kitchen/lounge type comment and it was me who chatted away about the area and schools. Sometimes I showed people around without the agent there so I wouldn't waste my money on them again especially as they wanted to market it below the price I wanted.

I was amazed when selling my house on a large estate that the couple preferred my semi over another because she liked the decor, every room was emulsion. I think the position and garden size and other things she couldn't change were more important, she could easily have gone and bought the same coloured emulsions and painted the walls.

I am also amazed people buy a house because of the furnishing, when they are not buying the furniture.

So you see the Agent is giving good advice and people can't see past the decor and furniture

Us, definitely remove clutter and lots personal photos etc. All agents say he same. We had to declutter twice before the agent was satisfied! It does help u get a better price. You can always keep a box of stuff u really do want to have out and u can put it back up between showing people round. The crucifix could be kept in ur bedside drawer and taken out every night.

It wouldn't put me off at all.
I would be looking at the house, not its owners belongings.

I have bought nd sold lots of houses and have been put off by strange things when viewing properties. I should know better but clearly am affected by emotional clues.

If the agent is telling you to remove the crosses then I would, my friend was trying to sell her lovely home and had several crosses in place, and in the pics it did look a little like a horror film set. Some people only see a cross when they go to the chapel of rest to pay their last respects.

Buying a home is an emotional thing, like any other purchase, we think we are immune to emotions but they stir deep within us. Some homes just have an atmosphere of sadness or joy.

I swear by old fashioned Zoflora disinfectant, a little in a bucket of water to wash the path and patio does wonder for selling.

When my sister in law put her house on the market she mentioned to the ea that she would remove the family photos before they took the photos and was told not to as they would be marketing it as an ideal family house and the photos lent character. Her photos were small ones not big, canvas ones. When we sold our last house I always made sure the beds were made and the house aired before viewings. Always had fresh flowers on the dining table too.
When we viewed houses there was one that had a fair number of crucifixes etc but the owners were lovely people so that was what I remembered ( and their lovely dog)!

Relatives of mine bought, for a very low price, a house previously lived in by a local junkie.
It was totally filthy when they viewed but they were very happy with the lovely house they had, after some hard work.

It does seem that a lot of people are easily put off.

Some scary pics on there overthehill what is this fad for having lavatory and bath in the bedroom I need privacy for my ablutions

When my DS and DIL put their house up for sale she drastically de-cluttered and cleared spaces. Anyone with spare space was given things to store. She removed 1 sofa (they had 2), cleared books and ornaments. The house sold in the first week, so I assume it worked. If yours doesn't sell Oldwoman70 you might have to do these things.

No, it wouldn't concern me at all. This idea that a house should present as blank a canvas as possible goes against the grain. Love a bit of character, even if it's not my thing. Cleanliness helps.

When thinking about buying my house, a crucifix or two would not have been anywhere near a deal breaker. It was pretty grubby, too.

The bones were good, and the way it sat in it's environment were what mattered.

I am surprised at the replies. I once looked at a house which had dirty dishes in the sink - yes I bought it because I could see past the owners personal things.

My decor is neutral as I have a lot of paintings on the walls, should I take those down? (no coloured bathroom suites and certainly no frilly toilet roll covers!), no knick knacks as such but I do have a collection of Lladro in a display case. I think when I put the house on the market I will leave everything as it is and see if people really are put off!!

If you really want to see how NOT to advertise your property along with having a great laugh click on link below. Be sure to read the comments which accompany each photo.

terriblerealestateagentphotos.com/

edit button needed - my comment was tongue in cheek (almost )

I know Chritinefrance - I'm not sure I;d want to sell our family home to someone without a soul!

Sadly Iam64 its better to have the dogs out of the way and remove beds etc. There are people who don't like dogs (I know its hard to believe ) and are concerned about hygiene etc with animals in the house.

What about the dogs??!!

Hi oldwoman70 I do agree that moving personal items will allow prospective buyers to see themselves living in your home but do not think it necessary to move the crucifix.

Tips that I was given were...If needed give a fresh paint in neutral colours, clear personal stuff away, even if just for the viewings, for eg, un clutter the bathroom add matching towels, clear away any personal photos.

I was told that the reason you are taking away all your personal stuff is so that the buyer can visualise themselves living in your home and this is a crucial part of a successful sale. Also was told that it helps if the house is well aired and has a pleasant smell, for eg, have flowers in the living room or kitchen, and the smell of coffee in the kitchen is also a winner..

Lastly get the opinion of two not just one agent as you will find that every estate agent has a different approach and usually a different valuation.

I was told by an agent aquaintance that to see your home through fresh eyes, look at it in a mirror. Helps gives different perspective!

Having heard a prospective buyer say she didn't like our house because she didn't like the colour we'd painted the kitchen, I would agree with the agent. Magnolia paint and de-clutter so they can envisage their own things there. A lot of people apparently can do this but not mentally remove stuff that's already there.

Also, most people aim to replace the kitchen and bathroom after they move in, so don't update them, or if really necessary, go for the cheapest, plainest option as chances are they'll only be ripped out.

Its very strange. When my mums place was sold after she died, the estate agent told my sister to leave it as it was, rather than clear personal stuff away.

I'm not sure it would consciously put people off but it may do so subconsciously.

I think a lot of clutter - knick knacks, crinoline lady toilet roll covers, stuffed toys, ornaments, photos, religious paintings/symbols, etc. etc. - are probably not helpful in selling a home.

petra What bluebelle said...

Oh no buried in the garden! That's even worse now. ?

Must say that if I were buying, I'd just love any house full of clutter, since it seems to put so many other buyers off! And therefore you're more likely to get a bargain.
A dd bought a probate sale house last year - very dated and lots of personal stuff around, but it had a lovely warm feel. I'm not sure she'd have got it at all if it had been 'tasteful' and uncluttered - she'd very likely have been outbid.

Of buyer