Viewings Update

The blog has been a bit quiet of late but that is really because there is not much to report.

Today (Saturday) really marks the end of the 2^nd week that the house had been on the market and available for viewing. We have had 5 or 6 people round so far and no offers to date. I am not worried about this although it would have been nice to have had an offer of some kind – even one to turn down! At least that would stop Tim pointing out signs in estate agents windows saying "Under Offer" and reminding me how much I have lost in interest payments during the time it took to eat a curry!

The agents initially estimated that they would "sell the house in a fortnight". The last time she made a prediction was when we sold our old house and she got that right. I think that somebody is going round for a second viewing today so you never know – she could be right again.

How to Win Friends and Influence People

As mentioned before, Mrs APD was round at the house yesterday giving it a quick clean before the viewings started. She heard a knock at the door and went to investigate. It was a representative from a rival estate agent who clearly wanted to sell the house. I had assumed that this type of door stepping had long since stopped but it appears it is still alive and well in this part of the country. He appeared very keen to gain entry and has such phrases as:-

"We sold one over the road for more money recently"

We have loads of buyers that would want this"

Can I just take a look inside?"

Would you like us to sell it for you?" and so on .... you get the idea.

Anyway the line that re-enforced his credentials and reminds us all why estate agents are not universally popular was "Are you the cleaner?". Mrs APD is not one to take offence but enjoyed the retorting "No I'm the owner" before closing the door.

No victoria sponge for him.

Viewings

The agent has been in touch to say they have four viewings organised so far. One later today, one tomorrow and then a couple next week.

Mrs APD is dashing round to the house today to have a final whiz round with the hoover and polish the work surfaces etc.

There is still some snagging to attend to but I hope this won't put anyone off.

The Other White House

The outside of the house has been painted now. It looks so much better.

The estate agent took a picture yesterday. Here is it on their website.

Up for Sale

The estate agent who you will know (if you follow this blog) has a daughter in my daughter's class at school went to review the unfinished house today.

We had a chat afterwards about prices and markets and so on and as a result ……… the house is now on the market.

It appears that the trick to marketing a house that isn't quite finished is to put "Awaiting Photograph" then you can get some interest and get people round by which time the work will be done (10 days or so). If you want to see the official details they are here. If you want to see everything else they have to sell you can go to their website here. The website opens with a bit of cheesy talking so if you have your speakers on loud or are in an office you may want to turn mute on first.

It is a big day for this project. I am pleased that the agent feels that the price we are after is realistic and thinks we could get a little more. I am comfortable with the idea of selling below market value (yes I know there is no such thing before you all start) and I am sure that "Meat on the Bone" who has commented earlier on this blog will appreciate the sentiment behind that.

I am sure that the agents website will attract potential buyers but for the benefit of Google and others who might get there though this blog………..

Detached houses for sale Surbiton

Detached houses for Sale Tolworth

I know that search engine optimisation is more complicated than that but it will help!

A Kitchen in Progress

Here are a couple of pictures of the kitchen beginning to take shape. There are only a couple of wall mounted units, the rest are floor mounted so I hope it will be largely completed by Monday.

The estate agent is coming round to value the house (and I hope give some advice on getting it ready for sale) on Monday. The guy fitting the kitchen is married to the agent so he better get it finished or there could be a domestic!