29 days and counting ...

16 years ago

I've been following the board for quite awhile now, and thought I'd share my story.

DH and I unexpectedly found a new build place at a great price (imagine that!) in the middle of June. Signed a contract contingent on the sale of our current home. So we spent the last week of June and the first week of July getting our house ready. Yes - I work FT, have 2 teenagers and a dog. I worked 16+ hours per day to declutter, paint the first and second floors, and put in new flooring in the foyer, kitchen & 2 BR. New carpet on the first & second floor. Funny thing was we redid our front garden just before we decided to move! In between I interviewed 5 or 6 REagents.

Well, ended up signing with the last one we interviewed. Two candidates were friends but they just didn't have the experience in this type of market. She sold the house across the street in 50 days. They went under contract right before we signed. Signed the contract and went onto the MLS on July 8th. Buried my St.Joseph as the REA walked out the door, and said prayers for buyers to come.

Between July 9th and last Wednesday we had 13 showings and 3 no-shows. Four of the showings were done during OH. Since Wedsneday not one peep. I talked with someone else in the neighborhood who is selling and they have experienced the same thing. Last night I moved St. Joseph so he was in front of the "For Sale" sign (he was blocked by a fire hydrant before), and changed my prayer to "Bring me a contract I can work with!" I still have faith - please remind me of that in a few weeks. Feedback has been positive; just seems to be a "wait and see" market here.

Most of the houses in our neighborhood take 60-80 days even in slow times. We have a 4BR/2.5B EOG TH with a great sized kitchen - rarely available. Only real negative is that the kitchen needs a bit of updating - not horrible & certainly workable. Although I am biased we have one of the better lots in the neighborhood. Most of the houses back to others - we at least look up between the groups behind us. Most others also have a small kitchen in front & even smaller bedrooms. Per square foot we are fairly competive.

Not sure how to post links but try this. I'm thinking it is too neutral in the LR. I'm not a decorator at all so all suggestions are welcome!

http://matrix.mris.com/Matrix/Public/Email.aspx?ID=20376993847

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Comments (12)

Linda
16 years ago
I am not able to see any of the pictures except the front of the house. (Is it a townhouse?)

The other thing I would say is, GET RID OF THE ST. JOSEPH. Any time I've had a person bury the statue in their yard, I had a terrible time selling the house. At one home, I couldnt figure out what the problem was, nice house, clean, showed well, priced well, decent amount of showings. No offers. Finally said to the lady, you didnt bury a St Joseph did you? She said, "why yes I did". I told her that I had no luck with St Joseph. She removed the statue and the house got an offer in 8 days. Coincidence? I don't know, but I always mention to my relgious sellers, PLEASE, NO ST JOSEPHS!
xamsx
16 years ago
20 pictures!!! For a townhouse!? And you still have had showings? People must be interested.

Your kitchen does look dated - the border and the valance do it more than the cupboards.
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xamsx
16 years ago
Linda click the camera at the top of the listing. There are 20 pictures and a slide show.
Linda
16 years ago
xamsx, thank you, finally found it.

Neutral is good, it allows people to imagine their own furnishings as long as it isnt sterile. My only "interior" suggestion would be to match your kitchen eating area with the rest of the house. Everything is on the "earthtone" side and your kitchen looks like an american flag. Red and white curtains, blue and white walls, it seems too much for such a small space. I would also see about putting some potted plants on the deck and front steps. It looks alittle lifeless out there. Other than that, and the st. joseph :), you should be in good shape. :)
monzamess
16 years ago
Couple of maybe helpful MRIS links:

Market stats: http://www.mris.com/reports/stats/

You can see stats by county or by zip code. In either case it looks like inventory is still moving in your area--nearly half of homes sell within 30 days (415 out of 910 in Baltimore County, 31 out of 77 in zip 21117). However prices are down by about 12% compared to a year ago.

This site is interesting too, Market Conditions Reports, but it's a combination newsletter and advertisement so take it FWIW:
http://realtytimes.com/custommcr/mris.htm

That last link has info for the entire country, not just the DC/Baltimore (MRIS) area; some reports are thoughtful, some are fluffy ads, some are nonexistant.

When I was selling, the buyer feedback was useless. Lots of "priced right, shows well, but..." comments. One guy didn't want to live next to a cop--I considered that a plus. :)

However, if the feedback really is good, there probably isn't much you can do but wait, or lower the price.
lavenderblues
16 years ago
I agree with "get rid of the St. Joseph".

I also agree that your kitchen is dated, and sorry, but kitchens and bathrooms have the biggest impression on the female buyer, and if she ain't happy, NO ONE is happy! :)

Do a little updating with that kitchen; is that a linoleum floor?!?!?
eal51
16 years ago
I counter, Keep St. Joseph!!! It worked for us twice.

For those who say to get rid of St. Joseph, if you believe, then you believe. If you don't believe, then leave it alone.

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT
laura1202
16 years ago
Here is a link to the listing.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mickeysmate's listing
mickeysmate
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for all of the feedback and the links. The links are extremely helpful since I love to analyze! I am planning to pick up colorful plants for the front porch and deck this evening - I told DH last night after I posted I thought I should do this.

I agree about the kitchen - the colors are cranberry/blue/green. I really hate the idea of taking the wallpaper and border down - only because of the amount of work! Does anyone have suggestions for colors/patterns etc? Should I paint the walls the same color as the rest of the first floor? What about valance? Should I only have the valance over the patio door or should I replace the blinds?
If I go with earthtones will it be to tan? I may be able to replace the kitchen table but would want to get something I can use in the new place.

The flooring is NOT linoleum! They are upgraded vinly tiles that resemble travertine - Cryntel is the brand. Absolutely love it! They are not shiny or plastic feeling at all. So far have received lots of postive comments about them. Pic may not do them justice.
cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
16 years ago
St. Joseph worked for me and I'm an agnostic.
So I had my Catholic MIL pray for us and it did the trick :)
Linda
16 years ago
I agree about the kitchen - the colors are cranberry/blue/green. I really hate the idea of taking the wallpaper and border down - only because of the amount of work!

This is the very same reason a buyer might, "pass" on your home.
hopesprings_gw
16 years ago
Have to chime in with a vote of confidence for St. Joseph. The dude can sell...

29 days and counting ...

Comments (12)

Linda

xamsx

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