My place is on the market… although you possibly know this already.
In keeping with my commitment to set stuff in motion, in my second last week of work I met with an agent and before I knew it, I was having Open Houses and having to keep my ‘surfaces’ clean.
You may recall that my place was also on the market last year. Back then I was worried about living in a three-level townhouse and my dad coping with the stairs as his health deteriorated. (No need to worry about that now!) I was also going to upgrade. I wanted bigger and better. Well, actually I just wanted better, not necessarily bigger.
After three months on the market and a contract that fell through, I pulled it off. That all happened around this time last year, just as my father became sick.
So it’s very deja-vuish that I’m again having to deal with Real Estate agents – promising the world and then treating you like a simple-minded spoiled brat when you expect what was offered.
I must admit though that this time my care factor is MUCH lower. I’m not going to the trouble I went to last year when I had my yard tended-to and outdoor furniture and blinds washed and entire place cleaned PROPERLY.
Nope. I just did a tidy, they took photos, I make some token effort with pretty flowers, keep surfaces clear and make my bed… and that’s about it.
I had an offer just a couple of days after the place went on the market. Which I accepted – despite it being less than I’d like. I’m not overly hopeful it will all go through – the buyers are concerned about my top verandah so are having a builder look at that; plus there’s always the dreaded get out of jail free card finance clause, which will allow them to back-out for up to 21 days.
If it does all happen I’ll be homeless in early November.
I’m undecided about whether to put an offer in on anything yet (obviously conditional on all of my stuff happening).
Can you tell I’m very ‘meh’ about it all?
The apathy of the unemployed? Nah… just going with the flow I think.
Bizarrely the agents I’m currently listed with (same company as last year but different branch) didn’t charge me for photographs or marketing etc. (They haven’t even bothered to put a sign up – as they were already representing another place in my complex.) My agent from last year was a bit of an ogre when it came to things looking just ‘so’. My new agent is far less so. (The former was a female, the latter a male – perhaps that’s the difference rather it being a ‘you get what you pay for’ kinda thing!) I think the pictures speak volumes.
Last year’s photo package
This year’s photo package
Your thoughts?
September 23, 2012
We’ve never had much luck selling houses- it’s always taken ages. The only time it hasn’t was when we put our investment apartment in Morningside (Brisbane) on the market a couple of years ago (when I first thought I was getting retrenched) and it sold in a week.
September 23, 2012
Wow Jo… Did you know I live in Morningside, Brisbane?! (It’s where my unit is!)
I have my fingers crossed!
September 23, 2012
aaah no, I didn’t! Wow, coincidence! Ours was in (I think) Richmond Rd, just above the railway line. It was in a block that were white with blue trims. Fingers crossed for you.
September 24, 2012
Mine’s closer to the Bulimba side – the other side of Wynnum Road. Near Morningside shops! Small world.
September 23, 2012
WOW, the difference in the photography is amazing!
(your place looks amazing in both versions, though)
I’m not looking forward to when we eventually look to upgrade and try to sell our place. It’s gonna suck big time…
September 23, 2012
I found it really stressful last year Rah, though I did have some other stuff happening. My option is to keep it and rent it out this year (and rent at Hervey Bay) if I can’t sell it. The rental market here is quite good at the moment.
Oh… and I’m not looking forward to the packing and moving bit either! Ugh!
Deb
September 23, 2012
Your current place is pretty gorgeous! Selling seems very crazy, we’ve had open houses 4 Saturdays in a row and it’s crazy. I find the thought of strangers wandering amoungst my stuff creepy. We’re hoping this one sells quickly so we don’t have to pay mortgage’s on two houses!
September 24, 2012
Yes, I understand the concern of multiple mortgages Natalie! And the craziness of selling can be really stressful. I had mine on the market for 3 mths last year and it drove me insane! Not overly confident this current offer will go through but here’s hoping!
Deb
September 24, 2012
What a gorgeous place you have! I hate open houses. Hate, hate, hate. Good luck and I hope it’s all over soon. Rx
September 24, 2012
Thanks Rachel… the contract fell through today, so I’m back to square one… though it is only just over a week so I won’t worry too much yet!
Deb
September 24, 2012
Last years photos look much better!
But your place is GORGEOUS anyway! Good luck with finding a buyer – my fingers are crossed for you!
September 25, 2012
Thanks Mel. I agree about last year’s. Different tones as well. Plus, well, it just looks better in the evening.
Deb
October 4, 2012
Your place looks gorgeous! I like both sets of photos actually.
Love the modern-ness of it!
October 4, 2012
I actually sent the Real Estate agent (at Hervey Bay, where I’m looking to move to) a link to it, trying to describe the look I like. (Well, I like modern, or I like beach-shack-y!) I don’t mind retro but beach shack/cottage / 70s houses are hard to find on the esplanade (at a decent price). I will only be able to afford a little spot!
Deb