We decided that the starting price had been too high. It was a 10 - 15% above what we'd thought the house would fetch. Our realtor thought we could aim higher. Thanks, realtor.
Of course she might have been right. Maybe we could have been lucky. It looked like the market was picking up. There were comparables.
We reduced the price, month by month, needing a quick sale. Three times. Down to below what the house is worth. People looked round, but no-one came back for a second look.
We had house-sitters living there, when we moved out. They were great. They looked after the house, kept it nice for showings. But they weren't paying rent, and we're still paying a mortgage.
We decided we should rent the house out instead. No point keeping it on the market. A year with a tenant in, and then try again. The rental agent said it should let easily. Well, she would say that, wouldn't she? The rental market is strong at the moment. A month or two, was her estimate. It's been a month or two. We've reduced the asking rent. We've said we don't mind pets. The house-sitters have moved out. The house is empty.
Then, out of the blue, came a couple who were looking to buy, and though our house wasn't technically on the market, they were showed round. They loved it but couldn't afford it. We said we were "flexible" (which sounds better than "desperate"). They put in an offer which stretched the meaning of the word "flexible" to its limit. And asked us to pay conveyancing costs. We negotiated, and accepted a midway point, which felt like a rock in a stormy sea, but better a rock than no rock.
Then we felt happy. We sighed a sigh of relief. We started to get excited about the house, the home, we could buy here. We looked at websites. Don't houses look gorgeous on websites?
And yesterday, the buyers pulled out.
It's a pathetic tale of woe, I know. I can tell myself all the answers. "In the current economic situation, what do you expect? Aren't you lucky to have a house with Husband's job! At least you're not paying rent or mortgage over here. Lots of people are worse off than you. It'll sell in time. Or rent. Just be patient."
But inwardly I'm begging "Please, someone, anyone, buy our house. Or rent it. Something. Someone."
.
