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We have our house listed for rent, its in good condiiton, a great neighborhood, desired schools. there's been a fair number of showings, but not a single offer. We can't figure it out, but it must be something in the showing that turns people off. Obviously they are interested in the price, location, floor plan, etc, or they wouldn't even ask for a showing.
So, perhaps this is it? The house doesn't have a built-in microwave. We just never got around to installing one, there's a range hood instead. we had a counter top we used, and left it behind. Its in good condition and looks nice, but still dated. Perhaps people just expect a built in? I'm thinking of installing a built in, it would modernize the place, and free up counter space, although the kitchen is huge to begin with, no lack of counter space.
So, if you were looking to rent a house, would the lack of a built in microwave be a deal breaker?
Absolutely not, the lack of a built-in microwave wouldnt bother me in the least, IMO an average microwave doesnt take up that much counter space anyway but I realize it depends on the amount of counter space. They're pretty inexpensive now too, I think most people have them, I would imagine a built-in one would be $$ to install unless you/your spouse is very handy.
Maybe put some colorful flowers or hanging baskets outside that would make people want to stop and look at your house (eye appeal). Have you had any open houses (personally, I have mixed feelings on them and have heard pro and con).
I really think it's just a bad time to sell now, maybe offering to pay for half the closing or lowering the price a bit would put the house in a diff. price category and help draw buyers.
Since there is a countertop one and there is plenty of counter space, it wouldn't bother me. Then again. I'm a guy and my wife does the cooking so my opinion is pretty worthless.
When you say the microwave you have is dated, what do you mean? Is it some huge metal contraption with only one dial that looks like it was built in 1974?
Is the house listed with an agent? Ask for feedback from the showings. What do people say after they see it. That's where you will find the problem. Do they say too small, bad layout, too expensive? Usually you will hear one main "complaint" about the property. Go from that and see if you can rectify what lookers are calling a problem.
Have you or your agent comped the market for homes similar to yours that are for rent? If you have done everything you can think of to make it attractive and clean, then your price is probably too high. What kind of advertising is being done?
As a picky renter, the presence or absence of a built-in microwave wouldn't affect my decision in the slightest. The presence of a huge, outdated microwave on the counter might, especially if I was required to keep it there. I'd probably ask the owner if she'd be willing to remove it from the house so I could use my own.
Assuming I was happy about the price, neighborhood and the outside of the house, cosmetic and architectural deal breakers would include bad paint colors on the walls or trim (if I couldn't change them), most wallpaper, ugly carpet, tiny rooms, dated light fixtures (if I couldn't change them), or cheap wood paneling on the walls.
As far as non-cosmetic things, I'd pass if I couldn't put a nail in the wall to hang a picture or use my own window treatments. I'd also pass if I just got the sense that the landlord was too emotionally attached to the place -- if he kept pointing out where he put the various pieces of furniture when he lived there or suggested inspecting more than once per year, for example.
I'd also reject a house where the landlord planned to do the yard work. It would never feel like my home if someone I hadn't invited could appear in the yard at any given moment.
Last edited by red myst; 08-27-2010 at 12:53 PM..
Reason: typo
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