Hi Susan and welcome.
The whole point of the test is, as wavwmachine says, is to find the positive points of the building, rooms and surrounds which may give the house a brighter aspect. Rather than photograph the house from the front, back or sides try an angled shot, which can show it in a better light. Perhaps morning sunrise or evening sunset may make it more appealing. If it has a nice garden then use that as the main feature with the house in the background. It's like the old story of the flea bitten scruffy dog, but when you look in it's mouth it has white teeth. You mission is to find the white teeth for the house. Good luck.