| The Top Home Buyer Turnoffs |
If you hope to sell your home with minimal effort for
top dollar, being aware of what may turn away and even
disgust potential buyers from the very beginning can
be the difference.
Almost all of the following buyer
turnoffs can be easily corrected at little to no cost
to you, and will make buyers and agents want to visit your home more. Keep in mind that good real estate
agents know these turnoffs and will remember the problem-free,
and problematic, homes in regards to their future showings. |
|
Poor
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is certainly important to give your potential
buyer a good first impression. Buyers often refuse to
even enter a home that has an unkempt yard, peeling
paint, damaged doors, or unsightly trash. Maybe landscaping
or panting isn't your deal, but you can at least mow
the lawn and sweep the driveway. |
|
Odors
Once inside, home odors top the list of what turns
buyers off. Pets, indoor smoking, and mildew can all
contribute to foul smelling homes, even if you personally
don't notice it. To get an opinion, ask someone not
living in the home if they smell any bad odors and don't
be surprised, or hurt, if you get an honest answer.
If there are odors, the key is to eliminate them rather
than cover them up. Fresh air and some cleaning products
can work wonders. |
|
Sellers
or Dogs That Hang Around for Showings
Leave the house during showings and take your dog with
you. Home buyers feel awkward about opening closet doors
and lingering for a really good look at the house if
the seller is home. If you're selling by owner, give
them some space, don't hover. Also, dogs may irritate
or frighten some people and there is no point in chasing
away good potential buyers who may feel uncomfortable.
If you can't take your dog with you, show respect and
keep the dog in a suitable crate during the showing. |
|
Dimly
Lit Rooms
Dark homes feel small and are a turnoff to most home
buyers. A few tips to brighten your home up are: |
· Replace dim light fixtures
· Install additional light fixtures
or skylights
· Remove heavy drapes to allow natural
light through windows
· Repaint some rooms with colors that
reflect light
· Trim tree limbs or big shrubs that
shadow the house
· Clean windows inside and out to allow
the most light in
|
|
Dirty
Bathrooms
Grimy bathrooms are an instant turnoff. Bathrooms that
are clean, have fresh paint, and new shower curtain
or towels will appeal much more to a potential buyer.
If you're serious about selling the home, the extra
work is necessary. |
|
A
House Full of Busy Wallpaper
Wallpaper throughout a home turns most buyers off and
painting over it can cause even more problems. If you
decide your home would sell better without the wallpaper,
first remove it and then paint. Chose neutral colors
that will appeal to the masses and light up the room. |
|
Damp
Basements
Dampness or damp smells in the basement throw up a
red flag to buyers that the foundation leaks. Most problems,
however, are not caused by faulty foundations. They
occur because rainwater is being diverted towards the
foundation instead of away from it. Go outside the next
time it rains and determine where runoff water is going.
Common problems are: |
· Clogged underground drains
· No rain gutters along roofline
· Downspouts aimed the wrong way
|
|
Gutters with Plants Growing in Them
Gutters need to be regularly cleaned to perform at
their best. A clogged gutter not only can contribute
to drainage issues in your home or basement, but will
also be obvious to a buyer that they have not been maintained.
Plants growing in a gutter will surely signal a red
flag to the buyer that other things in the house may
be in need of repairs as well. |
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