Home buyer turnoffs are something you definitely want to avoid if you are trying to sell your home. Of course, there are many things buyers are not thrilled to see, but these are some of the bigger ones. It’s always a good idea to have your Realtor go through your home before you list it to make sure you are ready for buyers to come through it. Because it is your home, you may not even realize some things that buyers may find objectionable.
What are some of the top home buyer turnoffs?
- Smoke – whether you are a smoker, or you burned dinner last night, buyers don’t like a smoky home. Even if you smoke outside only, the odor lingers in your personal belongings.
- Pet odor – only a pet parent can ignore wet dog smell, a stinky litter box, or other pet odors in your home.
- Overwhelming aroma – don’t make the mistake of trying to cover up odor by overusing air freshener. Not only are some people allergic to perfumes, but the strong fragrance will have buyers wondering what you are covering up.
- Bugs and rodents – no one wants to purchase a home with bugs or rodents, dead or alive. If you have a problem with bugs or rodents, have it treated prior to putting your home on the market, and remove the traps and dead creatures before showings.
- Filthy bathrooms – most people are picky about bathrooms. Who wants to shower in a moldy shower, or use a toilet that hasn’t been cleaned in ages?
- Dirty, worn out carpeting – Wood and tile floors are in, but buyers don’t mind nice carpeting. If your carpeting hasn’t been cleaned in ages, is worn out, stained, and is generally in terrible shape, buyers will notice.
- Poor paint choices – you may love having different bold colors around your house, but if you want to sell your home, one neutral color throughout the home is your best bet.
- Wall to wall clutter – did your Realtor not tell you to declutter? Homes packed to the gills with your stuff make your home look small, and the buyers are not able to really see your home under all your stuff.
- An overgrown yard – curb appeal is so important as it is the first impression buyers have of your home. If your yard looks more like a jungle, what will the rest of your home look like?
- Sellers who won’t leave – some sellers seem to feel they are doing the right thing by staying in their home during showings. This is so far from the truth. Buyers want to be able to freely see your home and discuss it. Staying home will send buyers running out in a hurry.
The easiest way to accomplish having a clean and neutral home is to imagine yourself as a buyer. Ask yourself what you would want to see and how you want to feel when you are purchasing a new home.
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