Don’t Give Home Buyers the Ick! 7 Home Buyer Turnoffs and What Sellers Can Do to Fix Them
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So, you’ve made the big decision—you’re ready to sell your home! Now, it’s time to attract as many buyers as you can. When your house is in high demand, you can get the best possible price and have a quick and smooth process. But beware! There are a few things that can send buyers running. Here are 7 common home buyer turnoffs and easy fixes to keep your home irresistible.
1. Trash and Overgrown Trees or Bushes
Everyone knows first impressions are everything—and that’s especially true for your home.
If you’ve got trash cans out front, kids’ bikes on the lawn, or overgrown trees and bushes, it’s time to tackle those before hitting the market.
Fix It:
Clean up the yard, trim back bushes, and make sure the front is always tidy.
Life happens, and it’s tempting to leave the bikes in the driveway or skip moving the trash cans. But don’t!
Home buyers are always doing drive-bys and scoping out the home before showings. Your house needs to be “show-ready” at all times to win them over.
2. Dark and Dreary Spaces
No one wants to walk into a home that feels like a cave. Light and bright is the way to go when showing your home to buyers.
Fix It:
Before buyers arrive, turn on all the lights and pull back the curtains. If curtains are hindering light and not adding to the space, consider removing them entirely. Let the sunshine in!
Get a professional to clean your windows and screens. Dirt subtly builds up, and a thorough cleaning can make a huge difference in allowing light to enter the home.
Before the showing, if you’ve got kids or pets, be sure to wipe away those little smudge marks on the windows. A clean, glowing space makes a big difference and helps your home shine—literally!
3. A Steamy Bathroom
If you have potential buyers scheduled for a showing in the morning, resist the urge to shower right before buyers arrive. It’s a major home buyer turnoff to walk into a damp, steamy bathroom.
Fix It:
Take your shower well before the showing or the night before. Make sure the bathroom is aired out and completely dry.
While you’re at it, go easy on the perfume or air fresheners. Buyers don’t want to be overwhelmed by strong scents when they check out the space! Keep it fresh and neutral.
4. Personal Photos Everywhere
We know you love your family, but buyers don’t want to see your life all over the walls. They need to imagine themselves living in the home, not you.
Fix It:
Pack up the family photos—it’s one less thing to do later since you’re moving anyway!
Fill in any nail holes left behind, and if needed, touch up the paint. A clean, neutral space lets buyers dream about how they’d decorate and make it their own.
5. Stuff Everywhere
If buyers walk into your home and see piles of papers, cluttered counters, or oversized furniture, they’ll feel overwhelmed—and they might just walk right out. Simple is the way to go to avoid home buyer turnoff.
Fix It:
Keep it simple! Leave out only the bare essentials and pack up the rest. Decluttering is essential to your home sale.
Aim for clean, organized, and spacious. Hide soaps, toothbrushes, and any other personal items in the bathroom, and don’t forget to close the toilet lid.
A tidy space helps buyers focus on the home, not the mess.
6. A Smelly House
After living in your home for years, you might not even notice its scent anymore. But trust us—buyers will.
Fix It:
If possible, spend a weekend away and take a sniff when you return. If your home has an odd smell from pets, smoking, or just general living, tackle it before showings. Deep clean carpets, wash fabrics, and air out the house. Remember, they’re not just looking—they’re smelling too!
Then, ask your real estate agent for an honest opinion on how the house smells. If it has an odor, it’s better to problem solve with your agent rather than give a buyer the ick.
7. An Empty Home
If your home is completely vacant, it can feel cold and uninviting. Oftentimes, buyers have a hard time imagining what the home would look like with furniture.
Fix It:
Invest in a little home staging, even if it’s just for a few key rooms. A staged home feels cozy, warm, and welcoming, helping buyers picture themselves living there.
An empty space can leave buyers feeling disconnected, so give them a reason to fall in love with the home. A little effort goes a long way!
Work with an Expert and Avoid the Ick
Don’t give home buyers the ick. Avoid these home buyer turnoffs and give your home everything it needs to glow.
Selling a home is all about creating a space buyers can see themselves in—clean, inviting, and full of potential. If you’re not sure where to start, that’s ok! Talk to an expert real estate agent who can help you decide what needs to be improved for an ideal home sale.
Take the time to tackle these common issues, and you’ll be one step closer to sealing the deal. Remember, the better the first impression, the faster the sale!
