Top 10 Ways to Make Potential Home Buyers Hate Your Property
This site is about making your home as appealing as possible to the greatest number of potential buyers.
Are you planning to sell your house? Did you know that, despite the fact that every house buyer is seeking for something different, the majority of them will walk out the door if they notice one or more of these Top 10 issues?
1. Smells
House scents are at the top of the uh-oh list for property sellers. When it comes to scents, cigarette smoke and pet odors are at the top of the list, with mildew not far behind.
– Smoking indoors causes the house to smell like cigarettes. If you have pets, the house may stink, even if you aren’t aware of it. Request a smell from someone who does not live there, and don’t be offended if they give you the truth.
– Get rid of the odors so you can show potential buyers a clean, fresh environment rather than a house filled with perfumes to mask the aromas.
2. Dogs Who Approach You at the Front Door or in the Driveway
Some people are afraid of dogs, while others are irritated by them. If you keep your pets under control—dogs, cats, whatever—you’ll get a far better response from showings.
-You claim you’re going to put them in a bedroom or garage, but you don’t want others to open the door? This is a bad concept. Would you buy a house that you couldn’t see? Obviously not.
-If at all possible, keep pets away from showings. If you can’t, confine them in boxes for their own safety and to demonstrate consideration for possible buyers’ feelings.
3. Bathrooms that are filthy
Bathrooms that are filthy are an instant turnoff. Scrub them, paint them, replace the shower curtain, rugs, and towels—do whatever it takes to bring them back to life. If you’re serious about selling your house, you’ll need to put in some extra effort.
4. Rooms with Low Lighting
Most buyers are turned off by dark properties, so try to lighten them up:
– Install extra light fixtures – Replace dim light fixtures
– Install (high-quality) sun tunnels or skylights
– Remove heavy drapes to allow light to flow through windows
– Repaint some rooms with light-reflecting hues
– Trim tree limbs that cast shadows on the house
Another buyer turnoff is dirty or fogged windows. Clean them both inside and exterior to let more light in. Replace any double-pane windows with damaged seals as soon as possible. Look for a hazy residue that you can’t get rid of to find them.
5. A House with a Lot of Wallpaper
Most buyers are turned off by busy wallpaper in every area, and even those who like wallpaper rarely like what you’ve picked. It’s a decorative accent they want to choose for themselves.
– When selling a home, you must appeal to the public, so take a close look at your wallpaper and decide whether it should be removed and replaced with paint. Don’t paint over it because it will be evident, and buyers will know that this will make removing it even more difficult.
6. Basements that are wet
Dampness or musty odors in the basement signal to buyers that the foundation is leaking!
– The majority of the issues we find aren’t caused by bad foundations. Rainwater is channeled towards the foundation rather than away from it, causing several problems.
– Clogged subsurface drains – Roofline without rain gutters
– Downspouts pointing in the wrong direction
– The next time it rains, walk outside and see where the runoff water goes.
7. Bugs
Roaches, spiders, and any other insects that aren’t supposed to be in the house. Remove them from your home. If the problem is widespread, hire an exterminator and clean up any evidence left behind.
8. Unattractive Curb Appeal
If you want to sell your home for top dollar, you must pique a buyer’s attention right away. Buyers are typically hesitant to enter a home with an untidy lawn, sagging doors, or peeling paint. You say you can’t afford to paint because you can’t afford it? Okay, but clean up that yard and get a screwdriver out to mend those doors.
9. Gutters that are overgrown with plants
Some folks never clean their gutters, which leads purchasers to question what else hasn’t been taken care of.
– Do you recall the drainage issue from #6? Cleaning clogged gutters may be beneficial.
10. Sellers Who Remain on the Property During Showings
Leave the house while showings are taking place. If the seller is there, home buyers are hesitant to open closet doors and linger to get a good look at the place.
– If you’re selling by owner, allow them some breathing room and don’t hover over them.