Provident Blog
7 Buyer Turnoffs That Sellers Should Avoid
Feb 09 2010Correct staging and a good agent means your house should only be on the market a few weeks.
Correct staging and a good agent means your house should only be on the market a few weeks:
1. Dirt! Nothing turns off a buyer quicker than a dirty house. The No. 1 biggest mistake is not getting the home in the best possible condition. Sellers should go the extra mile, from steam-cleaning tile and grout to replacing carpets or if they are relatively new, at least have them shampooed. The home should be neat and clean and free of all debris.
2. Odors. Make sure your home smells fresh and inviting. Don’t cook fried food, fish or greasy food while the house is on the market. If you have pets in the home you should eliminate all traces of them, not just their odors. It’s important to get rid of pet paraphernalia and have a “pet plan” to make sure the animals are not around when the house is shown. The same rules hold true for smokers: Remove all ashtrays, clean all curtains and upholstery, and consider smoking outdoors while your home is on the market.
3. Old fixtures. You need to change out old fixtures in your house. New cabinet hardware and doorknobs will probably cost all of $400 or $500, but it makes a huge difference. The same holds true for dated ceiling fans, light fixtures and kitchen appliances.
4. Wallpaper. Your grandmother may have had it in every bedroom. Your mom may have loved it as a room accent. But today’s buyer wants no part of wallpaper.
5. Too many personal items. Psychologically, when buyers tour a home, they’re trying it on to see how it fits, just as they would a skirt or a pair of pants. If your house is cluttered with too many personal items, it’s like the buyer is trying on those clothes with you still in them. Sellers should try to eliminate personal items, including family photos, personal effects and even unique colors.
6. Poor curb appeal. Much is made of curb appeal, and for good reason: It’s your home’s handshake, the critical first impression that lasts with most buyers. You have to totally trim and edge your yard to get it into the most immaculate condition you can. Every little detail counts.
7. Clutter. Whether inside or out, less is more when it comes to clutter. Kitchens and built-in bookshelves should showcase spaciousness by following the rule of three. For kitchens, there should be no more than three countertop appliances. Meanwhile, bookshelves should be divided into thirds: one-third books, one-third vases and pictures, and one-third empty. The home office should be very generic so any type of professional can imagine living there. If yuo are living with toddlers pack away extraneous toys and keep a laundry basket handy so you can throw those things into and take it to the car with you and your kids.
Contact one of Providents real estate agents and get all of your questions answered!