Are you trying to sell your home? Did you know there are some things that you can do to your home that will make potential buyers turn and run the other way? Here are the top 10 ways you can kill that sale.
1. Odors. House odors are the number one reason buyers say they will walk away. Cigarette, food and pet odors are the worst offenses. Don’t just cover the odors up with air fresheners. Eradicate the odors.
2. Pets. Don’t let dogs greet potential buyer at the door. Some people are frightened and irritated by dogs, no matter how sweet you may think Fido is. Plan to remove your pets from your home during showings, and not in a bedroom or garage. If you do that, then the buyer cannot see your whole house. Put them somewhere away from your home.
3. Dirty Bathrooms. Gross. If you are serious about selling your home, scrub those bathrooms until they shine.
4. Dark Rooms. Most people do not like dark homes. When you show your home, turn every light fixture in your home on. Replace any broken lightbulbs, install skylights if need, open drapes and shutters. By the same token, dirty windows are a turn off as well. Clean them inside and out.
5. Get rid of the (busy) wallpaper. Wallpaper is a highly personal choice and chances are, a buyer is not going to like what you have chosen. If you think it might be too busy, then remove it. It’s worth the effort.
6. Damp Basements. Damp smells in the basement is a red flag that the foundation leaks. This usually happens because rainwater runoff runs toward the foundation, however we don’t have too much of a problem with this in north Scottsdale real estate.
7. Bugs. Get rid of them.
8. Poor curb appeal. Before a buyer even gets into the house to smell the odors and see the pets, they will notice the front yard. Get the yard in great shape, mow the lawn, water and trim the plants, and paint the house if needed.
9. Clutter. Take away any clutter. Buyers won’t be able to appreciate the home if there are miscellaneous toys, papers, boxes, clothes etc. hanging around.
10. You! Yes, potential buyers feel awkward when the seller hangs around the house. They won’t feel as free to check out closets, pantries, garages or to make any comments to one another or the realtor.
So enjoy a day at the movie after you’ve gotten rid of the dogs, cleaned the bathroom, gotten the odor out, and don’t forget to turn the lights on!
