Selling Tips

By MaryAnn Shoemaker on September 24, 2009

Selling a Home? Avoid these Home Buyer Turnoffs

1. Odors
House odors are number one on the home selling uh-oh list. And narrowing it down, odors from cigarette smoke and pets take top billing, with mildew not far behind.

2. Dogs that Meet You at the Door or in the Driveway
Remove pets during showings if possible. If you can’t, contain them in crates for their own safety and to show respect for the feelings of potential buyers.

3. Dirty Bathrooms
Grimy bathrooms are an instant turnoff. Scrub them, paint them, buy a new shower curtain–do what it takes to make them shine.

4. Dimly Lit Rooms
Dark homes are a turnoff to most home buyers, so try to brighten them up.

5. A House Full of Busy Wallpaper
Busy wallpaper in every room turns off most buyers, and even people who love wallpaper rarely like what you’ve chosen.

6. Damp Basements
Dampness or damp smells in the basement throw up a red flag to buyers that the foundation leaks!

7. Sellers Who Hang Around for Showings
Yes, you… leave the house during showings. Home buyers feel awkward about opening closet doors and lingering for a really good look at the house if the seller is home.

If you’re selling by owner, give them some space, don’t hover.

Parting Words
Most of the problems are home selling issues you can correct without spending a lot of money. Do it now, before you put the house on the market, because if your house develops a reputation among agents as the house that smells, the house with the huge barking dog or the house where the owner won’t leave people alone, it will be too late. Your house will be last on their list to show potential buyers.