If you want to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, you need to look at the house through the eyes of a buyer. Unfortunately, that can be hard, and putting yourself in the buyer’s shoes can be a tall order.
Unfortunately, ignoring the below potential turnoffs will significantly reduce the appeal of your home and cause it to linger on the market longer than it should. Here are eight things potential buyers might hate about your home and how you can fix them before they show up.
Repurposed spaces – Have you transformed your garage into a playroom for the kids or turn your spare room into a home office? If so, prospective buyers could be turned off. It might be a good idea to return those spaces to their original purpose before putting your home on the market.
Clutter – Clutter is always an eyesore; the sooner you clear it out, the better. Buyers may assume that your home lacks storage space when they see toys and other items strewn about, so clean up before you schedule that first showing. Overflowing countertops – Stunning countertops can be a selling point, but not if buyers cannot see them. If your countertops are overflowing with appliances, it is time to put them away.
Hobby rooms – As a fisherman, you might love your fly-tying room, and an avid reader may enjoy their huge library room. On the other hand, buyers could be deterred by these purpose-driven spaces.
Pet Odors – You love your pets, but would-be buyers may not feel the same. Pet odors can be a red flag for home buyers, and open house attendees may spend their time looking for filthy carpets and other pet damage.
Area rugs – If your home has hardwood floors, covering them up could be a huge mistake. Area rugs can look tacky and may potentially dissuade would-be buyers. Even worse, those potential buyers may assume that the rugs are hiding damage to those stunning hardwood floors.
Inadequate lighting – If you have been considering upgrading the lighting in and around your home, now is the time to do it. Darkness is a big turnoff for home buyers, and an intelligent lighting upgrade could increase interest and lead to more offers.
Selling your home can be stressful, especially when buyers show up in droves but fail to make a single offer. However, if you have been showing your home for months with nary a nibble, it is time to take a hard look at your property and what you might be doing wrong. Correcting the eight items above could turn things around, so your next open house will be your last.
Contact Kevin for questions or advice by clicking on the Gray Clickable Links below or to the right.
