Top 10 Ways to Make Home Buyers Hate Your House

Even though home buyers are all looking for something different, the majority will turn around and walk back out your door if they notice one or more of these problems:

1. Odors
If you smoke indoors or have pets your house might smell bad, even if you don’t notice it. Ask a friend or neighbor who doesn’t live there to take a whiff… and don’t get angry when they tell you the truth.

2. Dirty Bathrooms
Scrub them, paint them, buy a new shower curtain, rugs and towels–do what it takes to make them shine!

3. Dimly Lit Rooms
Replace dim light fixtures, remove heavy drapes, repaint some rooms with light colors and clean your windows inside and out to bring in more light.

4. A House Full of Busy Wallpaper
Don’t paint over it, because it will be obvious that you did… and ultimately make removal even more difficult.

5. Damp Basements
Most are not due to faulty foundations but occur when rainwater is not diverted away from the house. Prevention can be surprisingly inexpensive.

6. Dogs that Meet You at the Door
Dogs frighten some people and irritate others. Remove pets during showings if possible.

7. Bugs
There are many natural products that can help safely and effectively get rid of insects.

8. Gutters with Plants Growing in Them
Make buyers wonder what else hasn’t been maintained and can contribute to a leaky basement.

9. Sellers Who Hang Around for Showings
Home buyers feel awkward about opening closet doors and lingering for a really good look at the house if the seller is home. Give them their space!

10. Poor Curb Appeal
See above…