5 Big Turn-offs for Potential Homebuyers

If you’ve decided to sell your home, it’s best to properly ready it for the market instead of listing it right away. This increases your chances of success when the ‘for sale’ sign goes up. Even then, certain factors can be big turn-offs and may deter buyers from considering your property. Here’s a list of things that can make potential purchasers do a quick ‘house hunt shuffle’ away from your humble abode.

Funky odours
I’m talking pet smells, cooking aromas and musty scents. Cigarette smoke and marijuana’s distinctly skunky stench are also off-putting. One unpleasant whiff can literally stop a walk-through at the front door.

Dark Interiors
A dark or poorly lit home is unwelcoming to visitors and therefore undesirable. Be sure to turn on all lights before leaving for a showing.

Offensive Decor
Any decorative accessory that may be controversial or sensitive to others, such as political memorabilia, military or religious icons, tend to turn people off. Remove wall displays, posters and other visuals that could annoy or upset buyers.

Unrealistic Photos
Listing photos that aren’t representative of your home will leave buyers disappointed. You’ve also got a case of misrepresentation on your hands. (Even worse are poor pictures that don’t put your home in the best possible light or no photos at all.)

Hovering Seller
While it can be an inconvenience to leave your home every time there is a showing, don’t think twice about staying put. Most buyers prefer to privately tour your home so they can talk openly about it. Your presence will only make them feel uncomfortable and cause them to rush through their viewing.