Home sellers often overlook the most common complaints from potential buyers. The things that the home seller has grown used to, or even to love, are exactly what is killing their home sale. Buyers do not love speckled red cabinets, no matter how much the home seller does.
The best way to a quick and profitable
sale of a home is to eliminate as many buyer turnoffs as possible.
As a realtor, I see and hear about many
buyer turnoffs that home sellers are not aware of or chose to ignore. Of all
the buyer turnoffs that I am aware of, there are four that universally get
noticed and commented on. These four buyer turnoffs should be addressed in
order to maximize price and minimize time on the market for a home.
The first and foremost buyer turnoff is
also the easiest to fix. Clutter, disarray, and mess turnoff many buyers. Buyers
can be quick to assume that the clutter and mess are signs of a home that had
not been well cared for. Rooms that are full of clutter, or repurposed to store
clutter look smaller and seem to have less utility than organized rooms do. Home
sellers should pack everything they can away in boxes and store them in a
garage, basement or even a storage locker. Removing all clutter, organizing all
rooms, and cleaning the home thoroughly should be priority one for home
sellers.
The next big turnoff that home seller
miss or ignore is pets. News flash, not everyone loves pets. Some people have
phobias, others have allergies, and some just don't like pets. Home sellers should
always have a plan to get pets out of the house during showings. A barking dog
can be a big distraction and a bigger turnoff to potential home buyers. Home
sellers should also make sure that litter boxes are emptied, feeding areas are
tidy, and pet odors are eliminated or at least minimized. As wonderful a dog as
Fido is, he won't help sell the house, and cat hair does not make the furniture
more attractive. Sorry pet lovers, but this is the harsh reality. Please don't
shoot the messenger.
If a home seller had made their house
"Me", they need to make it less "Me" before putting it on
the market. Home buyers are turned off by homes that they cannot picture
themselves in. Home sellers should create a blank canvas impression for
potential buyers. Children's art work, family pictures, distinctive
furnishings, and unusual decorations are all things that make a home unique. They
are also the things that make it more difficult for buyers to picture the home
as their own. Home sellers should take down and remove as many of these items
as possible.
Out dated decor is another big turnoff
to home buyers. Some finishes just scream 70s, 80s or 90s to potential buyers. Some
of the most common dated finishes that buyers comment on are--textured ceilings
(popcorn or swirls), floral wallpaper, wood paneling and brass door knobs,
cabinet knobs and light fixtures. This type of decor can make a home appear
older than it is and less appealing to potential buyers. Textured ceilings can
be removed by paint contractors or even by the home owner. It is messy and
tedious, but worthwhile. Removing or painting wallpaper and paneling makes
rooms more appealing to most buyers. Changing brass cabinet knobs to brushed
nickel and brass light fixtures to more modern styles is an inexpensive way to
change the feel of a home.
Home sellers that avoid the big four
buyer turnoffs should realize higher sales prices and shorter sales periods for
their homes. Small changes can make a big difference. Home sellers should
always ask for their realtor's honest opinion on what to do to make the home
more attractive to buyers. More importantly, home sellers should take that
advice and not be offended by.
Rick is a realtor, real estate author,
and long time Windham resident. You can reach Rick with all of your real estate
needs and questions at rickyost@kw.com
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