Top Ten Things that can Turn Away a Potential Buyer

If a potential buyer were to walk into your home and find one or more of the following, they wouldn't hesitate to walk right back out the door.

1. Odors
Smells like cigarette smoke or a pet odor can make a buyer uncomfortable. Make sure to eradicate any odor prior to listing your home. You may not notice the odor yourself so listen to your agent if he tells you that there is noticeable smell. Make sure to remove litter boxes from inside the house, and to change the litter often to avoid a lingering odor.

2. Dogs that meet you at the door or in the driveway
It is not uncommon for people to be afraid of dogs or be irritated by them, so try to control your dogs and other pets during the showing and it will turn out much better. It could pay off for you to take your dog for a walk before a showing to calm them down or remove your cats while the house is being shown and for any other open houses.

3. Dirty Bathrooms
An immediate turn off. If your serious about selling your home, the extra work is a must to make it shine again. Consider new rugs, curtains, light fixtures, and possibly a paint job. Clean your counter off and remove your personal hygiene items. Don't forget to remove built up grim.

4. Dimly Lit Room
Dark homes are a turn off to most. No one ones to live in a dungeon or cave so brighten up.

• Replace dim light fixtures
• Install additional light fixtures like "can" lighting 
• Install (quality) sun tunnels or skylights
• Remove heavy drapes to let the light stream through windows
• Repaint dark rooms with neutral colors that reflect light
• Trim tree limbs that shadow the house
• Keep your blinds open

Also make sure to clean the inside and outside of dirty windows to let more light in.

5. Busy Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a personal touch so even those who may love wallpaper may not like what you've chosen. You must appeal to the masses so take a good look at your wallpaper and decide if its just too much. Don't paint over it though! That just makes it even harder to remove.

6. Bugs
Get rid of any bug that doesn't belong in your home. Also make sure to remove spider webs from porches or high ceilings.

7. Poor Curb Appeal
Its not uncommon for a potential buyer to refuse going into an unkempt home with peeling paint, a dead lawn, weeds, and over grown hedges.

8. Curbs with plants growing in them
A lot of people don't clean their gutters and for a first impression may make the buyer wonder what else isn't maintained.

9. Sellers who hang around during a showing!
Buyers are very uncomfortable to go through closets or master bedrooms when the seller is tagging along.

10. De clutter
Potential buyers are looking for a spacious house so make sure to remove built up clutter, family photos, refrigerator magnets, and stacks of paper. Start packing now by boxing up any unneeded items. 

Closing Words
Utilizing these ten tips will make your house stand out above the others and will ensure positive showings on your property. Remember, the Sciarrone team is always here and happy to help you, so if you have any questions don't hesitate to call (559) 269-9413.