4 Ways To Scare Off Potential Home Buyers

Posted on: 25 July 2016

When preparing your home to sell, you will probably get a lot of advice about how to appeal to prospective buyers, but it's also important to know what not to do. There are common mistakes home sellers make all the time that scare away buyers who would otherwise possibly make an offer. By knowing these mistakes, you can avoid them. Here are four ways to scare off potential home buyers:

Ignoring Unpleasant Odors

Over time, you can become so used to odors caused by pets, cigarette smoke, etc. that you no longer notice it. Unfortunately, other people will, especially home buyers who do not want to inherit unpleasant, lingering smells when they buy a home.

The best remedy is to ask an honest friend (or your realtor) if they notice any smells in your home and then try to identify the source. If a specific piece of furniture or rug smells bad, have it shampooed or get rid of it. If your home smells a bit musty, air it out by opening windows every day while it's on the market. Have your real estate agent light a candle in a fresh, clean scent during showings.

Not Hiring Cleaners

On a similar note, you may think that your home is cleaner than it appears to outsiders simply because you're used to it. While a quick once-over may be adequate in daily life, when you're listing your home you should pay a professional cleaning company to deep clean your entire home from top to bottom. A sparklingly clean home will be much more enticing to buyers and show off your home in the best light.

Choosing Unusual Paint Colors

Crazy or unusual paint colors shouldn't scare off potential buyers, since after all they can always paint over with the colors of their choosing. But buying a home isn't always a completely logical process. Oftentimes, how a home makes a person feel, and how easily they can envision living there, plays a huge role in whether or not they make an offer. If your walls are currently painted with vibrant or bold colors, taking the time to re-paint in light, fresh neutrals will maximize your home's appeal to the largest number of prospective buyers.

Leaving Closets and Cabinets Cluttered

If closets and cabinets are jam-packed with clutter and piles of stuff, potential buyers will get the impression the house doesn't have adequate storage, which can easily scare off many buyers. By taking the time to declutter and neaten up all of your home's storage spaces, you will give a much more positive impression.

Now that you know what scares home buyers away, you can be sure to deliberately avoid and counteract these mistakes, helping to ensure a quick sale.

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