You need to make sure that your home is appealing to buyers, so that they’re willing to pay top dollar for it. Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can turn off potential home buyers immediately.
From bad smells to cluttered rooms, here are 15 things you should avoid if you want to sell your home quickly and for a good price.
#1 Clutter
Clutter is one of the biggest turn-offs for home buyers. A cluttered home feels small and cramped, and it can be difficult to imagine living in such a space.
If you’re selling your home, take the time to declutter each room, including closets, cabinets, and drawers. You may hire a professional organizer to help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.
#2 Poor Curb Appeal
A home with an unkempt yard, chipped paint, and missing shingles is not going to make a good first impression. If you are selling your home, it is important to make sure that the outside is just as presentable as the inside. Hire a landscaper to tidy up your yard, and make sure that the exterior of your home is in good repair.
#3 Bad Smells
There are a few things that can cause bad smells in a house:
- Cigarette smoke: This is one of the most common causes of bad smells in houses. If there has been any smoking done inside, it will leave a lingering smell that can be very off-putting to potential buyers.
- Pets: Another common cause of bad smells in homes is pets. If there are any pets living in the house, their messes and odors can be very noticeable and unappealing.
- Cooking: Certain foods can also cause bad smells in homes. If there has been a lot of cooking done with strong smelling foods, the smell can linger and turn potential buyers away.
- Mold: Mold is another common problem that can cause bad smells in homes. If there is any mold present, it can release a musty or mildewy smell that can be very off-putting.
It’s not realistic to expect buyers to imagine themselves living somewhere when they are smelling something unpleasant.
#4 Unwelcoming entryway
Take a good look at your front door or entryway and ask yourself if it makes a good first impression. If not, take some time to spruce it up. Clean up any clutter, add some fresh flowers or a welcome mat, and make sure the area is well-lit.
First impressions are important, so don’t underestimate the power of a welcoming entryway!
#5 Dirty or outdated kitchens and bathrooms
If your kitchen or bathroom is dirty or outdated, it will turn off a prospective buyer immediately. A dirty or outdated kitchen is a huge turnoff for home buyers, as it indicates that the home has not been well-maintained.
An outdated bathroom can also be a turnoff, as it may indicate that the home is not up to date with current trends.
#6 Lack of Storage
This can be a deal breaker for some, especially if they are moving from a larger home. There may not be enough space to put all of their belongings or they may have to spend extra money on storage units.
It is important to organize your home before putting it on the market so that potential buyers can see the full potential of the space. If you do not have enough storage, consider renting a storage unit or using creative solutions like under-bed storage containers.
#7 Strange Paint Colors
It’s no secret that paint colors can make or break a deal for potential home buyers. But what are some of the strangest, most off-putting paint colors that turn buyers away?
- Yellow: While a light yellow may evoke feelings of happiness, too much yellow can be overwhelming and draining.
- Orange: Like yellow, orange is another high-energy color that can be off-putting to potential buyers. It’s also associated with cheapness and low quality, so it’s best avoided if you’re trying to sell your home.
- Green: Green is often seen as a calming color, but too much green can feel like you’re living in a jungle. It can also come across as immature or unprofessional.
- Brown: Brown is often seen as dull and boring, and it doesn’t help that it’s the color of mud and dirt. If you want your home to look clean and inviting, steer clear of brown paint colors.
- Black: Black is often seen as ominous and foreboding, which is the last thing you want potential buyers to feel when they walk into your home. If you must use black paint, do so sparingly and in small spaces only.
#8 Unusual Flooring
When it comes to flooring, home buyers usually prefer the traditional route of hardwood or carpet. However, there are some homeowners who go for more unique options like concrete, tile, or even linoleum.
While these materials can add character to a home, they can also be a turn off for potential buyers. If you’re selling your home and plan on using any of these materials in your floors, make sure that they’re in good condition and that the overall aesthetic is pleasing.
Otherwise, you may want to consider replacing them with more conventional options.
#9 Old or Inefficient Windows
Old or inefficient windows are one of the first things that turn off home buyers. Outdated windows can make a home look dated and can be a turnoff for potential buyers. Inefficient windows can also be a turnoff, as they can increase energy costs. Replacing old or inefficient windows with new, energy-efficient windows can be a great way to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
#10 Peeling Paint
Paint is one of the easiest and most inexpensive things to fix, so when buyers see that it hasn’t been taken care of, they wonder what else in the house has been neglected. Peeling paint can also be a sign of water damage, which is another major concern for home buyers.
If you’re selling your home, make sure to take care of any peeling paint before putting your house on the market.
#11 Poor Lighting
It can be easily fixed by simply adding more light fixtures or increasing the wattage in your existing ones. However, if your home has poor lighting throughout, it will give the impression that it is dark and dreary.
This is not an inviting feeling for potential buyers and will likely cause them to move on to another property.
#12 Small Rooms
Buyers want to feel like they have room to breathe and move around freely. When a home has small, cramped rooms, it immediately turns them off. For example, if you are marketing your home as a three bedroom house and the third bedroom is simply a glorified closet space, that will definitely turn off interested home buyers.
#13 Bad layout
This can include a number of things, such as a cramped floor plan, rooms that are difficult to access, or a lack of storage space. All of these things can make a home feel small and cluttered, which is not what buyers are looking for.
In addition, poor layout can also make a home feel out dated and in need of renovation. If you are selling your home, it is important to make sure that the layout is minimalist and appealing to potential buyers.
#14 Outdated features
House hunters today are looking for homes with updated kitchens, hardwood flooring, and bathrooms, energy-efficient appliances, and modern amenities. If your home has carpet from the 80s and above-ground pools, it could be a tough sell for most buyers.
#15 Family Photos
Family photos can make it more difficult for a potential buyer to envision themselves living in the space. Seeing photos of someone else’s family can make it feel less like a blank canvas for the buyer to imagine their own life in the home.
A good book to read on the topic of getting your home buyer ready is The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Staging Your Home to Sell by Julie Dana and Marcia Layton Turner.
Call HomeFront to Sell Your Home As-Is
Real estate investors are willing to buy homes that need repairs because they are looking for properties that they can purchase at a discounted price and then fix up and sell for a profit. This is known as “flipping” a property.
Many investors are willing to take on the challenge of repairing a home because they believe that the value of the property will increase significantly after the repairs are made, which will allow them to sell it for a profit.
It can be a good idea to call a company like Home Front to get a fast offer on your house if you are looking to sell your home quickly and do not want to go through the traditional process of listing it on the market.
Home Front is a company that specializes in buying homes in any condition and can often provide a fast cash offer on your house without the need for inspections or repairs. This can be a good option if you are looking to sell your home quickly, avoid fees associated with real estate agents, and do not have the time or resources to make repairs or wait for a traditional sale to close.
Final Thoughts
Selling your own home through an investor can be a great option if you are looking to sell quickly and avoid the time and cost of repairing your home and marketing it to prospective buyers. Investors typically have cash available and are willing to purchase properties as-is, meaning you won’t have to spend money on costly repairs or renovations.
Additionally, investors are often able to close faster than a traditional real estate agent, allowing you to move on to your next home or project more quickly. Overall, selling your house through an investor can save you both time and money, making it a convenient and hassle-free option for those looking to sell their home.
Feel free to reach out to Home Front today to receive a cash offer on your home in 12 hours or less!
