Homebuyer Turnoffs to Avoid
Odours
Many people are oblivious to scents, but others are extremely sensitive to offensive odours. To eliminate bad smells, bathe your pets, freshen the cat litter box frequently, shampoo your carpets, dry clean your drapes, and empty trash cans, recycling bins and ash trays. Place open boxes of baking soda in smell-prone areas, and refrain from cooking fish or strong-smelling foods. Introduce pleasing smells by placing flowers or potpourri in your home and using air fresheners. Baking a fragrant treat is another common tactic. Present potential buyers with a clean, fresh atmosphere--not a house that's full of perfumes to cover up the odours.
Dogs That Meet You at the Door or in the Driveway
Dogs frighten some people and irritate others. You'll have a much better response from showings if you control your pets. Remove pets during showings if possible.
Dirty Bathrooms
Grimy bathrooms are an instant turnoff. Scrub them, paint them, buy a new shower curtain, rugs and towels-- make them shine.
Dimly Lit Rooms
Dark homes are a turnoff to most home buyers, so try to brighten them up:
- Replace dim light fixtures
- Install additional light fixtures
- Install skylights
- Remove heavy drapes to let the light through windows
- Repaint some rooms with colours that reflect light
- Trim tree limbs that shadow the house
- Clean dirty and fogged windows inside and out to bring in more light.
A House Full of Busy Wallpaper
Busy wallpaper in every room turns off most buyers, even people who love wallpaper.
Damp Basements
Dampness or damp smells in the basement throw up a red flag to buyers that the foundation leaks. Most problems are not caused by faulty foundations but rather occur because rainwater is being diverted towards the foundation instead of away from it.
- Clogged underground drains
- No rain gutters along roofline
- Downpipes aimed the wrong way
Gutters With Plants Growing in Them
Some people never clean their gutters, and it always makes buyers wonder what else hasn't been maintained.
Vendors Who Hang Around for Showings
Home buyers feel awkward about opening closet doors and lingering for a really good look at the house if the seller is home.