13 Things That Instantly Turn Off Homebuyers When They Notice it in Your Home

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When you walk into a potential new home, it’s like a first date—first impressions matter. A budding love affair with a house can be quickly squashed by a lingering smell of dampness or sight of a cracked ceiling. Like all types of consumers, homebuyers have an eye for the red flags, and what may seem trivial to a seller can often be the deal breaker that makes buyers run for the hills. In a competitive real estate market, every misstep counts.

It’s not just about the big ticket items. Sometimes, it doesn’t take much for a buyer’s mind to get to a point of doubt. Understanding the following subtle and not so subtle turnoffs will help you make the best presentation of your home.

Unpleasant Odors

If the house smells like last night’s fish dinner or a wet dog, it will instantly set off alarm bells. Unfortunately, it turns out that scents can bring about incredibly powerful emotional reactions that stick in an unpleasant way. The most common culprits are mildew, smoke, or overbearing pet odors. If you don’t want to mask smells with overpowering air fresheners, try deep cleaning the carpet, airing out the space, or even hiring professionals to get rid of the source.

Cluttered Spaces

Potential buyers can be overwhelmed by walking into a cluttered home. Spaces with too many pieces of furniture, knick knacks, or piles of papers are harder to see as their own because they feel smaller. A National Association of Realtors study found that 81 percent of buyers reported that they found it easier to picture themselves in a staged home. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to do make a room feel open and inviting is through decluttering.

Poor Lighting

No one simply wants to feel like they’re going in a cave. Harsh or dim lighting can create a cold feeling to a home. A space is favored by buyers when it has ample natural light or warm inviting fixtures. Change burnt out bulbs, dust off your light covers, and think about replacing dated fixtures with something more modern. At times, a few curtains opened will do the trick.

Visible Mold or Mildew

Buyers will run screaming from mold before you can say “mildew.” Mold is a minor issue that can be easily remedied, but larger issues like water damage or poor ventilation is the main fear. If you see mold, get it taken care of before listing your house and consider repainting areas affected by mold for a fresh look.

Walls With Peeling Paint or Worn-Out Walls

A home with scuffed walls, peeling paint, or outdated wallpaper feels neglected. Tired spaces can breathe anew with a fresh coat of neutral colored paint. Neutral tones are particularly appealing because they allow buyers to dream up their own design vision without distraction,

Untidy Yards

Curb appeal is everything. An unkempt yard with grass, weeds, or plants that are dead, dying or diseased, tells buyers that the overall maintenance of the property may have been neglected. Trimmed hedges, fresh mulch, and a tidy lawn will spruce up your landscaping and give you a welcoming first impression.

Kitchens and Bathrooms That Are outdated

Bathrooms and kitchens sell homes. Not every seller, of course, can afford a full renovation, but a little goes a long way. Think about replacing old cabinet hardware, regrouting tiles, or installing a new modern faucet. Homes with minor kitchen updates sell faster and sometimes for more money, according to Zillow.

Poorly Maintained Floors

One of the first things buyers see is flooring. Broken tiles, scratched hardwood, or stained carpets can take your home’s value down. Replacing flooring can be expensive, but a thorough cleaning or small repairs can make the difference.

Too-Personal Decor

Buyers want to be able to picture their own life in the space, not your life. If your walls are filled with family photos and bold personal decor, they won’t be able to see past your style. Try to keep your home decor neutral so it’s like a blank canvas for future buyers.

Pets on the Loose

Although furry friends are a joy to most, they can also be a turnoff during home tours. Not everyone likes animals, and a barking dog or a wandering cat can take buyers’ minds off your home. Pets are best left elsewhere while showings are going.

Neglected Repairs

Unfinished, small, visible repairs can make buyers wonder what else may be hiding. A dripping faucet, squeaky door, or broken outlet might seem minor but they’re all telling something. Fixing up these small things before listing will give buyers the confidence that they are buying a well cared for home.

Old or Inconsistent Fixtures

Light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet handles that scream 80s age a home. Changing just these elements with more affordable modern options will make your space look cohesive and updated without breaking the bank.

Messy Closets

Homebuyers want storage, and messy or overstuffed closets can make it seem like there’s not enough room. Organize and clear out closets so that they are both spacious and functional. A small effort can leave a long lasting imprint.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.