Top 5 Felonies a Seller Can Make When Preparing Their Home For Sale

Beginning my career in real estate as a sole buyer's agent, I've learned a thing or two about what turns buyers off when looking at homes. There are just some things that are sure to make a buyer do a 180. Here are the top 5 felonies a seller can make when preparing their home for sale.

1. SMELLS! This is the very first thing that registers with a buyer as they walk into your home. If you've just cooked fish, tuna, or any other heavily spiced food you had better open every window, empty out your Febreeze & pray that the odors leave your home before the showing appointment!

2. SMOKE! This goes along with smells, but is ten times worse. Smoke can't be "Febreezed" away. It's in the flooring, paint, furnishings, ducts & vents. This is the sure-fire way to get a buyer to do an immediate about face to the front door. SERIOUSLY! I can't tell you how many times this has happened. Your home may be the coolest home for sale in McKinney, but no one will ever know because no one will take the time to see it. If you smoke, DON'T DO IT INSIDE YOUR HOME!

3. PET ODORS OR STAINS! Another smell - are you picking up on something here? If at all possible, take your pet to a friend or relatives home for an extended stay while your home is on the market. I've had several buyers TURN AROUND the minute they saw a cat or catbox. Even if your home isn't stained or smelly, the buyer may automatically assume your pet has done damage to the home that they just haven't found yet. Or they may be allergic to pets and they think this home is a death trap. Make sure you get your carpets professionally cleaned and replace any damage your pet has done to the home.

4. MESSY HOMES - If you are too busy to do a thorough cleaning several times a week, then your best bet may be to HIRE A HOUSEKEEPER while your home is on the market. I can almost guarantee you'll make this money back when you sell - it'll sell faster and cleaner! I've shown homes where people DID NOT MAKE BEDS, LEFT MILK OUT ON THE TABLE, DIRTY DISHES IN THE SINK, LEFT BATH WATER IN THE BATHTUB, LEFT DOG POOP ON THE FLOOR and DIRTY MAGAZINES/TOYS OUT IN FULL VIEW.

5. POLITICAL/RELIGOUS STATEMENTS - If someone can walk into your home and immediately know that you are a Clinton supporter because of all of the yard signs or know that you area a Satanic Devil Worshipper by all the goat skulls on the walls YOU ARE OFFENDING BUYERS! Put your political and religous paraphanelia AWAY! If not, the buyers will go AWAY!