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Cluttered Homes - A Major Turn off for Massachusetts Home Buyers

By Claudette Millette

Real Estate Agent with The Buyers' Counsel

February 05, 2010 01:37 PM

Cluttered Homes - A Major Turn off for Massachusetts Home Buyers

There is an old saying, "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression."

This is never truer than when a buyer steps into your home for the first time. Odors, ambiance and cleanliness have such a profound impact on most buyers that they will usually not get past a bad first impression.

When previewing homes for buyer clients I have come across some scenes that make me wonder if the seller realizes just how important home cleanliness is in the home selling process.

It's difficult with teenagers, but when your home is on the market, it is important to try to avoid this:

Cluttered Homes - A Major Turn off for Buyers

Also, keep in mind that buyers will be looking inside of the closets.

Cluttered Homes - A Major Turn off for Buyers

There is a place for shoes.... And, this isn't it.

Cluttered Homes - A Major Turn off for Buyers

No one said that selling a home is easy. That's why it usually takes a team of professionals to get the job done. That team often includes a listing broker, home stager, mortgage lender, home inspector, real estate attorney and a buyer broker.

If your home is on the market make it easy for the buyer to see its beauty and appeal by following three golden rules:

Clean, clean, clean...

Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel

Your Buyer Broker for Massachusetts Since 1992 - Always in Your Corner

MLS Property Search With No Registration Required

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

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Lorraine or Loretta Kratz

Crescent Moon Realty, Inc. & Land N Sea Auctions. - San Marcos, CA

Certified Negotiation Consultants

I have seen a few of these homes in my own back yard. Many times I have to make appointments 24 hours in advance, and when I preview, I often wonder "WHY" the home looks like a cyclone has hit it.

Feb 05, 2010 01:43 PM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

This goes beyond clutter.. The house is simply a Mess... I agree buyers can't see past all the clutter and they can't see themselves living in the house.

Feb 05, 2010 01:44 PM

Toula Rosebrock

Diane Turton, Realtors, Forked River, NJ - Lacey Township, NJ

Broker/Sales Associate, Realtor, Lacey Township,

Hi Claudette:

What a mess!

I have a client that puts a bedspread over their teenager's bed and calls it a bed lump!

Feb 05, 2010 02:28 PM

Katerina Gasset

The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT

Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

It is really hard when you have kids to keep it all under control. We suggest to our sellers, to rent a storage unit or a pod and start packing up all the clutter.

Feb 05, 2010 03:40 PM

Bob & Carolin Benjamin

Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ

East Phoenix Arizona Homes

We all have had these -- some sellers just do not get it and do not understand -- many have lived like this or so long they are simply clueless as to how to be different.

Feb 05, 2010 05:46 PM

Jim Hale

ACTIONAGENTS.NET - Eugene, OR

Eugene Oregon's Best Home Search Website

Did I mention, Mr and Mrs Seller, I'm a licensed REALTOR but I'm really in the illusion business. I'm in the business of selling people a new place to live....one where all the problems of life are going to be better, if not solved completely...including that old bugger: CLUTTER.

If I can't sell that illusion part of the value of your home, you are going to have to discount it by at least ten per cent.

No, how about helping both me and you out here.

Feb 05, 2010 09:46 PM

Claudette Millette

The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA

Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Loraine and Loretta:

You would think with a 24 hour notice they would be able to clean the home.

Joan:

Buyers need to have a vision when they look at a property but looking past a mess is asking too much.

Toula:

I know that having a teenager is challenging, especially with a home on the market. That doesn't sound like a bad solution. At least they are making an attempt at camouflage.

Katerina:

That's a great idea - those PODs are a good solution to many problems.

Bob & Carolin:

Yes, but when their home sits on the market and does not sell they need to realize that it's time to clean up. I always think the home has renters when I see a mess in it and maybe they are trying to prevent the sale.

Jim:

Are you the David Copperfield of real estate? It is important to be able to create the right image in the home, even if it is a temporary illusion.

Feb 05, 2010 10:33 PM

Tom Boos

Sine & Monaghan Realtors, Real Living - Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

Providing the very best of service to Sellers and

Your photos make me shudder and wince. If I had a listing like that one, I'd be reading the Sellers the "riot act" for sure. Selling a home requires team work between the Listing Agent and the SELLER. If the Seller doesn't want to be a member of that team, it's time to cut him loose.

Feb 06, 2010 02:30 AM

Claudette Millette

The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA

Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Tom:

I like your "tough love" approach. It works out to everyone's advantage if all parties involved in the sale of a home work as a team, and part of that is making sure that the property is presentable.

Feb 06, 2010 02:52 AM

Jim Hale

ACTIONAGENTS.NET - Eugene, OR

Eugene Oregon's Best Home Search Website

Claudette -

No, I'm no Copperfield. But I know some home stagers who outclass him.

You can't change some people...but you can tell them the truth. And the truth is this kind of thing will cost them money.

Feb 06, 2010 03:41 AM

Claudette Millette

The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA

Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Jim:

Better than David Copperfield? They must be pretty terrific. We need talented people like that.

You are correct, this kind of thing can definitely cost sellers money. Buyers have a tough time seeing through the mess.

Feb 06, 2010 05:32 AM

Charles Stallions Real Estate Services

Charles Stallions Real Estate Services Inc - Gulf Breeze, FL

Buyers Agent 800-309-3414 Pace and Gulf Breeze,Fl.

That is a little more than clutter more like a mess. Wow nice post and good luck as well as happy selling.

Feb 06, 2010 06:07 PM

Claudette Millette

The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA

Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Joyce:

I have to agree with you - clutter is being polite here. Thanks so much.

Feb 06, 2010 10:25 PM

Not a real person

San Diego, CA

Just stopping by to invite you to the ActiveRain Super Bowl Party. Stop by if you get a chance. Geaux Saints!

Feb 07, 2010 06:09 AM

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Claudette Millette

Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Cluttered Homes - A Major Turn off for Massachusetts Home Buyers

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