Don't Drive Buyers Away from Your Home

When a potential buyer drives up to your home they’re thinking, “Could this be my home?” If they like the look of a home from the front, they might ask to see the inside. However if the front yard is a mess and the paint is chipping, it’s unlikely they will want to step foot inside.

If your home looks inviting from the outside, the yard is maintained, the garden manicured and the paint is fresh, a potential buyer will probably be interested. Most likely they stopped at your home because they had done some research on the neighborhood and know the asking price. Now they’re just looking to see if it has that “it” factor.

Greet the potential buyer and then allow them to walk through your home undisturbed. Give them a chance to picture their couches in the living room or their mahogany dining set in the dining room.

Some sellers crowd a buyer, thinking that they want all the details of every renovation. Don’t do that. Just let the buyer be. 

A prospective buyer isn’t interested in looking at your clutter. It’s distracting and will make it hard for them to picture themselves in your home. Keep a tidy home and tuck away all the family photos and knickknacks.

Try to create as many open, clear spaces as you can. Clean off counters and other surfaces. Even the toaster and blender should get stored below when you show your home.

If you smoke or have pets, most likely your home will have an odor. Although you might be used to it, others might not like it.

Pet urine can be a hard smell to get out of carpets. There are various solutions, but the best may be to replace the rugs. Vinegar will work on most flooring.

If you have a litter box, change it daily while you’re selling your home.

If you smoke, try to smoke outside as much as possible. Some nonsmokers are very sensitive to the smell and cannot tolerate it. You may be so used to it that you hardly notice the odor, but others will walk out the door quickly.