Special offer

Don't Scare Away Buyers

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Lake Norman Cornelius NC LIC #213344

 

You have done everything you can think of to prepare you home for potential buyers.

But there may be some things you haven’t considered. Take a look at some of the

ways that can scare away potential buyers to see if there is something you need

change or fix.

 

Odors: Cigarette smoke and pets are the main sources of bad odors in the home.

Mold and mildew are close behind. If you smoke indoors, it is time to stop while

your house is on the market. It may be inconvenient, but it is a small change that

can make a difference on whether or not you get a buyer. 

 

Pets: What do you plan to do with your pets during home tours? Some buyers may

be afraid of dogs or allergic to cats. You should make a plan to have someone

watch your dog during tours. Also make sure that everything is vacuumed

Thoroughly. If you have a cat, make sure the litter box is cleaned and has

fresh litter in it. You don’t want your potential buyers to be assaulted

by the dreaded litter box smell!

 

Dirty Bathrooms: Some people can live with bathroom grime, especially if it is

the master bedroom bath. But, it will definitely gross out a potential buyer!

Make sure your bathroom is scrubbed spotless. Replace the shower curtain and

place some coordinating towels etc; to give it a nice touch.

 

Dark Rooms: Dark rooms can cause a buyer to think you are trying to hide flaws, etc.

Open the blinds and turn on the lights to brighten up every room in the house. If 

you need more light, buy an inexpensive lamp or two. Also hang mirrors on 

the wall to catch reflected light. This will also make the room appear bigger.

 

Outdated Wallpaper: You should always strip away and remove wallpaper before

showing a home. To a potential buyer who does not like wallpaper, seeing it

on a wall may cause them to think about how much work it will take to

remove it themselves. This could cause them to walk away. Better to get

rid of the wallpaper and paint the wall with a neutral color.

 

Dank Basements: If your basement smells like mold and mildew, the buyers

may walk away. Mold and mildew makes one think of expensive leak

repairs.  Find and fix the problem before it becomes the reason your house

isn’t selling.

 

Pests: If you have an insect problem, get a professional company to come

and fix the problem.

 

Curb Appeal & Clutter: We have discussed the need for an inviting curb

appeal.  First impressions will detemine whether a buyer will walk in your

door, or drive away. Declutter that garage/carport. Make sure that these

areas have not become a catch all for storing items.

 

Seller Presence: Buyer tend to feel pressured or intimidated when the seller 

is present at showings. Take a drive or run some errands and give the

potential buyer a chance to tour the home and speak freely with 

their real estate agent. Make sure you lock up your valuables and

prescription meds before you go!

 

The above issues can be easily remedied. It will help you to

attract potential buyers and market your home in an 

effective way. Simple fixes = SOLD! 

 

For all your real estate needs contact Sheri Jones today!

Sherijones2012@gmail.com 909-660-1838

 

#Dont’ScareAwayBuyers #RealEstate #HomesBySheri

Paula Hathaway, REALTOR, LBA
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Southampton, NY
...A Local Expert in all The Hamptons

Hi Shari,

Good post! I think the price is the one thing that needs to be focused on, just like all the other items you mention. I know it seems like another topic but the price is the one thing that will keep the buyer from even calling on the listing! I do like the suggestions you have made though--and agree 100%! 

Apr 06, 2016 02:34 AM
Sheri Jones

You know the Golden Rule in Real Estate Success... PRICE, CONDITION, AND LOCATION.  The bottom line is if the buyers want to sell for Top Dollar, Condition matters.  Otherwise, condition dictate the lower price.   

Apr 06, 2016 03:57 AM
Bruce Walter
Keller Williams Realty Lafayette/West Lafayette, Indiana - West Lafayette, IN

Sheri, this is great information for sellers to take away potential deal breaking issues when selling their home!  Just installing a dehumidifier can make all the difference in the world in a basement when humidity levels increase inside due to wet weather outside.

Are there many basements in your market areas, Sheri?  They are very common in our area.

Apr 06, 2016 02:50 AM
Sheri Jones

Hi Bruce,  you are so right regarding the importance of dehumidifiers for certain areas of our country!  We are mostly in a dry climate and basement homes are not as prevelant as they are in your area.  

Apr 06, 2016 04:00 AM