10 Ways to Make Home Buyers Hate Your House


1. Odors:  House odors are the number one turn off for home seekers, specifically odors from cigarette smoke, pets and mildew.  Get an honest opinion from someone who does not live in your home.

2. Animals/Dogs:  You'll have a much better showings if you control your pets as they often frighten / irritate people.  Asking a potential home buyer to not go into a room because an animal is unacceptable.  Remove pets during showings if possible to show respect for the feelings of potential buyers.

3. Dirty Bathrooms:  Grimy bathrooms = BIG turnoff. Scrub them, paint them, a new shower curtain, rugs, towels..

4. Dimly Lit Rooms:  Dark homes turn off most home buyers. Some potential fixes:

  • Replace dim light fixtures ◊ Install additional light fixtures  
  • Remove heavy drapes ◊ Repaint some rooms with colors that reflect light
  • Trim tree limbs that shadow the house ◊ Replace existing bulbs with brighter ones
5. A House Full of Busy Wallpaper:  Wallpaper in every room turns off most buyers, and even people who love wallpaper rarely like what you've chosen.   Decide if it should be removed. Don't paint over it, every seam shows and looks terrible.

6. Stains:  Stains on carpet, stains on walls, stains on ceilings. Stains are an instant turn-off and can taint the rest of the showing. Also, water-type stains on walls and ceilings send shivers down the spines of most buyers as they speak to a unseen problems including leaks, mold, roof replacements and bugs.

7. Bugs - enough said :)

8. Poor Curb Appeal:  You must grab their interest from the curb if you want to sell the home for top dollar.

9.  Dirty or Unkept Homes or Rooms:  It's just hard for buyers to settle in to a home with unmade beds, dirty laundry, dirty dishes etc...  Keep in mind you want buyers to see how there life will be BETTER if they buy your home. 

10. Sellers Who Hang Around for Showings:  Give potential buyers space. If possible, leave the house during showings. Home buyers feel awkward about opening closet doors and lingering for a really good look at the house if the seller is there.

Parting Words:  Most of the Top 10 problems are home selling issues you can correct without spending a lot of money. Do it now, before you put the house on the market.  Agents talk... a lot!