Mistakes That will Ensure Your House Doesn’t Sell

Just like there are many things you can do to improve your chances of selling your house at a higher price, there are an equal number of things you can do to repel potential homebuyers and leave you wondering what the heck happened. If you are working with a Realtor, he or she will offer suggestions on how to make your home more appealing and saleable, but tackling the following problem areas up front is always a good place to start.

A stinky house is not an attractive house to potential homebuyers. The problem with odors such as cigarette smoke and pet smells is that you live with them day in and day out and you may not notice them. To an outsider, however, the smell can be overwhelming.

You can get rid of these odors by smoking outside, keeping litter boxes fresh and in a contained area, (I am not a cat lover – so I say move the cat to the garage) repainting walls, shampooing and steam-cleaning carpets and opening your windows to let in fresh air. You might have to hire a professional cleaning company.

Don't try to cover odors with an air freshener without taking steps to remove the problem; it won't work and your house will still stink and be unpleasant to potential homebuyers. Removing odors from mold and mildew can be a little tougher and may require professional intervention if the affected area is not easily accessible (behind cabinets for example).
 
Pets: you love them and think everyone else should as well. Your potential homebuyer may not share your sentiment, so like other members of the family, your furry companions should not be on site while someone is inspecting your house. Pile everyone in the family vehicle, or crate your pets in the yard so potential homebuyers can look around without being barked at, snarled at or pounced on.
 
Bathrooms are associated with cleanliness, so dirty bathrooms are a major turn-off for most homebuyers. Make sure your toilet, tub, and sink are sparkling clean and that the drains are clear and free of wet hair and other odor-trapping debris. Polish your faucets and mirrors, de-clutter the medicine chest (don’t leave prescription medications in the cabinet), empty the trash bins and launder your towels, shower curtain and floor mats.
 
Dark rooms look dank and uninviting. Increase the brightness of your rooms by adding brighter bulbs (if you can), installing extra fixtures, or by placing accent lamps or cabinet lighting throughout the room. An even simpler fix is to pull back heavy curtains and open the window blinds (unless the window looks out over something unappealing). Trim low-hanging branches from nearby trees can also help.
 
Overly bold wallpaper is a no-no. Many patterns can be distracting and can date your décor. Consider removing busy wallpaper because most prospective buyers hate the thought of having to remove it. Don't paint over it because that will look even worse.
 
Damp basements are a cause for concern as they can indicate leaks. More often however, damp basements are a sign of poor ventilation, plugged drains, or improperly positioned downspouts. Remove any mold or mildew that may have appeared as a result of dampness.
 
Insects; they're usually harmless, but still an obstacle to home sales. Squash what you can, clear cobwebs, and enlist professional help if you have an infestation.
 
Low curb appeal can discourage potential homebuyers from taking a closer look at your home. Tidy up your yard, entry and façade. Make sure your paint isn't peeling, and that gardens look their best, even if out of season. Bicycles, lawn mowers, garbage cans, and tools should be neatly stored in a shed or in the garage if necessary. I recently was showing a potential buyer a home and there were eight empty beer cans in the front yard. Yikes!
 
Clogged Gutters. Potential homebuyers may not notice blocked or sagging gutters during an initial showing, but they will turn up during a professional home inspection, which could be the difference between a conditional sale going through or not.
 
Leave: Go somewhere, away from the house, when someone is looking at it. Most potential homebuyers feel awkward looking around your house if you are peering over their shoulder. Working with a real estate agent to sell your house removes this problem, as they act as a guide during the showing without intimidating your homebuyer.
Most of these fixes are easy and inexpensive to complete, yet can have a major impact on how fast your house can sell. If possible, tackle any of the issues that are present in your home before you list it for sale.

Mark's Real Estate Blog