Don't Get Caught With Your House Looking Like This
Convincing home buyers to purchase your house is like playing a mind game. You have to guess their expectations, prepare your home to their liking, and make sure you highlight all the positives. It can be stressful getting things ready, so to make your life easier, we've got a couple of pet peeves for you to watch out for. We're sure you'll sell your house in no time if you're careful with these home buyer red flags!
1. Poor Safety Features
In today's day and age, calling your door lock a "safety feature" just won't cut it. When it comes to protecting your home and your family, you're going to need more than just a measly single-bolt lock. You certainly won't impress any home buyers if you don't get an upgrade.
Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash
2. Outdated Furniture
It's 2024, so why have your house looking over a century years old? Home buyers all typically want the same thing: a house that's clean, tidy, and looks brand new. You won't be convincing anyone to make a bid if you can't live up to those expectations.
Photo by Peter Herrmann on Unsplash
3. Clashing Colors
No, pairing a yellow couch with blue walls isn't the best way to go. Those two colors instantly remind us of IKEA! There's a limit to how creative you should be, especially if you're trying to win over others. Instead, focus on creating a pleasant and aesthetic experience you know most people will love. They should be drawn to your home, not taken aback by it.
Photo by Janita Sumeiko on Unsplash
4. Poorly Kept Yards
If there's one gripe many home buyers have, it's walking up to a house with a messy front lawn. And to make matters worse, if you've got a chaotic-looking backyard too, it's over! It's important that you clean up not only the inside of your house, but the outside too. After all, we all know how important first impressions can be.
Photo by collin williams on Unsplash
5. Hidden Flaws
See that slanted picture frame hung randomly on that wall? You're not fooling anyone. Trying to hide flaws behind furniture or decorations simply won't cut it. When people are looking to buy a home, they're going to take it seriously; expect every nook and cranny to be examined!
Photo by Manja Vitolic on Unsplash
6. Bright or Bold Colors
Bright orange walls might've seemed like a good idea in the moment, but if you're looking to sell your house, it's worth considering a repaint. Choosing overly bold or bright colors that stand out don't typically bode well with home buyers. Eccentric colors come with an acquired taste.
Photo by Alexey Lin on Unsplash
7. Dirty Windows
You've cleaned the floor, the tabletops, and the sink, but what about the windows? Everyone loves a great view so don't be surprised if your guests head over to take a peek. The last thing you want is for them to see glass covered in grime and fingerprints.
Photo by Jens Lindner on Unsplash
8. Poor Paint Jobs
Don't skimp out on quality if you're trying to sell your house. Trust us, home buyers will notice every poor detail! When it's something as important as the walls, make sure you do a good paint job. Missing corners or doing bad blending will stick out like a sore thumb.
9. Bizarre Décor Pieces
Everyone is allowed to have their own tastes, but when you're holding an open house, you'll get much better responses if you appeal to the general masses. Sorry, but that funky painting in the corner? That's got to go. Stick with aesthetic pieces that you know people will appreciate. Remember, you're selling the house not your style.
10. No Natural Light
There's not much you can do about this one, but every shopper on the housing market hates rooms with no natural light. While you sadly can't snap your fingers and have windows appear on every wall, there are ways you can research to brighten up a room.
11. Dirty Floors
Make sure you don't get too caught up cleaning everything at eye-level. If you forget the floors, it's over! Home buyers definitely won't be pleased if they're welcomed with sticky floors covered in crumbs.
12. Water Damage
If you notice your floors or walls showing signs of water damage including discoloration or bubbling, it's time to fix it. Shrugging it off and leaving it be could really come back to bite you. It's a sign of wear and tear, which is something no one wants to see when looking for their new home.
13. Permanent Pet Installations
While dog doors are fun little additions for families with pets, it could become a difficult selling point later on. Not everyone has a furry friend that could benefit from these permanent pet installations, meaning many home buyers might see it is as a negative point.
Unbiassed on Wikimedia Commons
14. Old Appliances
If you're still using an old-school, bulky TV, we're not sure you should be showcasing it proudly during an open house. Seeing something so outdated will definitely rub certain crowds the wrong way. Some will immediately think, "Yeah, this isn't for me."
15. Pet Hair
For all you pet owners selling your house, never forget to clean up all those stray hairs. Don't let those pesky things ruin a buyer's impression! We all know it's not exactly pleasant seeing random pet hairs everywhere from the sink to the couch.
16. Old Carpet Floors
Old carpet that hasn't been well kept doesn't feel or smell the greatest. There's a good chance it'll leave a musty scent, and the texture might feel rough and even a little sticky. You won't be winning hearts over with floors like that.
17. Weird Smells
It's important you ensure your house doesn't have any offensive smells before people starting visiting. Leaving behind any weird scents will make buyers question if it's something temporary or if it's tied to the house. And for people with extra sensitive noses, you might scare them off before they even have a chance to explore.
Ion Ceban @ionelceban on Pexels
18. Messy Balconies
A huge selling point for many on the market is having a great balcony. If your house comes with a great view, you best believe people will start lining up at the door. But of course, none of that matters if you leave behind a bad impression. If your balcony is dirty or grimy, it'll quickly become a red flag instead.
19. Creaky Doors/Windows
It might not bother you the first time, but once it happens repeatedly, there's nothing more annoying than a creaky door or window. It's a pet peeve for many people, and we guarantee most buyers will dock points if you have one.
20. Cluttered Garages
Having enough space for storage is huge for many people. That's why cleaning up your garage is such an important task to take care of before guests arrive. The messier and more cluttered it is, the tinier the space will feel.
