The Top 6 Home Buyer Turnoffs

If you hope to sell your Calgary home with minimal effort for top dollar, being aware of what may turn away and even disgust potential buyers from the very beginning can be the difference.

Almost all of the following buyer turnoffs can be easily corrected at little to no cost to you, and will make buyers and agents want to visit your home more. Keep in mind that good real estate agents know these turnoffs and will remember the problem-free, and problematic, homes in regards to their future showings.

Poor Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is certainly important to give your potential buyer a good first impression. Buyers often refuse to even enter a home that has an unkempt yard, peeling paint, damaged doors, or unsightly trash. Maybe landscaping or panting isn't your deal, but you can at least mow the lawn and sweep the driveway.

Odors

Once inside, home odors top the list of what turns buyers off. Pets, indoor smoking, and mildew can all contribute to foul smelling homes, even if you personally don't notice it. To get an opinion, ask someone not living in the home if they smell any bad odors and don't be surprised, or hurt, if you get an honest answer. If there are odors, the key is to eliminate them rather than cover them up. Fresh air and some cleaning products can work wonders.

Sellers or Dogs That Hang Around for Showings

Leave the house during showings and take your dog with you. Home buyers feel awkward about opening closet doors and lingering for a really good look at the house if the seller is home. If you're selling by owner, give them some space, don't hover. Also, dogs may irritate or frighten some people and there is no point in chasing away good potential buyers who may feel uncomfortable. If you can't take your dog with you, show respect and keep the dog in a suitable crate during the showing.


Dimly Lit Rooms

Dark homes feel small and are a turnoff to most home buyers. A few tips to brighten your home up are:

· Replace dim light fixtures
· Install additional light fixtures or skylights
· Remove heavy drapes to allow natural light through windows
· Repaint some rooms with colors that reflect light
· Trim tree limbs or big shrubs that shadow the house
· Clean windows inside and out to allow the most light in


Dirty Bathrooms

Grimy bathrooms are an instant turnoff. Bathrooms that are clean, have fresh paint, and new shower curtain or towels will appeal much more to a potential buyer. If you're serious about selling the home, the extra work is necessary.

Damp Basements

Dampness or damp smells in the basement throw up a red flag to buyers that the foundation leaks. Most problems, however, are not caused by faulty foundations. They occur because rainwater is being diverted towards the foundation instead of away from it. Go outside the next time it rains and determine where runoff water is going. Common problems are:

· Clogged underground drains
· No rain gutters along roofline
· Downspouts aimed the wrong way


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