5 Ways to Scare Off Potential Home Buyers

Selling your home is a big task! We get it! Sometimes it’s hard to know what you should and shouldn’t do when you’re preparing your home for sale. In the past we’ve talked about how to sell your home with children and we’ve given you tips on how to master staging your home. But today, we want to talk with you about what you SHOULD NOT do when preparing your home for the market. No one wants to scare away potential home buyers. Avoid these 5 ways to scare off potential home buyers.

5 Ways to Scare Off Potential Home Buyers

#1 Leave Your Clutter on the Countertops

Cluttered countertops in your kitchen or bathroom are perhaps the biggest turn off for potential homebuyers. Leaving things on your countertops gives potential buyers the idea that there isn’t enough space in your home. It also sends the message that you might not be taking care of the rest of your house. Before you take photos or have a home showing, be sure that you put the clutter away.

#2 Pet Supplies + Pet Toys Everyone

Homes with pets can be a big turn off for lots of home buyers. Animals living in the home can mean carpet damage, allergies, and poor smells. Make sure that when you’re selling your home, you eliminate as much pet odor as you possibly can. Be sure that your kitty litter has been changed. Hide any toys, food dishes or dog beds. You don’t want your home to look like it is overrun by your pets.

#3 Heavily Themed Rooms

Themed rooms can be an incredibly distracting for a lot of potential home buyers. It’s hard for people to imagine converting rooms that are covered in Lion’s paraphernalia, thematic wallpaper or bold colors. Most people see these themed rooms as something they need to overcome. It’s a major turn-off to think that they would need to invest the time or money to fix or cover up these themed rooms. If you have a themed room in your home, try to make it as neutral as you possibly can before selling.

#4 Messy Garages!

Eek! Messy garages can definitely send your potential buyers running for the hills. You don’t want your garage to look an episode of hoarders. Be sure that before your showing your garage is well organized and your cars are removed. Big, spacious garage sales can be a major selling point. Highlight your garage by cleaning it out and looking move in ready. We love this example of a well-organized, traditional garage….

#5 Dark Rooms

When someone walks into your home, you want them to feel at home. An easy way to give this illusion to have all of the lights already turned on. Well-lit rooms appear more welcoming and attractive for potential buyers. So, before you leave your house, turn on all of the lights in your house.

We hope that by changing these small things, you are able to have a more successful home showing. Selling your home isn’t easy, we know. But you want to make sure that potential homeowners are as comfortable and happy in your home as they can possibly be. What are some of the biggest turn offs you’ve experienced house hunting? We want to know! Leave a comment below.