7 Things that put off buyers

1 Bad smells

Setting up your place for sale can involve creating a set of inviting smells. But it should also involve getting rid of the unappealing ones.

Top of buyers turn off lists are pet smells. Even if we love our own animals, we don’t really want to smell other people’s, especially when it’s in an environment we’re trying to imagine kicking back and relaxing in. Other smell turn offs are cigarette smoke, mustiness, food and overpowering perfumes or.

They might not even notice it all that much at the time of viewing, while they're concentrating on the layout and state of the house, but the thing with bad odours is that they create a subconscious bad impression that lingers.

2 Clutter

Whether inside or out, less is more when it comes to clutter.

Kitchens and built-in bookshelves should showcase spaciousness by following the rule of three. For kitchens, there should be no more than three countertop appliances. Meanwhile, bookshelves should be divided into thirds: one-third books, one-third vases and pictures, and one-third empty.

3 Dirt

Hands down, nothing turns off a buyer quicker than a dirty house.

Thoroughly clean the entire property, including all those areas you think no one notices. Living areas, backyards, bathrooms and toilets should get extra attention (you’d be surprised how many people use the bathroom at an inspection).

You can’t really overdo cleaning when it comes to selling – properties that just look neat and acceptable might not be enough, especially if you’re commanding top dollar.

Dirty kitchens and bathrooms are the biggest turn-offs, kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most personal and well-used areas of the home, potential buyers will try to imagine themselves living in the property during a viewing, and having their senses offended by a lack of cleanliness or hygiene can be a real barrier.

4 Temperature

Call it the Goldilocks effect.

If a property is too hot or too cold your buyers will bristle. Though it mightn’t be a deal breaker it does invite pointy questions – does the heating or cooling work as it should? With such high ceilings, it is expensive to heat?

Buyers get turned off it they can’t experience your home at its optimal comfort levels.

5 Ask a fair price

Take a reality check and set your house at a realistic asking price. Just because you spent a fortune on your solid wood floors, doesn’t mean your buyers will want to pay for it. Check out what homes in your area are actually selling for. Overpricing your house will discourage enquiries, let alone viewings. Remember that the longer a house stays on the market, the more difficult it may be to sell, so price it carefully in the first place.

6 Too many personal items

Psychologically, when buyers tour a home, they’re trying it on to see how it fits, just as they would a skirt or a pair of pants. If your house is cluttered with too many personal items, it’s like the buyer is trying on those clothes with you still in them. A fit is unlikely.

You might think your family portraits and kid’s art projects add a homely feel, and you’re half right; they give off the impression that it is your home. Better remove the personal distractions and let you viewers feel like it could be their home instead.