When preparing a home for sale, homeowners often focus on the things that will impress buyers. Things such as sparkling clean spaces, well lit rooms, staged furniture designed to maximize appeal, and so forth.
However, it’s also quite important to pay attention to those things you don’t want buyers to see. Those little turn-offs that, although seemingly minor and you don’t even notice, can distract buyers and cause them to lose interest in your property.
So here is a list of a few things you don’t want buyers to see:
- Pets. A lot of people love pets. I’m one of them! However, there are many people who don’t love them. Some are allergic to them. Dogs, in particular, can take a keen interest in new visitors, jumping and barking excitedly. It’s best to take pets for a walk during viewings.
- Unfinished repairs. Home buyers will notice, and may mistakenly think there are other deficiencies lurking in your home. Do as many repairs as you can. Fix your dripping taps, running toilets, missing grout, moldy caulking and gouges or marks on the walls.
- Clutter. This is probably one of the most obvious things on this list. It is quite common for main rooms, like Living rooms and Kitchens, to be clean and de-cluttered before listing. However, serious buyers who become interested in your property will take a closer look. They will check out the garage, cupboards, backyard shed and other places where things tend to accumulate. The more you de-clutter, the better your property will show.
- Smells. Obviously not something a buyer will see but definitely something that needs to be dealt with before any potential buyer steps into your home. Buyers will definitely notice lingering odours. Especially those associated with pets, garbage, exotic cooking, and smoking. Scents have a strong influence on emotions. So make sure your home is as scent-free as possible.
- You. Absolutely nothing personal. When buyers view your home, they want to visualize themselves living there, not you. So let the realtor be the host. Also, remove as many personal items, such as family pictures and trophies, as possible.