Buyer Turnoffs

Buyer Turnoffs

There is an old saying that you do not have a second chance to make a first impression. That saying is particularly true when it comes to selling your home. There are a number of buyer turnoffs that will affect the sale your home even if everything else is perfect and may send the potential buyer running the other way before they have seen the entire property.

Since it is usually easier to understand what to avoid when presenting your home, here are six sure-fire buyer turnoffs that you will definitely not want in your home when showing it off to potential buyers.

Evidence of Smoking

Perhaps the number one of all turnoffs for buyers is any evidence that people have smoked in a home. Getting rid of the residue that has been built up over time can be a considerable effort, but it must be done because the first whiff that hits the nose will turn most buyers right around and out of the home.

Your Garage is a Living Space

It’s not all that uncommon to turn a garage into a den or other type of living space, but many buyers will be looking for a place to park their vehicles. Basically, when you personalize a space like a garage that most people see as something else you can lose a buyer right away. So, if your garage is a living space that cannot easily be converted back you may have to cut your price in order to make a sale.

When Your Bedroom is not a Bedroom

Apart from the kitchen or bathroom, the bedroom is arguably the highest on the list for potential buyers when it comes to looking at your home. If they see a bedroom that is radically different than what they expect such as a dedicated home office or other type of space it can be a real turnoff. Unless you have an excessive number of bedrooms or the use of the room is one that can quickly be switched back, you should at least empty the room out before showing it.

Above-Ground Pool

What makes for a great place to relax during the summer is seen as a big eyesore for many potential buyers who see the maintenance and dead grass underneath the pool. If you are selling your home in the fall, winter, or early spring, you may want to consider getting rid of the above-ground pool.

Use Overly-Ornate Lighting Fixtures

While anything that is overly-ornate will probably not work, lighting fixtures in particular seems to get extra notice in this regard. While you may think a fancy chandelier over the dining room table looks great, many buyers may see that as being too much to take.

Over the Top Kid’s Room

While it is expected that your child’s room will have plenty of decorations that reflect their imagination, turning it into a virtual theme park can be a real turnoff for buyers. This is because of the effort they will need to expend to turn the room back to normal.

If you are in the process of selling your home, then avoiding these six buyer turnoffs will at least prevent an immediate dismissal from potential purchasers.