Buyer Turn-Offs

Odors
House odors are number one turn off for home seekers, specifically odors from cigarette smoke, pets and mildew. Be sure to get an opinion from someone who does not live in your home (you may be used to and not realize it) and if they feel you have an odor, be sure to get rid of the smell.

Animals/Dogs
You'll have a much better response from showings if you control your pets as they often frighten and/or irritate people.

Asking a potential home buyer to not go into a room because an animal is locked in there also raises a red flag as it does not allow that person to see or inspect that part of the home.

Remove pets during showings if possible to show respect for the feelings of potential buyers.

Dirty Bathrooms
Grimy bathrooms are an instant turnoff. Scrub them, paint them, buy a new shower curtain, rugs and towels.

Dimly Lit Rooms
Dark homes are a turnoff to most home buyers. Here are some potential fixes:

1. Replace dim light fixtures

2. Install additional light fixtures

3. Install (quality) sun tunnels or skylights

4. Remove heavy drapes to let the light stream in

5. Repaint some rooms with colors that reflect light

6. Trim tree limbs that shadow the house

7. Clean and reseal (if needed) windows

A House Full of Busy Wallpaper
This is another critical issue to think about if you're selling a home, because busy wallpaper in every room turns off most buyers, and even people who love wallpaper rarely like what you've chosen. It's a personal decorative touch that they want to select themselves.

Your home should appeal to the masses and wallpaper is usually a very personal preference and a decorative touch that if buyers want it, they want to pick it themselves.

Decide if it should be removed and replaced with paint. Don't paint over it, because that usually enhances every seam and looks terrible.

Damp Basements
Dampness (or damp smells) in the basement throw up a red flag to buyers. If you have leaks, fix them. No leaks? Look for drainage issues. Maybe water is pooling around the foundation, keeping it damp. Most problems we see are caused by rainwater that's being diverted towards the foundation instead of away from it.

• Underground drains might be blocked.

• Downspouts could be aimed the wrong way.

Go outside the next time it rains and take a look.

Bugs
Roaches, spiders, any type of insect that shouldn't be in the house. Get rid of them.

Poor Curb Appeal
You must grab their interest from the curb if you want to sell the home for top dollar. Buyers often refuse to go into a house with an unkempt yard, sagging doors or peeling paint.

Gutters with Plants Growing in Them
Overrun gutters makes buyers wonder what else hasn't been handled.

Sellers Who Hang Around for Showings
Give potential buyers space. If possible, leave the house during showings. Home buyers feel awkward about opening closet doors and lingering for a really good look at the house if the seller is there.

Parting Words
Most of the Top 10 problems are home selling issues you can correct without spending a lot of money. Do it now, before you put the house on the market, because if your house develops a reputation among agents as the house that smells, the house with the huge barking dog or the house where the owner won't leave people alone it will be too late. Your house will be last on their list to show potential buyers.