Have you ever heard the phrase “one bad apple can spoil the bunch”? Well, this little slice of wisdom can be applied to home listings if you are looking to sell your house. Potential buyers are statistically likely to be scared away by the presence of one or more of the following “deal-breakers.” Be on the lookout for these shortfalls, because just one may sour buyers on their impression of your entire home.
Water Damage Stains: Visible water damage on the ceilings or walls could lead buyers to believe that there may be deeper problems lurking in your home. And unseen, structural issues are very frightening to someone looking to purchase a new home. Whether or not these water stains are a remnant of an already addressed problem may not make a difference to the buyer. Repair or paint over any type of stain, and be sure to pass all inspections before your listing goes on the market.
Shabby Paint: Peeling paint on the interior or exterior of your home might indicate to buyers that you have not invested much in upkeep. After all, paint is a very visible aspect of a home. If you haven’t maintained the paint job, what else has been overlooked?
Unpleasant Smells: Pets are adorable, but they can sometimes cause odors that their owners have already grown accustomed to. Additionally, cooking certain foods (like ones rich in garlic, onions or curry) often linger long after the meal is over. Try to rid your house of these types of smells, without going overboard and using too many air fresheners or scented candles.
Messy Garage: The garage tends to pile up with clutter over the years. Be sure that everything is neat and tidy, so that buyers won’t be turned of by the amount of junk lurking in your garage.