When it comes to selling your property, making a good first impression is imperative. Stanley Best Estate Agent identify the biggest turn-offs for prospective buyers and how to avoid them.
Clutter
Clutter is not only distracting, but it could indicate that the property does not have adequate storage.
De-cluttering is a great way to increase your chances of completing a sale, but that doesn’t mean that you have to part with your prized possessions. You can box them up and store them in the loft or garage. If this is not an option, ask family or friends to store them.
Creating a clutter-free, minimalistic environment will help buyers visualize themselves living in your home. Additionally, too much furniture can make a property seem a lot smaller than it is.
Smells
No matter how pleasant your home appears, persistent odours such as the smell of pets, cigarettes, or pungent food can be detrimental when it comes to selling your property.
An unpleasant odour is sure to put off a prospective purchaser or tenant. Whether it’s the whiff of stale food, pets or even something more… ‘human’… make sure that your property is free of unwanted smells. Ask a trusted friend to give your home a ‘sniff test’!”
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so we suggest opening your windows to air out your property before a viewing and use air freshener or light a candle to ensure your home doesn’t smell unpleasant.
An untidy exterior
Overgrown, unkempt gardens are a big no-no. The first thing viewers see is the exterior. Ensure your bins are not overflowing and your pathway is weed free. Do whatever you can to make your home feel inviting from the outset. Don’t forget, our viewers have probably already done a drive-by before making an appointment.”
No natural light
Light and warmth are two of the most important factors to attract a buyer for your home, especially in the colder months of the year. A cold or poorly lit home can be an instant turn-off to potential buyers by making the property appear dingy and dark in places. If this is the case, it gives the impression of a house that is unloved and uncared for.”
Natural light is very important as dark rooms are always off-putting. Ensuring the room is well lit, whether that be naturally or with staged lighting is quite simple to do. Make sure the curtains are open and remove those net curtains!
Bad décor
Avoid controversial or quirky décor in your home as it is not to everyone’s taste. What you think is retro, others may consider dated. Bold colours and patterns can turn-off a prospective buyer, as it is important for them to see themselves living there and décor plays a huge part in this.
Replace heavily patterned retro carpets, when purchasers are greeted with such a carpet all they see is decades of dirt and grim – I can guarantee the viewer will want to leave as soon as they’ve stepped through the door.
Poor presentation
Poor attention to detail such as flaking paint on soffits, grubby kitchen units, tatty net curtains, unemptied ashtrays and nicotine stained walls are taken into consideration when viewing a property.
First impressions are massive and we often find ourselves apologising for the sights of the less cared for properties. We always try to arrive early to a viewing to open the windows, curtains, close the lids to the toilets and pull a duvet into position here and there.
Dirty kitchens or bathrooms are not a nice thought and certainly not something that a viewer will want to see. Small and affordable fixes such as freshening up the paint work, or having your home professionally cleaned will make a world of difference and worth it in the long run.
An over zealous vendor
It is common for a vendor to want to take part in the viewing or show off their DIY aspects of the property. However, vendors being present at viewings may not always be a good thing.
A seller that follows the viewer around is never well-received. With the best intentions, those scenarios always highlight why it’s best to leave it to your agent. Take a step back and let your agent do the work, it is their job after all and you will thank them later.
if you are thinking of selling your home why not contact us for a free market appraisal.
