Sellers - Don't Turn Off Buyers

Across the country Realtors are talking about how quickly homes are selling, how low the inventory is, and how the market has changed in just a few short months.  And locally all of those same things are true here in Lorain County, Ohio.  Home sellers who are serious about getting their home sold fast and for the highest amount of money should consider these buyer “turn –offs” that can instantly turn off a buyer:   

• An old or non-working cars in the driveway

• Even if it is a vintage car, remove it.  You want to show how much room is in the driveway and garage, and a home looks more welcoming with ample available parking.                              

• This is a like a neon sign saying “homeowner doesn’t care about home”.   Buyers may also “invent” how the window was broken stories, which leads to thoughts of an unsafe neighborhood or unruly kids throwing rocks or balls, etc.  

• This also screams “homeowner doesn’t care” about regular maintenance and upkeep of the home; and the buyer begins to wonder “what else is wrong with this home that I can’t see?”                        

• A lawn that needs to be mowed or flowers/trees/bushes that are dead and weeds that are taking over the yard sends a message that the inside of the home is just as messy and not cared for – most buyers won’t even open the front door if this is the scene from the street.  The same is true with junk in the front yard – toys, bikes, rakes, hoses (unrolled and spread out), etc. 

• Interior or exterior this is unsightly and leads buyers to wonder what else is lurking below the surface and they usually assume it is a major issue. 

• Buyers always notice dirty carpet!  Steam-cleaning the tile and grout adds a special and noticeable gleam that buyers appreciate.                           

• Kitchen odors are huge and can “jump out” as soon as someone enters your home.  We often suggest sellers bake cookies or have the bread machine baking when showings are expected.  The living room can be the second smelliest room, there is a lot of fabric that attracts and holds odors – consider cleaning the furniture and drapes.  If you have pets, especially cats and litter boxes take extra steps to alleviate odors.                       

• This can be a quick, inexpensive update that really shines.  Remember to look up – are the ceiling fans dated too?  New cabinet hardware can cost as little as $500 and have a HUGE impact in your kitchen, which is often the most scrutinized room of a home.     

• Cluttered homes make it harder for a buyer to imagine their belongings in the home or that there is even room for their furniture or storage needs.  Clean out closets and cabinets so they appear larger.                      

• Realtors and potential buyers often find it uncomfortable when homeowners are home while they are viewing the property.  It inhibits the buyer from looking in all the “nooks and crannies” and they tend to not “talk out” how their furniture will work in a room or their vision for the home with the current owner within hearing range.  And sellers who walk around with potential buyers so they can “explain how things work” are annoying and a real turn off!  Those potential buyers will remember the seller, how comfortable they felt and not be able to remember anything about the home. 

As an experienced Realtor, I provide suggestions to home sellers about how to prepare their home for the market.  Home sellers should put their emotions aside and heed the advice as it can make a world of difference in the time their home is on the market.  Additionally you may want to view other homes for sale to compare how they are  presented, what negatives and positives do you notice as you are viewing homes?   Take those items back to your own home and be sure you are putting your best foot forward.   

I often tell my sellers “how we decorate to live and how we decorate to sell” are different – so let’s decorate to sell! 

Considering selling your home, contact me, and put my experience to work for you.   

Carol Murphy

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland West ~ Carol Murphy Team

Lorain County Real Estate