Heartbreakers: What Turns Off Potential Home Buyers

The pictures looked pretty good online, and then… you met in person. The real life experience was NOT AT ALL what you had in mind. And the heartbreak is real. No, we’re not talking about online dating (you’re reading a real estate blog, right?). Seeing a home that does not live up to its potential in real life can be frustrating for buyers. If you’ve even thought about selling your Houston or Katy, TX home this year, it’s important to not only keep in mind what potential buyers look for, but what TURNS OFF potential buyers. Here are a few of the biggest turn-offs (that can’t always be spotted in the MLS photos):

• Unsightly stains or watermarks on ceilings, walls, and carpet. Fix any ongoing leaks first, then repair and paint dry wall. Deep clean or replace carpet .
• Odors. Strong smells will drive a buyer right out of the house before they even do a walk through. Avoid smoking in the house and cooking popcorn or any other strong smelling foods while your home is on the market. Regularly take out the trash and clean pet litter. Thoroughly launder any fabrics (curtains, pillows, furniture, covers, even rugs and carpet), as textiles will harbor odor for long periods of time.
• Dull or slow-to-warm-up lighting. Buyers like spaces that are light and bright! Get rid of any spiral-shaped CFLs that take a while to warm up and replace with energy-efficent, instant-on LEDs in the highest lumens possible (at least 750 lumens or higher). Replace “daylight” colored bulbs, which are far too harsh and industrial for home selling, with a more neutral “warm white” or “bright white” bulb (“soft white” is the next best choice). Our home staging partner, Three Bears Home Staging, has a great article that details how to choose the right light bulbs for staging your home.
• Outdated bathrooms. Little updates can go a long way in this room. We recommend removing wallpaper/borders and any gold-colored brass faucets and cabinet hardware.
• Too much clutter. As my wife (who is a professional home stager) always tells her clients:  Reduce, simplify, and clean. Buyers need to see the HOUSE, not your STUFF. Less is always more when it comes to showing your house at its best.

If you’re thinking of selling your Houston or Katy, TX home or know someone who is, The Rhoades Team is here to help! Our team of experts can help you pinpoint the improvements that will have the highest return-on-investment and make the best first impression with potential buyers. Give us a call at (713) 515-3463 to get started.