As most people do with any huge investment, prospective homebuyers have lots of specificities and requirements for their potential new homes. And just as important, are the dealbreakers. In this post, we’ll explore the top 5 biggest turnoffs for homebuyers when touring homes, and how to avoid them for a successful sale of your property.

An Unrealistic Listing Price

One of the biggest turnoffs for homebuyers is an overpriced property. Listing your property for significantly more (or less!) than the expected market value can indicate that the seller is unrealistic about the value of their property or unwilling to negotiate, which can instantly turn a buyer away.

Working with a competent real estate agent, or a company like Flyhomes can help you determine an attractive listing price for your home, taking into consideration factors such as location, size, condition, and recent comparable sales. Pricing your home competitively will not only help it sell faster, but it will also attract more potential buyers who are serious about making an offer.

If you’re interested in learning more about how agents price homes, check this blog, that features a few methods that you can use to give yourself a good idea of your home’s value–on your own!

Clutter and Personal Décor (if you aren’t fully staging your property)

Remember that home-y feeling of your grandma’s house? Well, it’s great for nostalgia, not so much for attracting the highest listing price.

Personal photos on the walls, knick-knacks, and collectibles, and too much furniture can all be distracting and make it difficult for buyers to imagine themselves living in the home. To avoid this turnoff, declutter your home and neutralize the décor. This can be as simple as removing personal photos and items, or rearranging furniture to create a more open and spacious feel. If necessary, consider renting a storage unit or packing away items that you don’t use on a regular basis.

In addition to decluttering, there are a few other steps you can take to make your home more appealing to potential buyers. First, give your home a quick refresh by touching up paint, giving your carpets a deep clean, and cleaning windows-inside and out. Second, consider adding some neutral décor elements, such as fresh flowers, artwork, or decorative pillows, to make the space feel more inviting. Finally, make sure the home is well-lit, with natural and artificial light sources, to help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Poor Curb Appeal

The first thing a potential buyer sees when they approach your home is the exterior, and a poorly maintained yard and exterior can be a major turnoff. A messy yard, chipped paint, and a cluttered porch can all give the impression that the home is not well-maintained and not worth the investment. While you can’t do a quick once-over and magically have perfectly manicured, verdant landscaping – you can, relatively easily, make sure the exterior of your home is at least neat and tidy, add a fresh coat of paint-hopefully in a neutral color, and put out some décor near your entrace.

If your home’s exterior is a little bare, consider adding some landscaping, such as flowers, trees, or a vegetable garden, to create a more inviting and attractive outdoor space. Second, replace old and outdated fixtures, such as light fixtures, doorknobs, and mailbox, with more modern and attractive options. Last but not least, you may consider adding some outdoor lighting, such as solar lights or lanterns, to highlight your home’s best features and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Lack of Storage Space

Lack of storage space is another common turnoff for homebuyers, and can make it difficult for them to imagine themselves living in the home. A cluttered home, with piles of boxes, stacks of clothes, and limited closet space, can all be overwhelming and off-putting to potential buyers. To avoid this turnoff, make sure your home has plenty of storage space, both inside and outside.

In addition to adding storage space, there are a few other steps you can take to make your home more appealing to potential buyers. First, consider organizing your home, with clear and defined spaces for each room, and plenty of shelving and cabinets. Second, maximize your use of vertical space, such as using overhead storage or tall bookshelves, to create more storage options. Finally, consider adding some smart storage solutions, such as hidden compartments or built-in storage units, to help keep your home organized and clutter-free.

Outdated or Poorly Maintained Systems

Finally, outdated or poorly maintained systems, such as heating, cooling, and plumbing, can be a major turnoff for homebuyers. As a homeowner, sometimes it’s easy to forget the “quirks” of your home that you’ve gotten used to. Systems that in disrepair, and have been sitting broken for some time can be expensive to fix, and can make the home less comfortable to live in. To avoid this turnoff, do an eagle-eye view of your home’s different features and make sure everything’s up to date and working properly – or make a plan to fix any issues.

In addition to maintaining your home’s systems, you may consider upgrading your home’s systems, such as installing a new HVAC system or upgrading your insulation, to improve energy efficiency and reduce monthly utility costs-making the home more appealing for buyers.

Also, make sure your home is well-insulated, with adequate insulation in the walls, floors, and ceilings, to help keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Finally, consider adding some smart home technologies, such as programmable thermostats, smart locks, and energy-saving appliances, to make your home more convenient and energy-efficient.

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In conclusion, these are the top 5 biggest turnoffs for homebuyers when touring homes, and some tips for avoiding them. By addressing these common issues, you can increase the appeal of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Whether you’re preparing your home for sale, or just looking to improve your living space, these tips can help you make the most of your investment and create a comfortable and inviting home for potential buyers, and yourself!