Top 10 Worst Home-Showing Offenses - Trying to sell your home? Don''t do anything on this list!

When it comes to presenting a home to buyers, some sellers are clueless.

Some sellers are leaving buyers with a bad impression?  These offences can cause buyers to run for the exit and not give your home a chance.

1. Leftover home owners

By far, one of the top offenses cited by buyer’s agents was home owners still lingering around when agents arrived with clients to preview the home. Awkward encounters ranged from buyers finding sellers taking a shower, asleep in the bed, to even the “stalker sellers” who liked to follow buyers and the agent all over the home to see what they thought.

With the exception of the “stalker seller,” many of the home owners who were still at home blamed their listing agent for not giving them enough advance notice about the appointment prior.

2. Pets and their messes

Numerous agents also cited the not-so-friendly dog and kitty encounters as a top offense. Even pets left in a crate can pose a distraction since they might make noise the entire time others are in the house. Plus, if they seem mean, the buyer might not even step in the room.

Remember, a potential buyer should leave your home with a good impression, not one where they were uncomfortable.

3. Bad smells

A displeasing smell can really turn buyers off. Common offenses include cooking smells lingering around the home, such as garlic, fried bacon, or fish. Also, watch for cigarette smoke and animal smells - which tend to be the worst.

Sellers get immune to the smell that their pets have embedded on their property. Anyone opening the door will smell it immediately -- even if there are air fresheners trying to cover up the smell. If you have a pet, there will be an odor. Don’t send your buyers away: Paint and clean the carpeting. Take the odor seriously and do what is needed, even if it means replacing the carpet.

4. Critters running wild

Wild animals and pests roaming around is a surefire way to send buyers running. Deal with these issues before listing.  Mouse and ant traps laying around the home won't entice potential buyers into making an offer.

5. Odd home makeovers

Do-it-yourself disasters are also prevalent, like doors opening the wrong way or unprofessional paint jobs. Also, rooms not being used for their intended purposes can confuse buyers, such as an office being used as a bedroom even though it has no closet.

6. Dirt and clutter

There were a number of offenses cited when it came to cleanliness: Dirty laundry piles, unflushed toilets and toilet lids in the upright position, dishes on the counter or in the sink, unmade beds, clothes scattered about, soiled carpets, dirty air conditioner filters, and overflowing trash cans.

7. Personal information left in plain sight

Sellers should be careful not to leave in plain sight important documents that may pique buyers’ curiosity. Some agents say they’ve seen personal information like bank and credit card statements—even mortgage payoff notices—left on the kitchen counter.

8. Too dark

Dark or dimly lit houses aren’t showing the home in the best light.  Trying to be energy efficient while trying to sell your home is not a good idea.  Don't use energy efficient bulbs, have all the lights on for showings and use extra lighting if needed.  Also, all the bulbs should be the same, not a mish mash of different wattage and types.

9. Keys missing from lockboxes

All too often, agents arrive at a listing appointment with their client only to find there’s no key to get in. Make sure the agents showing have easy and clear access to get into the property.

10. Distracting photos

Be careful of the photos displayed on the walls too.  Nothing racy (please take down your "boudoire" photos.  Plain abstract prints are the best, and they making adding a splash of colour in each room easy with a throw or pillow that draws a colour from the artwork.

To discuss staging ideas or for a complimentary home evaluation, please contact me today!