Top 10 home-buyer turn-offs
Learn how to avoid making your home a turn-off when you're looking to sell.
In many cities across Canada, the real estate market has cooled noticeably from the heady days of a year ago. There is a growing inventory of houses on the market, and buyers are much choosier than ever before. If you're planning to sell, it's important that you put your very best foot forward, if you want to sell quickly and at a decent price.
1 Wacky paint colours
Some buyers can overlook strange decor choices and picture the house painted white or in tasteful neutrals, but many can't. Furthermore, colour can have a strong effect on mood, both positively and negatively.
Don't take the chance.
2 DirtA house for sale should be as near to spotless as you can make it. Particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, grimy grout, stained countertops, dishes in the sink and crunchy floors are definite turn-offs. Do at least a light cleaning before every showing and a more thorough clean each weekend before the open house.
3 Odd (or oppressive) smellsIf you smoke, at least take it outside while the house is up for sale. In fact, any noticeable odours, whether pets, lingering cooking smells or even heavy perfume, can turn away a potential buyer. Use fabric refresher on upholstery and air fresheners or room scents where needed, but use a light hand.
4 Unkempt exteriorCurb appeal makes a very strong impression on a potential buyer, and so does lack of it. Make sure the landscaping is trimmed and the lawn mowed; plant a few annuals or cover your flowerbeds with a neat layer of mulch, staying away from the bright red colour and opting for the natural coloured mulch. If the front porch needs painting, paint it. Also, keep the outside of your home as tidy as the interior: remove kids' toys from the backyard, and keep the porch steps swept.
5 Too many petsIt's hard to believe that not everybody loves Fluffy, Fifi, and Rover as much as you do, but they don't. A dog that comes barking fiercely to the door as soon as you ring the bell, or worse, a whole pack of them, is unnerving. One cat sleeping quietly in a chair might be fine; a noisy (and possibly smelly) menagerie isn't. Try to find temporary homes for your friends, at least while the house is being shown.
7 Clean window screens by removing them and laying them on the ground in the yard. Spray with the garden hose, wipe with a soapy cloth and rinse with the hose.
8 Clean shower curtains. Cloth curtains: Take them down and wash them in the washing machine, then hang them outside to dry. Before hanging them back up in the shower, soak them in salt water to prevent mildew. Plastic curtains: Leave them hanging in the shower and spray the top with your favourite cleaner, letting it run down to cover the entire curtain. Allow cleaner to sit for a few minutes, then rinse with the showerhead or wipe with a sponge.
9 Clean drains. Nothing says summer like a fresh-smelling home, and stale drains can sometimes give off a subtle odour. In the kitchen and bathroom drains, pour about half a box of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a small plate or bowl for a few minutes. Complete the process by running the cold-water tap for a few minutes.
10 Clean all filters. Your dehumidifier may be getting a workout this season, as will your central air conditioner and air-purifier unit. Remove each of those filters and screens, submerge them in water and gently brush with a cloth. Let stand outside to dry before reattaching.
11 Disinfect all your garbage cans and recycling bins. Take them outside and douse them with cleaner. Grab a tall, cool drink and call your best friend. When you get off the phone, attack garbage cans with the garden hose. Leave them upside down on the deck and put your feet up until they drip-dry.
12 Clean out the kitty litter box. Those plastic buckets, domes, houses and other containers are indestructible, it's true -- but that doesn't mean they don't get filthy. Take the litter box out to the backyard and hose it down. Soap and water will work wonders. style at home