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		5 Things Buyers Hate: Tony Barker considers helping people understand how to sell their homes. First and always we must put ourselves in the minds of a buyer (and their agent). Here are the top five things buyers hate about many houses: smell, cleaniliness, seller at home, clutter and unfinished projects. Below you can read why.
SMELL...Overwhelmingly, the #1 complaint among prospective buyers were unpleasant odors in the home. The chief offenders were cigarrette (and other) smoke, pet odors, and strange cooking aromas. Some in the discussion said they turned right around and walked out because they found the smells so oppressive. Most of us are unaware of the 'peculiar' odors of our homes because we become immune to the smells - the buyers are not immune to these same odors. Additionally, plug in, spray or misting scent makers can clash with bad smells. Many people are allergic to them as well. Check the next complaint (clean, clean and clean) to solve this one. Also consider neutralizing products from vinegar to fabreeze. CLEANLINESS...This one just boggles my mind - the #2 complaint that buyers had about the homes they viewed was that the seller simply did not bother to clean. We're not talking about home staging (which will help) or even unrealistic expectations of the home being spotless - just simple old-fashioned cleaning. Selling your home can be a bit inconvient, but when you have advance notice that a buyer is coming to view your home - clean it up!!! Dust, wipe down, vacuum, mop, and spray lysol. SELLER AT HOME...Coming in at #3 is having the owners at home while the buyers are tring to view it. Most buyers felt very uncomfortable with the seller there. Many said they could not take the time to really look at the features of the home because they were in such a hurry to get away from the seller. This is a real problem for FSBOs, as they are usually the ones showing their own home. This is so bad for the seller in may ways. I add it as an expectation in my listing information. CLUTTER...The #4 complaint is related to the cleanliness point - the dreaded clutter. We have all seen it on the home shows, many buyers have a hard time seeing your home because of all the stuff. Having furniture is good, vacant is good and pictures on the walls great but boxes and shelves of stuff and dust collectors can make a large room look small and cramped. UNFINISHED OR SLOPPY PROJECTS...Unfinished projects take the #5 spot. If you are planning on selling your home, finish up any on-going home improvement projects before placing it on the market. Homes with half-finished painting, flooring, trim, etc. gave buyers a bad overall impression. I have seen many tile floors without proper spacing killing the homes value. But, none of the above matters if your home is overpriced. Buyers really hated it when the homes were priced above what the market indicates. An obviously overpriced home discourages offers because the buyer believes it is an indication of an unrealistic and unreasonable seller. The more out-of-line your price is with the current market, the longer your home will sit unsold and the more inconvenient the process is for you (the seller). If your home is priced correctly and you have addressed the other items on this list, it will stand out. Click here to see Tony Barker's Biography.