Selling a house takes more than putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard and waiting for offers to roll in. Buyers start making judgments before they even walk through the front door. They see your listing photos, pull up to the property, and begin deciding whether the house feels like somewhere they could live.
Some choices that seem harmless to a seller can make a home less appealing, raise questions, or distract buyers from its best features. A little preparation before listing can make the entire process easier.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid before and during a home sale.
Leave Personal Photos and Memorabilia on Display
Family photos, children’s artwork, vacation souvenirs, and personal collections are part of what makes a house feel like home to you. For a buyer, though, they can make it harder to picture the space as their own.
You don’t have to strip the house completely bare. Put away some of the more personal items and leave the rooms with enough character to feel welcoming without making them feel tied to one family.
Hide Major Problems
Trying to cover up a leak, foundation crack, electrical issue, or another major defect is a risky move.
A home inspection can uncover problems you hoped buyers wouldn’t notice. If a serious issue comes to light late in the sale, it can lead to renegotiation, delays, or a buyer backing out. Being upfront about known problems gives everyone a clearer picture from the start.
Ignore Curb Appeal
Buyers form an opinion before they step inside. An overgrown lawn, dirty walkway, peeling paint, or messy front entrance can make the property feel neglected.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on landscaping. Mow the lawn, trim overgrown plants, sweep the entryway, clean the front door, and take care of obvious exterior repairs.
Related: 13 Exterior Home Ideas for the Ultimate Curb Appeal
Keep Bold or Highly Personal Decor
Your bright blue walls or themed guest room might be exactly what you love about the house. A buyer may see it and immediately start thinking about how much work it will take to change.
Strong paint colors, unusual furniture arrangements, political displays, and highly themed rooms can pull attention away from the home’s actual features. Neutralizing a few rooms can give buyers more room to picture their own furniture and style in the space.
Overwhelm Buyers With Strong Scents
A house that smells fresh is pleasant. A house that smells strongly of candles, plug-in fragrances, or room sprays can raise questions.
Some buyers may wonder whether a strong scent is covering up pet odors, cigarette smoke, mildew, or another problem. Before a showing, open the windows when possible, take out the trash, clean pet areas, and deal with the source of any unpleasant odors instead of trying to cover them up.
Leave Seasonal Decorations in Listing Photos
Holiday decorations can look great in person, but they can date your listing photos surprisingly quickly.
If your house stays on the market for several weeks or months, Christmas decorations in the listing photos can look strange once spring arrives. Keep listing photos fairly timeless so they continue to represent the property throughout the sale.
Stay Home During Showings
It can feel strange having strangers walk through your home, but buyers tend to feel more comfortable when the seller isn’t there.
When homeowners are present, buyers may hold back their comments, rush through rooms, or avoid discussing concerns with their agent. If possible, leave during showings and let the buyers take their time looking around.
Overprice Your Home From the Start
It’s tempting to list high with the thought that you can always lower the price later. The problem is that an overpriced home can sit on the market while competing properties attract buyers.
A listing that stays active for a long time may also make buyers wonder whether something is wrong with the property. Work with your real estate agent to set a price based on recent comparable sales, the condition of the house, and current local demand.
Skip Decluttering and Deep Cleaning
A buyer shouldn’t have to look past piles of belongings to see the size of a room.
Clear off countertops, organize closets, remove excess furniture, and clean the areas that tend to get overlooked. A tidy home gives buyers a better sense of the available space and makes listing photos look much better.
Related: Decluttering Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Organization Efforts
Neglect Minor Repairs
Small problems can add up quickly during a showing. A dripping faucet, loose cabinet handle, scuffed wall, burnt-out bulb, or squeaky door may seem too minor to worry about, but buyers notice these details.
None of these fixes needs to be expensive in most cases. Spend some time walking through the house with a notepad and make a list of the little things you’ve learned to live with. Fixing them before listing can leave the house feeling cared for and ready for its next owner.
