Turnoffs for Home Buyers
Numerous studies have been made to determine what turns buyers off when shopping for a home. Following is a summary of the 21 most common reasons:
- The asking price is too far above the last comparable home sales. This discourages offers.
- The house is dark making it uninviting.
- The seller will not permit a key safe or lockbox on the property, making it difficult or inconvenient for agents to show the property to their clients.
- Potential buyers feel uncomfortable exploring the property because the owners and/or their pets are present.
- The house smells like tobacco smoke.
- The house is located on a very busy street or backs up to a very busy street.
- The house is close to open space that is a fire hazard.
- The entry door is in poor condition, creating a poor early impression.
- Significant improvements were made to the property without building permits.
- The heating and air conditioning system is not functioning, leaving the impression that a costly repair is ahead.
- Stains on the ceiling, or around windows, call into question the condition of the roof and/or windows.
- There is visible evidence of termite damage.
- Pet odors are evident.
- There are stucco cracks that suggest a foundation or soils compaction problem.
- Non-traditional paint colors have been used.
- Old wallpaper is in need of removal.
- The kitchen appliances are old and in poor condition.
- “Popcorn ceilings” from the 1960s and 1970s, likely containing asbestos, have not been replaced.
- Old, worn wall to wall carpeting is in need of replacement.
- The house is over-loaded with furniture storage, and other items, making the house look smaller than its actual size.
- The pool needs to be re-plastered.
PacificBusinessAdvisors.com
818-991-9019