Beware these house-hunting problems
It takes just eight minutes for someone to decide whether or not a property is right for them. Clearly, first impressions are key when it comes to selling a house so you need to stack the odds in your favor. From grime and clutter to garish décor, nasty odors and excessive noise pollution, click or scroll on to discover the crucial issues most likely to put people off buying your home.
Location, location, location…
When it comes to selling a house, location is everything. Is your property situated next to a school, a bar, a busy road or an unsightly landmark or installation (think power lines or gas stations)? Well, all of these things can deter buyers. “The biggest obstacle is location,” real estate agent Gerard Marino told Business Insider in 2019. “A bad location can only be corrected with a low price.”
Poor internet and phone signal
Many people love the idea of living in the middle of nowhere far away from civilization with nothing but the rolling hills for company. Yet in this modern age, we all also need access to high-speed internet. According to GoCompare Home Insurance, properties that find themselves in an internet black spot turn off around 44% of buyers, while poor mobile phone signal deters 35% – two staggeringly high statistics.
Raucous neighbors
While it might be unfair to tarnish all students with the same brush – and we’re sure not all student neighbors are guilty of mid-week parties and unkempt yards – GoCompare Home Insurance found that homes positioned next to student rentals deter 33% of buyers. Elana Delafraz of REAL New York also told Business Insider in 2019: “Homes that are next to places like a fraternity house […] could be particularly tricky to sell.”
A lack of utilities
If your home is not connected to utilities, you could be putting house-hunters off too. This is especially true when it comes to mains gas. Plus, homes powered by underground oil tanks can also deter buyers. The testing, removal and backfill for an oil tank can cost around $8,000, which is an expense many don’t want to take on.
Work in progress
People like to feel like they’re buying a home that’s ready to move into, not one which is ‘in progress’. Half-completed building projects will likely make buyers nervous, not least because of the uncertainty around the quality of work already carried out. At the very least, you’ll need to offer certificates and confirmation of the renovations undertaken as reassurance.
Dirt and grime
It goes without saying that many house-hunters are repelled by dirt and grime. In fact, according to the GoCompare Home Insurance study, 31% of buyers would avoid purchasing a property if they found it in an unhygienic state. If the home you’re selling is old or has been long-abandoned, then sprucing it up as much as possible could be a good way of securing some offers.
An old or broken water heater
Buyers want to be confident that the heating system won’t let them down during the winter, plus an energy-efficient model will likely lead to lower bills – a big bonus for house-hunters. If your water heater is over 10 years old, then it might be time for an upgrade.
Noise pollution
For obvious reasons, noise can be an instant deterrent for potential buyers. In fact, according to a survey completed by Foxtons in 2017, properties located on busy roads are the least desirable. Whether you live under a flight path, next to a motorway or alongside a train line, noise pollution is non-negotiable for many. So, if you’re attempting to sell in a loud or bustling location, consider the value of installing triple glazing prior to listing your home.
Being overlooked
When searching for their dream home, a house-hunter may be skeptical about spending their hard-earned cash on a property with an exposed garden. If you happen to own a house surrounded by nosy neighbors, consider how you could turn your backyard into a secluded oasis – it might be as simple as planting a few trees or installing some privacy screens
Awkward layouts
While small kitchens and box bedrooms are always unappealing, awkward layouts can be even more difficult for homeowners to deal with. If you’re trying to sell a house with challenging nooks, redundant alcoves or structural elements located in very annoying places, consider how you could dress your home to overcome a tricky interior flow. Space-saving circular tables and clever built-in furnishings can help streamline a tricky space.
Low ceilings
In the same way that cramped rooms can put buyers off, low ceilings can also be a big issue for people. Generally, the lower the ceiling, the darker and smaller a room appears – not exactly must-haves for house-hunters!
A tarnished history
Unsurprisingly, homes with a tarnished history are far less likely to sell. From those that are considered haunted to those that have been the scene of a grisly incident, homes with a notorious past tend to scare off potential buyers. Whether your house is located in a high-crime area or it boasts its very own pet cemetery, buyers may be wary of your property.
Unsightly neighboring homes
In 2015, online estate agents Tepilo revealed the biggest turn-offs for house-hunters. Coming in at number five was unsightly neighboring homes. When searching for their dream pile, buyers not only look at the property they’re considering owning, but those located nearby too. In fact, 35% of people interviewed stated that they wouldn’t buy a house if the property next door had an overgrown garden or a shabby exterior.
Tiny kitchens
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, so very few house-hunters are keen to sign up to a tiny, cramped kitchen that’s difficult to maneuver around. According to a 2018 survey by GoCompare home insurance, almost 40% of people wouldn’t buy a house with a small kitchen. So, if you’re attempting to sell a house with an undesirable cooking zone, check out these space-saving ideas to make the most out of every inch of space.
Rooms filled with junk
Potential buyers don’t want to have to step over clothes and toys that have been left scattered about when they come to view your property. Be sure to put things away – a good place to start is by packing up any off-season clothes and shoes that you don’t need easy access to. Thinning out piles of books and DVDs will help too. These secret storage spaces in your home will help you hide the mess.
Popcorn ceilings
This textured ceiling style is not only old-fashioned, but it accumulates dirt and is really hard to paint. If you’re struggling to sell it might be worth considering removing the popcorn finish and painting everything in a clean bright white.
Clutter
Perhaps you don’t see your treasured possessions as clutter but a buyer might feel overwhelmed if there are too many things in one room. Try and be objective about what to keep and what needs to go. The aim is to make the rooms feel as big and bright as possible, so streamline your shelves and remove any occasional furniture that you don’t obviously need. If you’re struggling for storage space, then either look at putting your possessions away in a unit or ask a friend or family member to look to look after your bits for a short time.
Wall effects
Most buyers will take one look at wood paneling, wallpaper or paint effects and think of the work to remove them. Not only can they look old fashioned, they can also make the house seem small and dark.
An overgrown garden
If you don’t know what’s hiding in the depths of your overgrown yard, potential buyers won’t want to know either. Mowing the lawn, weeding the plants, trimming the bushes and removing garbage will make a big difference when it comes to attracting buyers.
Old-fashioned bathroom
A tired old bathroom is a big turn-off for buyers but updating them can cost thousands and, as a seller, you really need to protect your profit margins. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that the bathroom matches the quality of the rest of the house. If you’ve renovated the entire house except the bathroom then you’d be foolish not to give it a budget revamp with a plain white suite to bring it up to scratch. But if the house overall is a fixer-upper, there’s little point in an expensive makeover.
Carpet
Carpet is acceptable in most rooms but in the bathroom, it can be a complete turn-off. It only absorbs excess moisture and can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. You have nothing to lose by ripping it up. If there are floorboards underneath you can paint them for a much fresher look, or go for budget-friendly vinyl in a neutral color for a quick fix.
An old kitchen in disrepair
Much like an old bathroom, how much you need to do to the kitchen is decided by the standard of the rest of the house. At the very least you should scrub the kitchen until it shines as no buyer will want to imagine themselves living in a house with a dirty kitchen. Bleach the mold and mildew from the tiles, fix any broken cupboards and clean the stove. For a cheap update, paint the cupboard doors in a neutral color and replace the handles. Just before buyers arrive, brew some fresh coffee and add fresh flowers to brighten up the room.
Dodgy DIY
Exposed wires, holes in the wall and chipped paint will send buyers running in the other direction. Luckily these are all small jobs that can be fixed quickly and cheaply. Do an inventory of the whole house and bring in a professional handyman to tackle them all in a job lot. It will make a huge difference to the overall first impression your home gives to buyers.
Small, tight rooms
There’s obviously not a lot you can do about it, but there’s no question that cramped spaces deter people from buying a house. Have a think about how you can change the layout of your furniture to make a small improvement or swap oversized furnishings for smaller models that work with the space you have. Stick to light colors and don’t try and put too much in there.
Home aquariums
While your bespoke, built-in aquarium might be your pride and joy, chances are most homeowners won’t have a clue what to do with it. Even if you remove it, the gaping hole won’t sit well with potential buyers, especially if you’re selling a turn-key property that’s otherwise ready to move into. Nip any concerns in the bud early on by having a plan in place to deal with it, so it’s one less barrier to them putting in an offer.
Outdated electrics
Buyers want their appliances to be reliable, so old or sparking electrics in old houses probably won’t fill them with confidence. This is a huge job to replace, so you’ll need to decide whether you want to do it before the sale. If not, you might need to bring down the house price to account for the work needed.
Dark rooms with poor natural light
No-one wants to sit in a dark and dingy room so try getting brighter light bulbs or position lamps in strategic spots and switch them all on for viewings. Failing that cleaning the window can also really brighten up a room. Think about removing blinds or replacing curtains with something translucent and position a mirror in the darkest corner of the room to reflect light. These stylish lighting ideas should show you the way.
No parking space or driveway
No parking can be a major downfall when trying to sell your house, especially for families who need to get around. Think about alternatives to suggest when buyers question you about it. Where can they feasibly park nearby? Being prepared could make the difference on the sale, though for some this will be non-negotiable.
Bad smells: pets, damp and cigarettes
Like clutter and grime, bad smells can ruin your chances of selling. Before the viewers arrive, clear out any ashtrays and make sure any cages or cat litter trays are clean. It’s also a good idea to put pets out and clear up any stray hairs in case your potential buyers are allergic. There’s a reason why many realtors fill their open houses with the smell of freshly baked bread or cookies…
Stains and damp patches
Suspect stains would stop almost three-quarters of home-buyers from purchasing a house. Damp is an area of concern – a musty smell, black mold, stained ceilings or crumbling plasterwork are all warning signs of problems that can be expensive to sort out. Get it fixed before you try to sell!
Bright paintwork
Bright and gaudy colors might put off potential buyers. Paint over anything that reflects your personal taste such as bold hues like scarlet red walls or outlandish wall murals. Neutral, warm colors look more inviting when viewing a house. Take a look at these calm neutral decorating ideas for inspiration.
Cracks
For most home-buyers, their number one concern is that the house may hide an expensive secret that will cost them after the sale is complete, so visible cracks in walls or ceilings are sure to set alarm bells ringing. If there’s no way to repair it you should be upfront with the buyers. Consult a surveyor who can advise if the crack is harmless – in which case you can pass on the report to serious potential buyers. If there’s a bigger problem such as subsidence, you may need to reconsider your asking price.
Zero curb appeal
Any estate agent will tell you that buyers will make up their minds within seconds whether they like your house or not, so first impressions are a huge factor in selling a property. Think about the way your house presents from the street; does it look well-cared for, smart and welcoming? Look at the nicest houses in your neighborhood and copy their style. Replace a front door, paint tired woodwork, make any repairs and give everything a good clean. Even replacing an old door knocker and adding some potted plants can work wonders!
Flood risk
While river views and beachfront homes might seem highly desirable, global warming and rising sea levels have made buying near water riskier than ever. Although flood plain insurance is available to brave buyers, the thought of losing furnishings and valuables is certainly enough to put many house-hunters off.
A lack of outdoor space
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that outdoor space is of the utmost importance. Lockdown irrevocably changed the priorities of buyers around the world. In fact, in 2021 real estate portal Rightmove discovered the most sought-after properties are those with exterior space, whether that be a tiny balcony or a sprawling lawn. Over 60% of the people surveyed said that having access to a yard was their main priority, with most willing to accept a longer commute in order to gain more outdoor space.
Natalie Davies
