The seven things which put buyers off your house – and why junk rooms and bright colours are a massive no-no
IF you’re looking to sell your home experts have shared seven tips to make it more appealing to buyers – and why bright colours and junk rooms are strictly off-limits.
Coronavirus massively impacted the housing market, but if you’re getting ready to welcome buyers back to look around your home, follow these tips to ensure it’s as attractive as possible.
Experts from TheMoneyPig.com advised getting rid of as much clutter as possible to make the space look bigger, and it helps buyers visualise themselves there.
Mess – including junk rooms, chaotic cupboards and clutter – are all off-putting to buyers.
But it can also cast a doubt in people’s minds as to how well the house has been looked after, so it’s worth getting rid of as much as possible before viewings.
The experts said: “Dirty rooms, appliances, or furniture are a sure-fire way of putting doubt in buyers’ minds as to how well the rest of the property has been looked after, so keeping your home clean and tidy is really important.”
Seven things which buyers find off-putting
- Kerb appeal
- Overgrown garden
- Damp and mould
- Cracks
- Dark rooms
- Clutter
- Garish decor
Similarly while your home may reflect your personal style, try and tone down bright decor so it appeals to a broad range of tastes.
It might mean getting out a paintbrush yourself, but you’ll probably attract a lot more interest with a neutral colour palette.
TheMoneyPig said: “If your personal décor choices are too garish – think elaborate wallpaper patterns or gaudy paint colours – buyers will have a hard time seeing past it. Choose instead inoffensive, neutral tones.”
The experts also underlined how important first impressions are, so you want to ensure the outside of your house looks as good as possible.
Trying to see your property through buyers’ eyes is essential
The Money Pig
If you have a garden, make sure it’s tidy and trim grass, hedges and flowerbeds before any viewing.
The experts shared some cheap ways to brighten up a dull exterior, saying: “You might have to replace a front door or windows, paint tired woodwork, and give everything a good clean.
“You could also plant a welcoming flower bed, and jet wash walkways.”
And the back garden is equally important, as an overgrown or dilapidated patch of land sends all the wrong signals to buyers.
Another key area is damp and mould, which can put a buyer off on the spot no matter the size and location of the house.
Crumbling plasterwork and damp stains on ceilings are all massive red flags that indicate a property will need money to fix.
Just like damp, cracks can also signal that a house can turn into a money pit, even if superficial.
The experts advised: “Home buyers’ number one concern is that the house they purchase may be hiding an expensive secret, so visible cracks in walls or ceilings are sure to set alarm bells ringing.
You have to be as objective as possible about your home
TheMoneyPig
“But this doesn’t mean you should just bodge it or try to cover up the issue. If you can’t repair it, you need to be upfront with the buyers.”
Meanwhile dark rooms can make a space feel small and dingy, so while you can’t add an extra window think about how to make an area as bright as possible.
Ditch heavy curtains or blinds and consider replacing them with something white or translucent.
The Money Pig advised: “Position a mirror in the darkest corner of the room to reflect light.”
And you can buy brighter light bulbs or even add in some lamps at key areas, illuminating the area.
A spokesperson for TheMoneyPig.com said: “Putting your house on the market can be a long, drawn out and often stressful process, so you want to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible to prevent any delays and get it sold quickly.
“Trying to see your property through buyers’ eyes is essential – you have to be as objective as possible about your home.
“This means making it as easy as possible for prospective home buyers to imagine themselves in your home.
“Tidying up rooms and gardens, fixing anything that could present significant issues, and even getting rid of garish décor will all help to make your home sought-after with buyers.”
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