Property pro shares the biggest icks putting buyers off your home & the popular garden item that needs binning right now
WHEN selling your house there’s a lot of little things that put viewers off, and the biggest bug bear is on your lawn.
A property expert from Purple Bricks has shared the biggest turn offs for potential home buyers which could shave thousands off its value – or even stop a sale altogether.
According to the chief sales officer Vince Courtney, a new survey says there are a whopping 19 ‘icks’ that people look out for when poking around a prospective home and they’re not all inside your four walls.
Vince revealed: “Make sure your property doesn’t feature any of the things that could make selling it tougher.”
We’ve picked out the biggest outdoor culprits viewers see as an eyesore and how to put a stop to the problem fast.
Garden gnomes
Thought everyone loved garden gnomes? Apparently not.
Stacey Solomon made gonks go viral in shops like B&M but gnomes are still very much a thumbs down in the eyes of our buyers.
It’s not just bobble-hatted gnomes giving folk the ick. Vince says there are some seriously scary statues hanging around on people’s lawns.
From goblins and gargoyles to life-like human forms, they’re an absolute no and need hiding immediately.
Vince says it’s important to hide things that could distract people from what they’re really there to see: your home.
Horrid smells
We know, the big black bin has got to live somewhere… but at least put it out of sight (and smell).
An overflowing bin will offend nostrils and stop people sticking around to get a better look at your home.
Vince suggests ventilation, oil diffusers and air fresheners if the bin is inside the home. But your best bet is to find the root cause and get rid of the stench for good.
Cigarette butts in your plant pots
You’ve probably aired out the house and chucked your lighter in a drawer before viewers arrive, but don’t forget about your outdoor space.
Vince advises sellers to clean up cigarette butts in the garden – the last thing buyers want to see is a load of fags hanging around by the pansies.
Dog mess
According to the Purple Bricks survey, more than two in five homebuyers would be unimpressed to see dog mess on your lawn, not to mention the pong it gives off.
Try and take your dog for a walk before a viewing and, Vince suggests, check your garden thoroughly before people visit.
Neighbours’ messy gardens
You’re probably too wrapped up about the state of your own home to worry about what the neighbour’s looks like but if next door’s lawn is messy, it could be a big turn off.
Vince says an unattractive front garden next door can damage the ‘kerb appeal’ of your home. Plus, a jungle-like lawn at the rear is a bit of an eyesore from the bedroom, too.
Why not offer to help your neighbour clean up their garden, says Vince. It could add a few pounds to your house value.