Selling Your House? Here Are Three Issues That Buyers Strongly Dislike!

For most, the main goal of selling a house is to maximize profit and sell at the ideal time, quickly, with little to no problems. To sell a property for a high price, people generally use real estate experts such as agents and brokers. Not only can sellers benefit from an expert’s experience, but they can also take advantage of real estate technologies, such as Multiple Listing Services (MLS), that realtors use to showcase properties. Being listed on this database is particularly helpful in a competitive market. But there are a few other things homeowners can do to help expedite a home sale. This includes fixing up things buyers generally don’t like that can kill a sale or cut a profit. Here are three common examples of things buyers hate:

1) Dated appliances –There are several reasons why it’s generally a good idea to update older appliances, even those in working order, prior to a home sale. Most homebuyers will refuse to pay top dollar for a house featuring old appliances. Newer appliances are generally favored due to reliability and less energy costs to run them. Buyers also know that replacement parts for older appliances may be difficult to come by. Aesthetics may come into play as well. Avocado green or other out-of-date colors scream ancient and can turn off buyers seeking sleeker designs. The optimal thing to do is to talk to your real estate expert to determine which, if any, appliances need replacement. Your real estate expert may also provide insight regarding the type of appliances buyers seek out most, whether it be stainless steel or white and which features are most desirable. Note that if an appliance is broken or needs replacement, the seller is generally expected to repair, replace, or disclose it to the buyers. Your real estate professional is familiar with federal, state, and local law regarding sales matters and can best direct you.

2) Carpets in bathrooms – Carpet in the bathroom became a big thing in the 1960s and 1970s. The crazy trend is now dated and out of style. Moreover, today’s buyers do not like carpets in bathrooms as they are unsanitary. Not only can wall-to-wall bathroom carpets harbor germs, but they also absorb and hold wetness. Per Bobvila.com, carpet is a magnet for moisture and its by-products. “That’s why the Centers for Disease Control recommend avoiding carpet in the bathroom.” Mold is a big issue that can rot subflooring and can be costly to resolve.  It can also pose health hazards and cause breathing issues. Thus, bathroom carpeting is highly undesirable. Most often, kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. Chances are, if competitors are offering better bathroom flooring in their homes, or your carpeting has mold or makes your home less desirable, you’ll likely be advised by your real estate professional to make the change from carpets to tile or flooring that can handle some moisture. Though there currently is no federal law against selling a house with mold, some states require the seller to disclose issues both past and present.

3) Gloomy rooms – Light and bright houses tend to sell faster than dark and dull ones. There are several ways to lighten up a home, including painting over deep or gloomy colors with happy and neutral tones. Remove large, dark pieces of furniture that overpower rooms and make spaces feel smaller. Introduce lighter bedding coverlets and accessories. Be sure to get rid of heavy dark drapery to let the sunshine in and make the most of the beautiful outdoor views. Also, consider adding lighting to rooms to illuminate your home during your showings. Talk to your real estate professional to see if it is helpful to hire a qualified electrician to install permanent light fixtures in dark spaces such as an entry foyer, a closet, over the kitchen sink or workspace, and more. There are very affordable lighting fixtures on the market that look high-end and may positively impact your sale by simply illuminating your space.  

Homeowners generally hope to sell their homes fast and for more money. While there is no single rule for making improvements before a home hits the market, it is beneficial to analyze what changes can be made within one’s budget and understand how these changes can positively impact the sales price. Changes, as described above, can make homes appeal to a larger pool of buyers who ultimately may enter bidding wars, situations in which two or more parties outbid each other as they compete to buy a home. For advice on what changes to make and what to leave as is, consult your real estate expert. Remember to keep an open mind when receiving advice. Bear in mind that a home sale is ultimately a business deal, so you’ll want to be receptive to honest and unbiased advice from your real estate professional.