Articles Property Agent Guide 5 Turnoffs for Home Buyers

5 Turnoffs for Home Buyers

There are no definite ways to sell real estate correctly. But there are wrong ways to do it that may drive away buyers.

When it comes to selling a house, there are no perfect ways to do it. But there are a lot of wrong ways to do it.

Buyers respond differently to different sales tactics; it is up to the agent to find ways to appeal to property seekers and secure that deal. It could take a great deal to attract buyers to your listing, but it doesn’t take much to drive them away.

The rule of thumb is to make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in the property you are selling. That includes staging the property, having a balance between personalizing and depersonalizing the property, and staying true to what you are offering on your online listing.

Here are the top 5 turnoffs that can drive away potential buyers from your property:

1. Overeager and clingy sellers

Nothing is more off-putting for buyers than hard-selling agents. It is important to give space to the buyers to look at their options and assess them. It takes time for them to get hooked on a particular property and bombarding them with excessive marketing will not make them choose your property any faster. In fact, it might only drive them away further.

The tip is to be accessible and available for them when they need assistance or more information. You should not pressure them into buying your property at all costs. Not only will this drive them away, but this will also affect your reputation as an agent.

2. Deceiving photos

Of course, it is no question that sellers would want to make their property as attractive as possible. Taking photos in clever angles and good lighting, and even using Photoshop to retouch them can help improve how your property looks when showcased online. However, the images must not be far from how it originally looks like.

Deceptive photos are a huge turnoff for buyers especially when they visit the property in person. The key is to set realistic expectations – make your photos appealing but realistic.

This does not mean that you just leave your listing photos as it is. Poor quality photos can also drive away potential buyers. This is why hiring professional photographers can be beneficial when marketing your listing. They can take photos that are realistic and not deceptive.

It is also possible for you to take good photos of your own. Follow our tips on the right angles, lighting, and property staging.

Two computer screens with editing software and layouts displayed.

3. Incomplete listing details

We live in an age where convenience is king – where everything is readily available.

Online listings with little to no details may not draw in as many buyers as you think it would. Although it might intrigue some to ask for more details, the majority would likely just move on to the next one that offers more details.

Payment terms may be opted out of the description because those are better talked about with the buyer. But other details such as available amenities, room specifications, key features, and other property information must be easily available on the listing. This allows them to have a better understanding of what your property has to offer.

4. Bad odors

Every home has a distinct smell – may it be from the fresh paint or the greenery within the property. Having a distinct smell to your home may not necessarily be a bad thing, but bad smells are.

Strong, bad odors can be overwhelming for buyers and can drive them away when doing a site inspection of the property. The key is to eliminate the smell and not mask it. Masking it can only make the existing smell turn out worse than it initially was.

Open windows to let air circulate and bring in the fresh air. Use coal to deodorize used refrigerators. Use linen spray on curtains for a more pleasant-smelling room and pleasing atmosphere.

5. Dirt and clutter

When it comes to attracting potential buyers, you must appeal to their senses, namely sight and smell – most importantly sight. People often buy what attracts them at first sight and the said can be said for properties. It’s often listing photos that catch their attention. And the property itself is what seals the deal once they have seen it in person.

The number one rule when it comes to property inspection is to keep the property nice and tidy. Keep all the clutter away and make sure that there is no visible dirt. Corners must be clear of cobwebs.

Staging the house can help greatly in enhancing the buyer’s purchasing experience but make sure that it does not end up messy. Decorate enough to help them imagine what it’s like living in the property without leaving it disorganized.

Cluttered receiving area.

Overall, turnoffs vary from buyer to buyer. Do not be discouraged when you do not meet their set of criteria. There’s no such thing as perfection when it comes to selling real estate.

There is a long list of factors that can repel buyers. With that said, it is important to know what they are looking for in order to cater to their needs and expectations. When it comes to the property, here are some general turnoffs you might want to take note of.

1. Not enough storage area.

2. Chipped paint or discolored wallpapers.

3. Lack of natural lighting in the house.

4. Water or moisture damage.

5. Old fixtures like door knobs, fans, and tapware.

6. Visible molds on tiles and even furniture.

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