Poor curb appeal, unpleasant odors from smoking or pets, and loud or scary pets will deter buyers from fully viewing a home. Signs of dampness, dirt and grime throughout the house, and outdated décor that does not appeal to buyers will also negatively impact potential buyers and stop a home from selling. It is important to address these issues, clean and make any necessary repairs to the home before putting it on the market to attract more buyers.

1. 7 Things that Will Stop Your House
Selling

2. Poor curb appeal
Buyers won't even go inside
if the outside of the
house looks unappealing.
So clean up your front
yard by tidying plants
and pulling up weeds.
Make sure the outside of your home looks well
cared-for by painting the trim, mowing the lawn
and placing attractive potted plants by the door.

3. Unpleasant odors
You may not even notice
bad odors, but buyers
surely will. Smoking and
pets are the prime
causes, so smoke outside
while you are selling your
house and consider what to do with your
animals. Allow the house to air out thoroughly
before viewings - don't just try to mask the odor
with another scent.

4. Loud and scary pets
Apart from the odor of some animals, a big dog
or noisy bird can be off-putting to some buyers.
So keep your dog away when you have viewings
so your potential buyers aren't distracted or,
worse, scared.

5. Signs of damp
Problems with damp are a big
turn-off to many buyers.
Make sure your basement
doesn't smell damp and
there are no signs
of damp on the walls.
It's much better to fix problems now than wait
until buyers point them out to you.

6. Dirt and grime
Although dirt is usually only
cosmetic, it deters buyers,
who will start to think the
house isn't well cared for. So
make sure your kitchen and
bathroom, in particular, are
clean.

7. Bad décor
Although your home's
décor shouldn't matter,
to many buyers it does.
That's because many
want a house they
can move into right away.
So replace any tired or
out-of-date carpets or
wallpapers with a more
neutral, modern scheme.

8. Wrong price
If your house it too expensive compared to
similar properties on the market, you'll turn
away viewers. So take your agent's advice when
it comes to setting a price for your home.

9. Randy Bett
www.BetterGroupRealEstate.ca