Whether you’re buying a home for the first time or selling it, there are various negative attributes that potential buyers will be looking out for. These attributes aren’t as simple as the wrong colour walls or the wrong type of flooring, it’s the things that aren’t as easily changed. While it’s unlikely that you’ll find a home that you’re happy to move into straight away with no adjustments, there are a few non-negotiables that you should bear in mind. Detailed below are some of the biggest turn offs for home buyers, each of which you should look to avoid, regardless of whether you’re buying or selling.
Damp Problems
The first turn off for home buyers is wet walls. Whether it’s penetrating or rising damp, damp problems never indicate anything good about a property. Instead, they suggest that a suitable damp proof course isn’t in place and amending damp issues can be very costly. Despite this, when left alone, damp issues are only exacerbated and can lead to structural instability later down the line. Not to mention, damp and mould patches are often unsightly and cause an unpleasant musty odour. Overall, damp issues are far from pleasant in a property, and they do no favours when it comes to buying and selling.
Noise
It goes without saying that prospective buyers are looking for a space of tranquillity and peace when it comes to purchasing a property. While it’s not always possible to eliminate noise entirely, there are steps that can be taken to inhibit exterior noise from entering the property. This includes triple glazed windows, airtight window and door seals, proper insulation, and much more. No one wants a structure of thin walls through which you can hear the likes of the traffic and your neighbour’s conversations. If you’re buying or selling a home in a particularly busy area, ensure these measures are implemented.
An Unkempt Exterior
The exterior of a home is the first thing that a prospective buyer will encounter, paving the way for their perception of the rest of the home. As a result, it’s essential that gardens aren’t unkempt or overgrown. It’s not just the front garden that needs to be of concern, but also bins can’t be overflowing, the path can’t have weeds poking through, and the paint on the front door can’t be chipped. If the front of the house hasn’t been cared for, it indicates that there will be problems beyond the front door.
Odours
A home could be absolutely stunning, but if it has an unpleasant smell to it, this can be incredibly off-putting. Some of the most unpleasant odours a home can have include pungent food, cigarettes, and pets. If you’re looking to sell your property, you should have one of your friends come in to perform a “sniff test”. This is because we become immune to the smells in our own environments. In order to avoid the presence of smells in your property before a viewing, make sure you open the windows, spray air fresheners, or light a candle.
Clutter
Last but not least, clutter may not seem like a big deal, as this won’t be being sold with the house. Despite this, clutter indicates that the home is lacking storage space, which is a huge dealbreaker for many prospective buyers. Therefore, before selling your house, it’s a good idea to have a clear out or store your non-immediate items in the garage or in a loft. A minimalistic environment is the way forward when selling a property, as prospective buyers want to envision themselves in the house.
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