It may be a seller’s market in most places now, but you still have to get things right. And that means primarily avoiding those things that can put off potential home buyers. Some things are beyond your control, such as local market conditions. But there is much within your control, and even the smallest of these can make a big difference. So let’s take a look at 6 things that scare off home buyers in Rochester.
1. Pricing Too High
One of the top things that quickly scare away home buyers in Rochester or anywhere else is an overpriced or unrealistically priced home. Overpricing is probably the most common mistake sellers make and is said to be guaranteed to scare away potential buyers.
The unfortunate fact is that buyers usually won’t even waste their time looking at an overpriced home. But how do they know a home is overpriced? The answer is simple: the Internet. There are a host of sites and online pricing tools buyers can use to determine whether a for-sale home is realistically priced. So if your home only seems to be overpriced, buyers will skip right over the listing and never set foot in the home.
Pricing right, then, is absolutely critical. An experienced Rochester can perform a comparative market analysis to ensure that your home is priced in line with market value. To discover more about this, just call 5076967510.
2. Using Low-Quality Listing Photos and Video
As we mentioned, most home buyers (more than 90%, according to some sources) begin their home search online. And that means you need plenty of top-quality listing photos and videos. Using poor-quality photos and videos is a sure way to scare off buyers.
Just as with overpricing, poor photos and videos will keep home buyers from ever setting foot in your for-sale home. To sell quickly and for top dollar, you need maximum exposure and quality exposure online. You achieve this by using professional-quality photos and videos.
3. Not Deep Cleaning and Depersonalizing
Another thing that will turn home buyers away is a home that hasn’t been deep cleaned and depersonalized.
In order not to scare off buyers, you need to clean everything thoroughly, even things you normally wouldn’t think of cleaning. Certainly, you need to do the obvious, such as putting away clutter and shampooing carpets, but you also need to do the less-obvious things like cleaning light fixtures and replacing torn screens. Be assured that buyers will notice everything.
Maybe even more important is depersonalizing to keep potential buyers engaged. “Your goal is to inspire potential buyers to imagine their belongings in your home. That’s tougher to do when the walls are covered with family photos and the kids’ report cards are hanging on the refrigerator. Think of your home as a gallery, a place others can imagine furnishing and decorating the way they want to. That means those lovely fuchsia walls in the powder room may need to be repainted in a more neutral color, and the suggestive art hung in the bedrooms might be stored away.”
4. Old, Outdated Windows
Also, if you don’t want to scare off home buyers, you’ll likely need to replace old, outdated windows. It’ll cost you, but it will be worth it.
“There is nothing cheap about replacing old windows. If you’re selling, you might decide to let the new owners worry about them. Big mistake. Experienced home buyers know how to look for things that may drain their wallet, such as outdated windows. And if you’re dealing with first-time home buyers, their real estate agent may bring certain things to their attention.”
5. Noticeable Water Stains
Water stains are a big deal and will no doubt turn off home buyers in Rochester. The health hazards of mold and mildew are top of mind for buyers today, and water stains indicate to the likely presence of mold and mildew.
According to industry pros, “[m]old is by far one of the biggest deal-breakers in real estate, and if potential home buyers detect water stains on your ceiling and walls, they’re likely to head for the door. Past water damage doesn’t necessarily indicate a mold problem, especially if you catch water leaks early and properly dry the area. Although a professional mold inspector may determine that your house is 100% mold-free, those who walk through your home may think otherwise if you leave evidence of past water damage.”
6. Offensive Odors
Another thing that will make home buyers run for the door – if they even get in the door – is offensive odors.
“It doesn’t matter if your home is beautifully decorated, odors are going to stop buyers at the door. This includes pet odors, cigarette smoke, or any other unpleasant smells. Unfortunately, it can be hard to detect odors in your own home. If the odor has been present for days, weeks, or months, you’re probably accustomed to the scent. This is where an outsider’s opinion counts.”
Why You Need a Rochester Agent
These are some of the top things that scare off home buyers in Rochester, but there are more, many more. That’s why it’s so important to work closely with your Rochester agent. Your agent can give you the guidance you need in making sure your home is ready for buyers to view. So if you want to keep those home buyers engaged and making offers, contact us today at 5076967510.