There are plenty of ways to turn off a buyer from buying your home, so I’ll tell you what not to do.  These may seem simple, but you’d be surprised how often they are overlooked.

1. Man that smells!  I’ve shown more homes then you’d think where someone is cooking dinner or just made a heavy oily meal.  It can be extremely distracting when you walk into a house and it’s filled with food odors.  The exception to this is fresh baked cookies or apple pie!  A very appeasing scent will go a long way in attracting the buyer to linger in the home longer.  This can be done with soft scented candles as well.
2. Clean it up. Simply washing windows, vacuuming and dusting can make a huge difference. You’d be surprised how often this does not happen. Clean and clear dirty counters and dirty entryways.   Little extras like polishing door knobs and cleaning the front door go a long way too.  A clean entrance to the home is important to making a sound first impression.
3. Wallpaper is a thing of the past.  Buyers look at most wallpapers as a lot of work.  It’s extremely rare that a buyer will like the same wallpaper you selected.  And removing that wallpaper is a pain in the you-know-what.   So, bite the bullet and get to scraping.  Once you remove it all, paint the wall a neutral color that will appeal to the masses.
4. Still rocking a light from the 70’s?  It’s time to replace those old, out-of-place fixtures that are around your house.  Home Depot and Lowes have a great assortment for low dollars.  They can be changed out very easily and quickly, too.
5. Time to remove the popcorn from the ceiling.  That was so 30 years ago.  It really makes a home look dated to see the old popcorn ceilings.  It can be a lot of work and cost a nice dollar to have it removed, but it will go a long way if you do.  Also, if you’re doing this, you might want to consider a simple crown molding on the ceilings.  It can be done for a good price and adds a lot of value.
6. De-clutter.  Too many personal items throughout the house, lots of knickknacks, and overstuffed closets are all bad.  You’re going to get rid of most of it when you move, so why not do it now?  Simpler is better.  It makes rooms appear bigger and makes a home easier to show and sell.

Now that you know what not to do, good luck getting it sold!

Gabe Mellein was voted a Top Real Estate Agent – Exceptional in Service and Overall Satisfaction by Gulfshore Life Magazine in 2012 and 2013.  He is the broker of Gulf Pointe Properties, Inc and has over 9 years experience in the SW Florida Real Estate Market.  He is a member of The Naples Area Board of Realtors, Bonita Springs – Estero Association of Realtors, Realtor Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach, The Florida Association of Realtors, The National Association of Realtors, and is nationally certified in Feng Shui for Real Estate.  Need real estate help?  Please contact Gabe at:  239.825.2234, Gabe@GulfPointeProperties.com  or www.GulfPointeProperties.com