How to Scare Away A Buyer (i.e. I don't REALLY want to sell my home!)

Your home is likely your most valuable asset. If you're selling it, avoid these 5 common ways that will scare off buyers.

1. Bad Photography
Bad photos are almost worse than no photos at all! You only get one chance to make a first impression, so let's make it a good one. Photographs are the first look a prospective buyer will have of your home. A successful listing agent should have a professional photographer and a professional stager that they regularly work with to showcase your home and bring out its best. Which kitchen would attract a buyer to your home?

             
Does the bedroom look like a Craigslist add to sell the bed? Or a spacious bedroom where the buyers can picture themselves living?

 
2. Overpricing
The worst strategy for selling your home is to start well above market value and reduce the price as your time frame becomes more and more urgent. This is a great recipe for selling your home for under market value . The longer your home remains on the market, the more likely it is buyers will go to your home with the notion that something is wrong with it. In order to net the most money possible it's critical to come to an educated decision with your agent to price as close to market value as possible.

                                    

3. Dark and Dirty
The last thing you want to do is open your home to prospective buyers without it being clean--sparkling clean is preferred! Yes, it's a lot of work to live in your home and keep it this way, but it's very important. If you can afford to hire a professional cleaner for a deep cleaning, even better. And make those windows sparkle! A clean home displays pride of ownership--something every buyer loves. Another thing that scares away buyers is a dark home. Keep the blinds open and the lights on--people like bright homes! If you have dark paint colors or burned out light bulbs, it's time to consider repainting and replacing those bulbs.

4. Too Hot or Too Cold
We don't have to worry about this one too much in sunny San Diego with mild, year round temperatures. But if it's a cold day or a hot one (and we DO have them), don't skimp on the heat or A/C. If the buyer is uncomfortable in your home, they will only be thinking about whether they will be uncomfortable if they live there. Is is worth it? Put yourself in the buyer's shoes and make your home as comfortable as possible.

5. Lacking Curb Appeal
If the front of your home needs a little TLC, this would be excellent money well spent. This one falls under the first impression category and is critical. Most of the time you won't need a complete yard makeover. Just tidy up, prune the bushes, plant some pretty flowers and make sure things look nice as the buyer approaches the house. It's very important. Don't set a bad tone for a showing by not mowing the yard. And what about your front door? How about a fresh coat of paint and a pretty wreath? It's worth the time and effort!