Beware these home problems that could ruin a sale.
If your home has major damage or appears outdated, buyers could be turned off.
Walking into a house that is low quality or built by an inexperienced builder is a red flag.
Credit:David Tsay / Interior Design: Rosa Beltran
Not everyone can spot it, but I can tell almost immediately in the finishes and attention to detail.
Shoddy construction on new builds isnt the only cause for concern.
Major damage cant escape buyers for long and could be a deal breaker.
In today’s market, homes are typically perfectly staged and in beautiful condition, Raney adds.
A history of mold in the home can also lead to higher insurance premiums.
While water damage can spell disaster for the home itself, it can also cause problems around the property.
That goes for both natural water sources and water features.
Lifestyle is important to buyers these days, Raney says.
Fencesand even sound barriers can mitigate these concerns, as can upgrades likedouble-paned windowsor dense landscaping for soundproofing.
Plus, adding a creative spin to your listing description can help.
The same goes for those seemingly quiet locations.
That said, you don’t need to remodel every space in your home before listing it.
Foul Odors
One of the biggest turnoffs for buyers is abad smell in a home.
Think pets, mold, and smoke.
Sometimes, the smells arent even identifiable.
Undetectable smells that you really cant pinpoint are another red flag, David says.
Dont assume that when you take possession it will be all roses.
Smells can indicate an issue behind the walls, like a dead rodent or mold.
To avoid problems, agentKaren Kostiwof Coldwell Banker Warburg suggests a deep clean.
Sellers should have the home professionally cleaned, including deodorizing the property.
Evidence of Pests
If your home has pests orevidence of pest damage, buckle up.
This can give the buyer peace of mind.
