subject: Things That Turn Off Potential Home Buyers [print this page] Austin homes for sale should look like a showpiece, not something that someone is living in. The less a house looks like it belongs to someone else, the more it will look like a place where the potential homebuyers can envision themselves and their belongings. It will be a place they can see themselves owning. A few things can get in the way of that vision, however. Here are issues that people with homes for sale in Austin, Texas should consider when preparing their home for the market.
Laundry
In a recent poll of potential homebuyers, dirty laundry in plain view when seeing a house was the number one turn-off. Be sure to keep laundry in the clothes hamper, out of sight. When it is full, wash it. When the clothes are clean, promptly put them away. While it sounds like a simple concept, people get busy when they are planning a move. They lose track of time and forget the little things.
Clutter
Keep all countertops, tables and ledges free and clear of clutter. This means anything that is not required to be there. If an item is not a necessity, the sellers should boxed it up and put it in storage until they move into their new home. The more sparse and bare the home looks, the better. Recycle or throw out anything that will not be making the move to the new place.
Yard
Overgrown grass, dangling tree limbs and a yard full of things that don't work are an instant turn-off to potential Austin homebuyers. If the homeowners move out before the property is sold, they should make arrangements to have a neighbor or a professional service maintain the yard. It should be cut regularly. During autumn months, leaves should be raked or mulched.
Wear
Any household items that are visibly broken, filthy or are in need of repair should be fixed, replaced or just plain discarded. Pressure washing the home's exterior will help it look newer and cleaner. If there are children in the home that have enjoyed drawing or coloring on walls or cabinets, this is the time to teach them how to clean or paint over their artwork. While scribbles may look cute or cause the homeowner to smile, it will likely have the opposite effect on the homebuyer.
