In honor of Halloween, we thought we’d put together a list of things that can scare buyers away from your home for sale in South Lake Tahoe. As a South Lake Tahoe realtor, I understand how much time and effort goes into preparing a home for the market. However, there could be something sinister still lurking about your home that gives buyer’s the willies. And they are likely things you didn’t even think about. Let’s look at the suspects!
1.) Mystery Scents
This is the first thing you notice when you walk in the door. Whether you are a master chef in the kitchen or one of the kiddos left a perishable treat under their bed a bit too long, you will want to make sure you create a clean smell. We tend to get used to our surroundings so it is easy to overlook this. Don’t go to heavy on the perfume and instead, after a deep clean, choose a light scented candle like clean cotton, cool breeze or a light vanilla. If something smells off for a showing, a buyer might not stay for the whole tour of your home for sale in South Lake Tahoe.
2.) Mean Pets
We know, it is hard to imagine that not everyone loves your fur friend. But if yours aren’t that friendly to anyone outside the family, you will want to take extra precaution to have them secured during a showing. You may have a guard dog that doesn’t take to strangers or a sassy cat that likes to scratch. Even if that isn’t the case and your fur ball is the most loving thing on the planet, put them away for tours and let the buyers know where they are located. Whether in a kennel out back or a crate in the garage.
3.) Dust, Cobwebs and Dirt-Oh My!
You might be justifying this one and thinking “But it is built in Halloween decor!”. Sorry folks, not when you are selling! During the winter months, these may go unnoticed, but when light is streaming in, it highlights dusty blinds, dirt in the entryway and cobwebs in the corner. When people buy, they want it shiny and new, whether it is a car or a South Lake Tahoe home for sale. So be sure to pay attention to these areas and clean up!
4.) Awkward Wall Decor
Listen, your home for sale in South Lake Tahoe is your personal space, so having your personal taste present is somewhat expected. We get it, we really do! While a South Lake Tahoe realtor will always recommend you make it as neutral as possible, we understand that isn’t always possible. However, there are some items that must go! All things politics, taxidermy and awkward artwork needs to go in storage. You are moving anyway, may as well get a head start!
5.) Half Done Repairs
Nothing is scarier to a buyer looking for a South Lake Tahoe home for sale than unfinished repairs. It suggests a few things: 1.) There are a lot of things wrong with the home. 2.) They will have to inherit these issues, which is more money out of their pockets. So, do everyone a favor and finish what you started. If you can’t, hire a professional. Your local realtor can likely give you some great recommendations. After all, one of the perks of aligning yourself with a true professional is that they have good working relationships with all the local vendors. Even if you are selling “as is”, consider taking care of a few things so someone doesn’t feel like they are taking on a major project or a total tear down.
6.) Lots of Locks
By all means, secure your home. After all, you can never be too safe. However, if your home feels like Fort Knox, you could be suggesting to buyers that they have something to fear. If the front door has 6 heavy duty locks in addition to an alarm system and extra enforcement on every window and exterior door, they may wonder what you are trying to keep out. Not to mention, it could make the South Lake Tahoe home for sale hard to show. If there is one thing us South Lake Tahoe realtors suggest, it is to make it easy for the buyers to view your home. Don’t leave the door wide open while you are gone, but don’t make it so hard that they have to call a lock smith just to get inside for a tour.
For more information on how to get your home ready for the market, give me a call! I would be happy to help!
