Selling? Don’t Scare Buyers Away With These Things!

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 Lynden, WA. As a Lynden, WA realtor, I understand how much work and effort goes into getting a home ready for market. However, there could be somethings still lurking about your home that gives buyer’s the heeby jeebies. And they are likely things you didn’t even think about. Let’s look at some of the most common suspects!

1.) Mystery Scents

This is the first thing that hits buyers as soon as they walk in your door. Whether you are a Martha Stewart in the kitchen or your darling pet has added a little something to the atmosphere, you will want to take the necessary precautions to create a clean smell. We tend to get used to our surroundings so it is easy to overlook this. However, if something smells off, a buyer might not stay for the whole tour of your home for sale in Lynden, WA.

2.) Mean Pets

Speaking of animals, not everyone loves them. Especially if yours aren’t that friendly to anyone outside the family. You may have a guard dog that doesn’t take to strangers or a sassy cat that likes to scratch. Even if 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!

Those three we tend to get comfortable with or even overlook. During the darker PNW 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 Lynden, WA 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 Lynden, WA is your personal space, so having your personal taste present is somewhat expected. A Lynden, WA realtor will always recommend you make it as neutral as possible, BUT, we understand that isn’t always possible. However, there are some items that must go! Uncomfortable art, taxidermy or anything political should probably come down.

5.) Half Done Repairs

Nothing is scarier to a buyer looking for a Lynden, WA 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. Before you list, finish what you started. If you can’t, hire a professional. 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

Lynden, WA is considered one of the safest towns in WA. We have a reputation for it. Still, securing your home is good. 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 4 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 Lynden, WA home for sale hard to show. If there is one thing us Lynden, WA 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!