So You Want to Sell Your Home Quickly: Beware of These Listing Challenges and Red Flags!

Over the years as we have visited clients to discuss listing a home, we have encountered a few major challenges that have negatively impacted the salability of a home. Here are 3 example challenges, followed by 10 red flags:

The Color Challenge

Over the years, real estate resources have suggested that it’s best to list homes with neutral color schemes. This helps potential buyers visualize their own colors, right? One of my clients was a family from a European country noted for its unique color palettes.

Visualize this: an outside red door leading to the lower level with red, orange, and fuchsia walls. The staircase railings were light green, and the tile floors had a variety of blue, pink and orange tiles. At least the wood flooring was oak (nice), but the carpets were light blue, and the kitchen cabinets were an odd mixture of white and black. Since the HOA had stipulated color and design guidelines in the HOA documents, the outside of the home was wood stained with approved roof and trim colors. Unfortunately, the door wasn’t an approved red. The sellers were not willing to change the color scheme.

The Legal Substance Growing Challenge

Many states allow the growing of herbs and plants for personal consumption. I remember one home that had its personal consumption area set up for the new buyers already. The sellers did not understand that this was a challenge to listing their home. They believed that the right buyer would purchase the house with their added benefit. So they refused to clean the area.

The Pets Challenge

We love our pets but managing them while selling a home can be difficult for both humans and pets. I recall homeowners in the country who truly believed their pets were part of their family and allowed multiple dogs and cats to wander throughout the home. When I pointed out that potential buyers may not like the smell of their animals or have pet allergies, the sellers said, “The people who complain are not the right buyers.” They indicated the animals would remain in the home when it was being shown. They added they would try to keep them away from the general traffic areas. I did not list their home.

10 Common Home Listing Red Flags (In No Particular Order)

1. The home has been over updated/improved for the community and area. Your asking price may not be in line with other comparable homes.

2. The home has routine maintenance issues such as water stains from prior leaks or rust on appliances and plumbing that have not been addressed. When buyers see the worn and stained carpet or dirty furniture, they will reduce their asking price.

3. The home has time-related construction challenges, including popcorn ceilings and older electrical panels. These are serious concerns for buyers. Fix the issues before you list your home.

4. Buyers look carefully at windows and doors and will reduce an offer price if they are broken, cracked, inoperable, or missing.

5. Solar systems can be one of the biggest challenges when listing a home. I always recommend having the system paid off before listing, as unresolved financing can complicate the sale and turn away potential buyers.

6. One of the quickest deal breakers is when you walk into a home and smell pet odors, strong cooking spices, or musty air in rooms.

7. Kitchens are the heart of your home unless the appliances are dirty, rusted, and damaged. This room needs to be the strongest showing room in your home!

8. A yard with yellowing grass, weeds, or leftover trash sends the wrong first impression. Lack of curb appeal can immediately cancel showings as prospective buyers drive up to your home.

9. Some homes are overcrowded with furniture, wall décor, and personal collections, making it difficult for buyers to see the space and imagine themselves living there. I visited a home without chair space to sit down and visit. Too much “stuff” will severely impact your listing salability.

10. Some bathrooms and kitchens haven’t been updated in over 30 years. Unless a buyer is specifically looking for a mid-60s modern style or something from that era, your home’s price may be reduced significantly.

In today’s real estate market, listing challenges can greatly impact the price you receive and the time to sell your home. Before you list, please invite me over to discuss potential challenges and recommend ideas.