Does Your Property Have Any of These 6 Issues?
Have you had your property on the market for months but can’t seem to get any offers? Or are you looking to put your property on the market but are not sure if it’s ready?
Your property may be suffering from one or multiple of these issues which could be putting sellers off purchasing your home:
1. Dampness
No one wants to live in a damp house, especially those with young families. Therefore, if a house smells or feels damp or has stained ceilings or walls it can be of huge concern to a potential buyer. This is because if left unattended, it can quickly turn into something damaging for both the property and its inhabitants.
What to do:
Paint over any stains, even if they’re old, as the buyer may think it is still an issue. Also make sure your house is well ventilated by opening windows and try using a dehumidifier if you have one.
2. Signs of Cracks in the Walls
Cracks in walls are not uncommon, especially in Christchurch after the earthquakes. However, they can be a big turn off for potential buyers as they may see them as a sign of hidden structural damage which could be very costly and time consuming for them in the future.
What to do:
Have all the cracks checked by a professional before viewings commence. Therefore, you will have a report ready to ease any worried shoppers minds.
3. Dark Rooms
Dark rooms can be a turn off for potential buyers as it is hard for them to picture themselves spending time in a cold, dark room. Especially if there seems to be quite a few rooms not getting much sun.
What to do:
Although some rooms are naturally dark there are a few ways to brighten them up, such as repainting the walls and ceiling with light neutral colours. Also, try to steer clear of heavy curtains and instead use ones that will allow the light in. Adding mirrors is also a good idea as it will reflect any of the natural light and make the room appear brighter.
4. Bad Smells
A strong odor can be an instant turn off for anyone walking through the front door of a house – even for one they thought might be their dream home. A buyer is unlikely to be able to concentrate on viewing your home if they are distracted by pet or cooking smells, stale smoke, or dampness.
What to do:
Make sure your house is well ventilated by opening windows and vacuuming thoroughly before a viewing. It is also a good idea to install air fresheners throughout your home and avoid cooking fish or other strong smelling foods in the days leading up to your viewing. You could also try baking a fresh batch of biscuits or some home made bread as these create very welcoming and homely aromas!
5. Unfinished DIY
A property in a poor state of repair can give potential buyers the impression that the house has been neglected and can lead them to assume that there are other major issues with the property. Therefore, any unfinished building or DIY work could act as an indicator of these issues and scare off a buyer, especially those who are not looking to renovate.
What to do:
Finish up any repairs where possible. If you do not have time to finish, clean up the area as best as possible and remove any tools. It is also a good idea to explain to viewers what the project or issue is and how you plan to finish/remediate it.
6. Overgrown Garden
A lush garden can be one of the key selling points of any property. However, it can be difficult for a prospective buyer to imagine themselves relaxing in the sun or playing outside with their kids when the weeds are waist high. An overgrown garden can also turn off buyers as it may give the impression that the garden is a lot of work to maintain which is an added stress they may not want.
What to do:
An overgrown garden might seem like a big task, but at the bare minimum you should mow the lawn and try and remove any unruly weeds. Even if you’re not much of a green thumb, a bit of work will make a huge difference for potential buyers!
Getting your home ready for open homes each week can be a big task and requires a lot of time and effort. However there is another option!
If this all seems too much, consider selling your home to an “As Is Where Is” buyer such as All Property! They’ll buy your house for cash and you won’t have to lift a finger, no more open homes and no more waiting around for someone to make an offer. Sell your house today and they’ll solve all of these problems for you!