Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Business
Storm Newton

Red flags that could stop you from selling your home

When it comes to selling a property, you want to make sure the space is shown in the best light in a bid to attract interest.

However, there are a number of faux pas made by homeowners when they're trying to attract a buyer.

Tim Leonard is a personal finance expert at NerdWallet and has revealed eight 'red flags' which could put people off a house.

READ MORE: Mum left with 'bald patches' after 'drunk woman' attacks her at Lewis Capaldi gig

They include everything from an untidy exterior to things inside you might not even notice but jump out immediately to strangers.

These are things to look out for if you're trying to sell up.

Bad smells

This can be the first thing a buyer notices when they enter your home, according to Tim. He added: "Whether it’s from pets, smoking, damp or dirt, a lingering bad smell won’t go down well with potential buyers.

"If viewings will be carried out in person, it’s worth deep cleaning your home to get rid of any stale smells at the source. It can also be beneficial to use air fresheners and other pleasantly smelling scents like room sprays or candles. And don't underestimate the power of opening a couple of windows to let fresh air circulate."

Lighting a candle or spraying air freshener can help keep bad smells at bay (Jess Flaherty/Liverpool ECHO)

Kerb appeal

Kerb appeal, or lack there of, is another important aspect of the selling process. Tim said: "Kerb appeal refers to the attractiveness and aesthetic appeal of the home you are selling. If your front garden is overgrown, the rubbish bins are overflowing and windows are dirty, the kerb appeal is in poor form.

"When cleaning and tidying before a viewing or pictures, don’t forget the outside of the property; make sure leaves are swept up, any litter is picked up, weeds and overgrown plants are tended to, and your front door is clean and tidy."

Missing photos

The majority of first impressions are made online. Tim said to make sure photos are good quality and taken in the best light as poor ones could put potentials buyers off even booking a viewing.

Clutter

Tim said: "Clutter of any kind can turn buyers off, as they won’t be able to see their possessions in the home or imagine how the space can work for them.

"Less is more when it comes to selling a house. If a potential buyer sees it, ensure to keep photos, ornaments and personal items on display to a minimum."

Don't meet people in person

Showing potential buyers round your own home can be a complete turn off according to Tim and is "rarely recommended".

He added: "It can make buyers feel uncomfortable and make them rush around the property, resulting in them not taking much interest."

Damp can cause major issues in a property (Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)

Climate

Tim advised to keep an eye on the temperature of your home when viewings are taking place and ensure it's not too hold or too cold.

He added: "The optimum level of comfort in regards to temperature can help avoid bad impressions, and also questions about whether the heating system works properly."

Bad boilers

Tim said it's important that potential buyers feel confident they're not going to be let down by an inefficient heating system in the winter months. To entice interest, he suggests upgrading a failing boiler.

Damp

Labelled "the biggest turn off" by Tim. He added: "If there is damp anywhere, it should be properly treated. Fail to address the issue and it is not only likely to reduce buyer interest, but could also come back to haunt you on a survey."

Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here

READ NEXT:

Mum 'knew it wasn't good news' when offered cup of tea by doctor

Once a great hope, Liverpool's Chinatown is at a dead end

First picture of man murdered by 15-year-old boy

Liverpool fan who 'followed Reds everywhere' dies hours after game

Virgin internet down for hours over parts of Merseyside

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.