Tacky outdoor Christmas decorations, football flags flying from bedroom windows, parked cars or visible rubbish bins – what would turn you off viewing a property?
Well according to research, none of the above, but plenty of other hidden home horrors could have would-be buyers running a mile.
Well-documented survey results among estate agents, home professionals and home hunters have thrown up an interesting mix of property put-downs.
Estate agents Harrison Murray have put together a list of off-putting things to avoid as a seller. These include:
– Dirty bathrooms and kitchens – as these are personal spaces, ensure they are in pristine and clean condition.
– Clutter – buyers find it easier to imagine their own items in situ, so pack away photos, trinkets and ornaments if you have too many lying around.
– Odd looking plants in the garden! If a buyer cannot recognise a plant, they fear it could be the invasive Japanese knotweed.
– Transport noise – if your home is close to an airport, busy road or railway, think about measures to limit noise pollution through double or triple glazing.
– Coloured bathroom suites could give a feel of the Eighties – think about replacing with white suites if your improvement budget allows.
– Bad smells. Disguise odours from last night’s dinner with the smell of freshly brewed coffee, place some air fresheners around the home and banish smelly trainers to the shed!
– Lots of cats! Worries include children with allergies moving in or the fact that the cats may return when the owner moves.