10 things that turn off homebuyers

August 20, 2014
Author: Bankrate

Want to turn off a homebuyer? Nothing will do the job faster than showing a house with filthy floors and kitchen counters where new life forms are evolving.

"The No. 1 biggest mistake is not getting the home in the best possible condition. That's huge," agent says. "I won't even represent sellers at this point unless they are fully aware of how important it is to get their home in the absolute best condition that they've ever had it in."

Sellers need to make an extra effort, from steam-cleaning tile and grout to replacing carpets.

"If the carpets are old and smelly, you should put in new," he says. "If they're relatively new, you should at least have them shampooed."

Cannon agrees that grime can derail any showing.

"The home should be neat and clean and free of all debris," Cannon says. "If it reeks of cats or the kitchen sinks and counters are so filthy that it almost looks like the food is moving, I won't even want to come in."