In this market, many buyers are choosing the most affordable home with the fewest defects, writes agent Jonathan Pressman. Use this list to avoid negative consequences and complete the transaction.
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With interest rates creating a lock-in effect, high home prices and low inventory, some buyers are waiting a long time to find their dream home. For many home buyers, finding the right home means finding the property with the fewest defects.
Please note that it may be difficult for your client if the list you are displaying to buyers contains any of the following prohibitions: On the other hand, if you want the seller to be on the same page about what it takes to sell the home, try to get them to avoid any unpleasant flaws that might drive a buyer away.
With 2025 just around the corner, here are some of the key factors that will cause buyer discomfort.
bad smell
Unpleasant odors are one of the quickest ways to drive buyers in the opposite direction. Odors like smoke, trash, pet odors, and mold can ruin your chances of selling a home or end a showing early. You don’t necessarily have to bake chocolate chip cookies for your next open house, but you do need to make sure your home doesn’t leave a bad smell.
confusion and confusion
Just like unpleasant odors, a cluttered home can turn off potential buyers and lower your selling price. Cluttered spaces can hide some of your home’s best features and make it look like a poorly maintained property. Fortunately, unlike major renovations, most sellers can achieve a clean, clutter-free home quickly and affordably.
Lack of curb appeal
First impressions are important, and real estate is no exception. The view from the street sets the tone for the rest of the showing before buyers even step into the home. A home with good curb appeal can make a great first impression that may help buyers address some of the home’s shortcomings. Conversely, poor curb appeal can create a negative first impression and quickly dampen eager buyers’ excitement about your property.
impractical or wasted space
With more time spent at home since the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are looking to make the most of every space in their home. As the cost of living in the U.S. rises, the median square footage of U.S. homes is shrinking, making every square foot more precious. Impractical or wasted space, alcoves, awkward areas, small rooms and corners can all eat into valuable living space, leading some buyers to look elsewhere for more functionality. It will be.
lack of natural light
A home that lacks natural light may be a red flag for many buyers, and for good reason. It’s no secret that we need the sun to survive, but at the end of the day, we may depend on natural light to thrive. Research shows that while natural light can boost your mood and increase your sense of well-being, a lack of light can make you feel lethargic.
crazy colors
A freshly painted home is almost always a plus, but not if you choose an unusual color. There’s nothing wrong with a pop of color, but choosing neutral paint can minimize distractions and broaden your home’s appeal to potential buyers. Bold paint colors can also quickly become outdated and can evoke a certain feeling or make a room feel smaller.
personal belongings
Personal items are and may continue to be prohibited as they can interfere with a potential buyer’s vision for the home. (This may also be a safety issue for sellers.)
Before listing your home, make sure all family photos, religious items, jewelry, medicine, and hygiene products are out of sight. Not only does this protect the seller’s privacy, but it also makes it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the home.
Defects and damage
Although sellers still dominate, the market continues to slowly shift towards buyers. In the red-hot seller’s markets of 2021 and 2022, buyers were lining up to make all-cash offers with no contingencies, but in 2025 buyers may be turned away by defects or damage. There is.
outdated design and decoration
Following design and decor trends may seem like an appealing prospect at the moment, but these unique styles rarely go out of style. Popcorn ceilings and pastel-colored bathrooms were all the rage in the 1950s. Today, most buyers consider them an eyesore and prefer classic designs and decor, such as minimalist or mid-century modern.
Jonathan Pressman is a real estate agent who writes on a wide range of financial topics. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram.
