Most things can sell at the right price, but a home is a big investment, so buyers are more scrupulous. This is where they are going to live, so it needs to be “just right.”
Here are 7 items that can make a house unsellable.
Undesirable Location
Location, location, location! It matters. Few buyers are willing to live near an airport, railway, or busy highway because of noise. Living next door to loud neighbors is a turnoff, and a dicey neighborhood with a high crime rate is unnerving. High-risk disaster areas and flood zones scare many buyers away. Most times, a house in a bad location can only be sold at a low price.
Outdated Home Style or Décor
Would you want to live in a home that looked like the set of “That ‘70s Show”? Most buyers want a home with the latest interior trends and new materials. If you want to sell, you may have to fork over the money for renovations.
Mold and Dampness
Visible signs of a leak concern most buyers. They worry if a home has a dampness issue, this could present later problems, like harmful mold. Dampness could be due to bad plumbing or a leaky exterior, and no one wants to buy a home that needs immediate repairs.
Neglected Maintenance
It is one thing to be busy or short on funds, but if you neglect maintenance – your house deteriorates. Buyers often have enough money to buy a home but not enough left over to make repairs. You will have to invest the time and money to make these repairs yourself, or with the help of a professional, to pass a home inspection. If the cost in time and money is too high, your best option is to sell to an investor. Investors look specifically for properties in need of repair, so you can sell quickly and easily without spending any money on it.
Bad Odors
Have you ever entered a space and been offended by a bad smell? Imagine how your buyers feel if your home smells like a vet office, with so many animals, cages, and litter boxes. Or what if you or another member of the house smokes? Cigarette smoke is a major turnoff, as its odor becomes trapped in materials like carpeting.
Lack of Natural Light
No one wants to feel like they live in a cave. Windows and natural light make spaces feel open and bigger than they really are. You can paint a room white to make it seem brighter or add windows or skylights to let in light.
Cluttered, Not Staged Home
Buyers want to envision themselves in a home when they visit for a walkthrough. If your rooms are cluttered with belongings, this becomes difficult and makes rooms appear smaller. You must throw stuff out or donate it, then clean and stage your home, so it makes a good impression.
If you do not have the time, funds, or ability to address the aforementioned items, consider selling your house to an investor. Most investors will make a cash offer despite location, damages, or outdated designs, and most times without a walkthrough. You can enjoy a quick closing and offload your problem house.
