As a home seller, you don't want to sabotage your sale. These four problems are among the biggest buyer turn-offs, and most of them are easy to fix without spending a ton of money.
Haunted House Landscaping
Does your yard looks like the Addams family owns it? Time to tidy up! Beyond mowing the lawn, pull or trim anything that's dead or on its way out. Add a splash of color by planting annuals.
Funky Colors
If you humored your kids with kelly green and bright pink rooms, and yourself with a purple den, it's time for that stuff to go. Choose a warm, neutral color like, beige, ivory, taupe or grey, with white trim.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Even if it's not moldy shag, carpet can be a deal-killer, especially if it's on the main floor. Satisfy buyer expectations with hardwood or laminate. If you must stick with carpet, make sure you get it cleaned.
Pets on the Loose
Sorry, not everyone is a dog person. Or cat person. Beyond making sure the place doesn't smell like your furry friends, you need to find a way to get them out during showings. Indoor cats are the trickiest problem. Consider limiting them to a room or the garage and make sure your agent knows.
And that's not all. See eight more things your buyers would hate (and how to fix them) 12 Things Home Buyers Will Hate About Your House
-
Stock Market Today: Dow Dives 1,123 Points After FedMarket participants reacted predictably to a well-telegraphed hawkish turn by the Federal Reserve.
-
Fed Sees Fewer Rate Cuts in 2025: What the Experts Are SayingFederal Reserve The Federal Reserve cut interest rates as expected, but the future path of borrowing costs became more opaque.
-
Should You Rent in Retirement?Making Your Money Last Renting isn't right for all retirees, but it does offer flexibility and it frees up cash.
-
First Apartment Checklist: Make the Most of Your SearchBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses key factors to consider when searching for an apartment.
-
The "Real" Cost of Buying a HomeBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the laundry list of extra costs involved in buying a home.
-
3 Small Towns That Are Full of Millionairesreal estate Where the rich live to avoid the hustle and bustle of big cities.
-
3 Cheapest Places to Live in the U.S.real estate The cost of living is super-low in these three cities.
-
3 Cities You Probably Can't Afford to Live Inreal estate High cost of living puts these places out of reach for most would-be homebuyers and renters.
-
3 Cheapest Big Cities in America
real estate Small towns don’t have a monopoly on low living costs.
-
Are Tiny Homes Right for Retirees?
retirement There are good reasons to downsize to a tiny house in retirement.
