05/10/2026
Selling soon? Here are 6 details that buyers notice about your home that can impact their decision to make an offer on your home. #3 is something that is often missed or sellers try to hide!
1️⃣ Dirty windows and screens. Natural light sells homes, but grimy windows make everything look darker, smaller, and unloved. Clean windows inside and out, including windowsills, or hire a professional.
2️⃣ Burned-out light bulbs. Dim or dead light bulbs that don’t allow buyers to turn lights on to see everything clearly make things feel uninviting. Check all light bulbs before listing and make sure all light bulbs are warm white and not cool white light.
3️⃣ Lingering odors! (This one is HUGE!) Pet smells, cooking smells, or mustiness can kill a deal fast! It’s the buyer's first impression when they walk through the door. Do NOT try to mask the smell with air fresheners, plug-ins, or candles. This tells the buyer you’re trying to mask something. Instead, deep clean carpets, upholstery, and vents. Find the source of unwanted odors and deep clean. Pro tip: your garbage disposal, dishwasher, and trash bin can be a source of these unpleasant smells.
4️⃣ Cracked and chipped paint. Peeling and chipped paint make a buyer think “project” instead of move-in ready. Touch up paint on baseboards, doors, trim, and high-traffic areas.
5️⃣ Overstuffed closets and cabinets. Buyers look inside everywhere to determine how much storage your house has. When your closets and cabinets are bursting at the seams, it makes them think there won’t be enough storage for them. Declutter and get rid of about 50% of what is in our closets.
6️⃣ Dead landscaping. Curb appeal counts! It’s the first impression buyers have when they pull up to your property. When they see dead plants, it can immediately give the impression that things have been neglected, and they are again thinking “project." Remove dead plants, put down fresh mulch, remove weeds, and add pops of color with potted plants.
These little details make a huge difference and whisper to that “this home is well cared for” and can help you to get top dollar for your home. 🔑
