5 Mistakes That Will Instantly Turn a Home Buyer Away – and How to Avoid Making Them

If you’re preparing to sell your home you’ve likely heard many tips and tricks to help close quickly, however few people will ever tell you what you’re doing wrong.

Don’t be your own roadblock to success! Avoid these common seller-mistakes to ensure that your home leaves a lasting impression on buyers, instead of sending them running for the hills.

1) Dirt: It’s A Don’t

Perhaps one of the biggest turn-offs in real estate, dirt gives the impression that your property is not well maintained. A dirty home is simply not aesthetically appealing and can often be the root cause of other turn-offs, such as bad odors. Keeping a clean, clutter-free home will show potential buyers that your property is a beautiful, healthy place where they can live comfortably without any foul surprises.

2) It’s Nothing Personal

While you may love looking at family photos, funky trinkets from travelling, or your colorful assortment of bath products, personal items such as these should be stored away during an open house. Showings are for buyers to see if they can see themselves living in your home, which is difficult to imagine when there are someone else’s belongings scattered throughout the house. If you’re serious about selling, pack away any items that send the message that this is your space.

3) Old News

Most often when people are looking for a new home they’re looking for just that: a NEW home! Having old, dated fixtures in your house tells prospective buyers that your property is stuck in the past, rather than prepared for the future. Make your property a place that anyone can move forward in.

4) Street Style

You may have spent so much time and effort making the inside of your home immaculate for a sale that you’ve completely forgotten that the outside is equally as important. Curb appeal is the very first impression that your home will have on buyers, and it’s essential that your property looks just as nice from the street as it does inside.

5) Snoopy Seller

You know your home better than anyone else, and you want to sell it to someone who genuinely cares about your property. While this statement may be true, it is counterproductive for you to participate in showings, pointing out all the great features of your home to interested buyers and grilling them on their intentions for when they purchase it. Give buyers space they need to see if your home is the right fit for them, and you’ll be selling it in no time.

Interested in receiving more advice on selling your home? Give me a call today – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

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13245 N 37th Way Phoenix, AZ 85032

New

$484,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,366 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697702

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is the one you're looking for! The updated interior boasts an inviting living room with a soothing palette and attractive wood-look flooring. The eat-in kitchen is equipped with quartz counters, a blend of pendant and recessed lighting, sleek white shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a pantry, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The main bedroom is complete with a mirrored closet and a private bathroom for added comfort. Outside, the backyard includes a covered patio and ample space to design your dream oasis. This value won't disappoint!

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5388 N Sonora Lane Eloy, AZ 85131

$484,900

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,489 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6623103

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in Robson Ranch Resort, this amazing Integra Block home is thoughtfully designed featuring a Great Room floorplan, 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, a den, and a 3-car garage. But that's not all - there's a charming casita w/ 1 Bedroom, and 1 bath, providing space perfect for guests, a private retreat, or your favorite hobby haven. The heart of this home is the spacious kitchen, adorned with granite countertops and ample cabinet space. Step outside to a low-maintenance landscaped yard, spacious enough that a pool can be built on the large corner lot. Come see this home today! The sellers are motivated and its priced to sell! Robson Ranch offers an array of resort features and amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle. Community amenities include the 18-hole golf course, onsite restaurant, state-of-the-art pickleball courts, and heated indoor and outdoor pools and spa, and much more.

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35503 W Santa Monica Avenue Maricopa, AZ 85138

$484,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,031 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6653260

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

2023-built 5 bed 3 bath home with a HEATED POOL on a 1/4 acre corner lot! Luxurious kitchen featuring gray Shaker style cabinets, quartz counters with an island and breakfast bar, tile backsplash, and stainless appliances including a fridge and gas range. Tile floors everywhere but the bedrooms. Don't wait for a new build that is missing window treatments and appliances, when you can get this completely move-in ready home with the washer/dryer set, plus 2'' blinds and ceiling fans in every room. The incredible back yard is fully landscaped with large trees including 2 citrus trees, a watering system, and artificial turf. The sparkling pebble-tec is accented by a rock waterfall you can listen to as you sit under the covered patio. K-12 schools are all located within a mile radius.

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3723 N Aspen Drive Avondale, AZ 85392

$484,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,205 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690213

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this lovely 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence in Garden Lakes! You're greeted by a 2-car garage and a well-manicured front lawn. Discover a welcoming living room with vaulted ceilings, a neutral palette, plantation shutters, and attractive wood-look flooring. The great room includes sliding doors to the backyard for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The kitchen comes with granite counters, ample wood cabinetry with crown molding, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, and a convenient pantry. The main bedroom is complete with cozy carpeting, balcony access, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Enjoy scenic views of the Community greenbelt from the balcony. The backyard includes a covered patio, a relaxing spa, and a sparkling pool. See this gem now!

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53210 N Markham Pass Pass Seligman, AZ 86337

$484,800

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,568 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6669805

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Custom Castlebrook Horse barn 40x60 w 14' tall center doors and custom doors on other entries, on 38 acres of grass. 4 run out stalls. This horse property has a very updated 1589sq ft Cavco home, with a brand new roof in 2022, new pex pipping in 2013, wood stove with rock surround. The property is fenced and cross fenced and is nearly level and grass from corner to corner with the center of the property heavy with trees. The home is not visible from the exterior of the property. There are two pastures already fenced and very pretty with white rail fencing. The round pen will stay. The property has 5000' of water storage on site. It is currently serviced by water haul but wells are possible in this area - they are expensive. The water tank that slides into a standard truck be will remain so you can water haul yourself if you desire. The utility room is a very well insulated Weather King 10x12 shed. The 10x16 Weather King shed is set up as a Workshop. If that isn't enough storage there is also a 20' shipping container that is used for a toy garage. Property is powered by a 24v offgrid system with 12batteries and a 14kW automatic backup propane generator. Propane tank is leased from Suburban Propane. The home is set on a stemwall and is affixed to the property. All appliances are included including the 6sqft deep freeze. The wood flooring throughout is no longer pristine so the seller is offering a flooring rebate back at closing. POA Roads and Two Subdivision Community Wells - are the Only function of the POA. The Two Subdivsion Community Wells you can draw 4,000 gallon a month in use of your truck, tanks and generator. There is 5,000 water storage on parcel. You can also drill a Well on parcel, or have water delivered at approx. $125.00 Delivered for 2,000 gallons. You can also pick up water yourself in Seligman Town by Train Tracks self-pay 1,300 gallons is $16.00. Roads and Wells is the only function of the POA.

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2825 E Tracy Lane Phoenix, AZ 85032

$484,100

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,157 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6622648

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Brand new home!Never lived in! Paradise Mountain Shadows is a new community located just south of the loop 101 and the west of state route 51, Amazing location! Modern design, two-level home, Open and spacious floor plan, Highly upgraded, 3 bed, 2.5 bath! Amazing kitchen offers generous cabinet space, stone counter tops, upgraded cabinets, Brand new stainless appliances! Huge bedrooms! All appliances included, complete with refrigerator, washer and dryer! attached 2-car garage! Must see!

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10838 W Reef Circle Arizona City, AZ 85123

$484,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,995 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6632698

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remarkable custom-built Lakefront home with panoramic views! Nestled on a cul-de-sac offering 5 beds, 3 baths, and a 3-car garage. You'll love the fabulous interior showcasing a welcoming living & dining room combo and an inviting family room paired with a fireplace & media niche, that seamlessly connects to the kitchen. Entertainment-ready, this gem provides surround sound & a wet bar! Abundant natural light, 10ft ceilings, excellent stairway banister, two-tone paint, & tasteful flooring enhance the overall ambiance. The large kitchen boasts built-in appliances, granite counters & backsplash, recessed lighting, a built-in desk, wood cabinetry, and an island w/breakfast bar. One bedroom downstairs! Head upstairs to find a cozy loft & 4 bedrooms. Grand main bedroom will surely impress you! Featuring a media center w/fireplace, wet bar, balcony access, and a sitting room that can be an office as well. Its ensuite includes dual vanities, jetted tub, snail shower, & a walk-in closet. Laundry room with attached cabinetry & sink for your convenience. Outside, your fantastic retreat awaits in the backyard! Natural grass, covered patio, and space for enjoying BBQ complete the picture. PLUS! Take advantage of the private boat dock for your water adventures. This value won't disappoint!

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2423 Oak Hill Street Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$484,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,199 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692035

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning two-story 2200 Sq. Ft. Custom built home in P.D.S Country Club ( NO H.O.A.) 3 Bedroom 2 Bath with Loft office area. New remodeled Kitchen with many upgrades, Granite counter tops/Oak pull out cabinets, Bar counter with wine rack. Samsung Appliances. Upgraded light fixtures/ceiling fans through out. Master bedroom walks out to it's own cozy sitting terrace, overlooking the Golf Course #2 fairway and large Pond. Spa bath complete with jet tub his and hers vanity sinks. Guest quarters with private patio.

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39980 W Bunker Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$483,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,199 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6634517

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

It's the San Marino.. This beautiful two story home with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and 3 car garage. Our homes come with covered patio perfect for entertaining. Owner's suite has separate tub/shower and dual vanity sinks. Granite countertops in the kitchen with a 4'' granite backsplash. Gas range with self clean oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Garage door opener at 2 car garage. Recessed can lighting and ceiling fan outlets. 50 gallon gas water heater, programmable Wi-Fi thermostat 15 seer rated A/C unit. Front yard landscaping with auto timer. All of our homes come with a 10-year limited warranty.

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16226 W Soft Wind Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$483,954

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,363 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6656440

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK CLOSE, Beautiful ESCALANTE Community, INCENTIVES TOWARDS FINANCING, Pinecrest Plan, 4 bedroom, 3 Baths, 2 Car Garage, 9 Foot Ceilings With 8 Foot Interior Doors On Both Floors, Gourmet Kitchen, HIGHLY UPGRADED FLOORING, CABINETS And COUNTERTOPS, 2 Inch Pearl White Blinds, OPEN Floor plan, 16 Foot Atrium Glass Doors, Ceiling Fans In All Rooms. Energy Star Qualified Home, Indoor Air Plus, 8 Foot Tall Garage Door, Buyer May Still Select APPLIANCES, Located A Short Distance From The Community Pool Area, Picnic Area, Tot Lots, Basketball, Pickle Ball Courts And So Much More. Schools And New Shopping Center Nearby. Full Builder Warranty. MOVE IN READY!!

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30458 W Amelia Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$483,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,923 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6655689

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Upgraded kitchen, 42in cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, built in desk. Eat in kitchen, island bar, and formal dining room. Step down into your carpeted living room and enjoy the large open space.

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2835 E Sweetwater Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85032

$483,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,510 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690307

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence now on the market! You'll find an open layout with a sunken living room with plush carpeting and a cozy family room with an inviting fireplace for intimate evenings with loved ones. The interior showcases a soothing palette, efficient recessed lighting, and attractive wood-look flooring. The impeccable kitchen is equipped with sleek quartz counters, white shaker cabinets, a stylish tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, chic pendant lighting, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The main bedroom offers a walk-in closet and a private bathroom for added comfort. Venture outside to the backyard, displaying a covered patio for evening relaxation and a handy storage shed. See this move-in-ready gem today!

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