Experienced realtors can tell you their most significant pet peeves when touring a home with clients. Many situations can cost you a successful house showing, from roaches to pets on counters. Save yourself (and your realtors) the embarrassment by avoiding these mistakes and ensuring your home is showroom-ready.
Being Late or Absent For Showing
Many mishaps occur with improper scheduling. Not pre-approving buyers ahead of time or letting them access the lockbox can lead to awkward moments that can destroy your chances of selling your home. You could have family members lingering during a potential showing or not give the proper time for you or your agent to be there to answer questions.
Receiving Unwelcome Guests
Pest control is probably one of the most overlooked steps when planning an open house. At the same time, it’s also a top priority before you allow buyers to enter your home. Not only could it cause you to lose opportunities, hiding any need for pest control can also result in a lawsuit.
Ready to find your dream home in Denver?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.
If you feel like the critters are out of your control, check the website for more info by professionals on how to prevent pests from invading your home. The last thing you need is a sneaky little roach to show up during the final walkthrough.
Leaving Private or Dangerous Objects In The Open
Sellers should be careful not to leave personal belongings or information lying around. Leaving valuables unattended can be a perfect opportunity for theft or invasion of privacy. Certain items can raise doubts about buying a home. Here are some things to stow away until the viewings are over.
Signs of Smoking
It doesn’t matter if you smoke outside. Any buyer who sees cigarettes or any accessories used for smoking will automatically assume that you’ll smoke indoors, too.
Medicine Cabinet
Keeping your prescription away from prying eyes is a matter of privacy and safety. Instead of storing your medicine in the bathroom or nightstand (the first place a theft will look), find a way to lock it away in a safe or less accessible area.
Personal Information
Hide your mail, documents, and anything else with your full name, address, and other private information. This should also be kept away from visitors.
Ready to find your dream home in Denver?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.
Portable Heaters/Air Conditioning
Anything designed to make the home warmer or cooler will make buyers doubt the central system. Even if you have a good reason, having a portable HVAC system sends the wrong message.
Personal Stances
While your ideologies or political standings have nothing to do with the sale, your buyer might take it personally. Keep your views to yourself if your buyers don’t want to turn down the deal on principle.
Distracting Buyers From The Home
A home is meant to be lived in, but you want as few distractions as possible to keep buyers at ease when it comes to showing. Many things can be highly disruptive and off-putting for your guests, such as:
Family or Pets
As much as we love them, having family or pets hanging out while you’re having your home viewed can be a terrible idea. They can create messes, occupy rooms, and prevent guests from becoming comfortable and seeing the house properly. Make arrangements when you have appointments set for homebuyers to stop by.
Strong Smells
Baking cookies is a sales tactic used to make a home smell cozy. Homebuyers are becoming aware of the cliché, so you can save the baking until you move into your new kitchen.
Another common mistake is sprucing the house with too much fragrance. While it may smell delightful, homebuyers may not share the same sentiment. Keep your home smelling fresh and clean with a pleasant but subtle surface cleaner instead.
Ready to find your dream home in Denver?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.
Clutter and Filth
The more mess and clutter you have, the more attention you take away from the home. Scheduling showings gives you extra time to tidy up or hire someone to handle the heavy-duty cleaning.
Odd Decor
Showcasing your home to potential buyers is the worst time to display your conversation starters. This also goes for unusual paint colors or unprofessional home projects.
The Bottom Line
There’s much to keep track of when selling your house. With enough planning and communication, you can keep everyone on the same page. Talk to your realtor and other residents in the household to prepare and maintain the home in tip-top shape.

