Hello there my #Storetroopers.
I hope you are all in fine fettle this morning. Much like your properties need to be if you want to sell them for the highest price. Today’s super informative blog post could apply to both selling and renting your property, as buyers and renters are both searching for that perfect abode to call their own.
According to a survey by www.purplebricks.co.uk, you need to know what ‘ick’ factors can have people running for the hills and scrolling for the next listing. But before I move onto the boring stuff, I know you love it when I give you a little nugget of quirky info so here it is. The word ‘icky’ was first used in the 1930s in the jazz industry would you believe, to describe someone who had questionable taste in music.
Right then, enough of all that malarky let’s get down to what turns a potential palace into a definite pass. Here are the top ten home horrors that have Brits saying, "Thank you, next," and savvy ways to fix them.
1. Damp and Mould.
Number one on the list with a whopping 70% saying NO, is of course mouldy walls and damp patches. The sight of mould or damp can have three-quarters of potential buyers doing a 180. Not only is it unsightly, but it raises concerns about health and the structural integrity of the property.
Quick fix? Scrub it away with white vinegar. Yes, it will smell like a chip shop for a day but it’s the most effective and non-toxic.
Repaint using either anti-damp paint, or an oil-based gloss paint. Then make sure your home is well ventilated to keep those pesky patches from coming back.
The most super effective way to deter condensation is to install Positive Import Ventilation (PIV). Units cost approximately £500 plus fitting, but it’s well worth it, I have them in my own properties.
2. “It’s a Rat Trap Billy.”
Next on the to-don’t list is leaving rat or mouse traps around. Nothing quite says 'home sweet home' like the sight of a mouse trap, right? Wrong. For 65% of viewers, it's a clear sign to head for the exit.
Quick fix? If you can’t get hold of the Pied Piper, then it’s the council you need to call. They will arrange for someone to call round and sort the problem.
Alternatively, you can go private. Do be aware that if you have a terraced property then a private company might not touch it as they can’t guarantee the work. Rodents can find any small holes and love visiting the neighbours by running through the attached roof system.
Finally, if they are coming up through the drains it’s your local water company who should deal with the problem. I’m not saying any of these options will 100% work, but they are all certainly worth a try before opening your doors to potential buyers.
3. Stinky Sniffs.
“Eww. What’s that smell?” That’s the last thing you want to hear from a prospective buyer/renter. We’re talking bin odours, unclean bathrooms, smoke, and pet smells. 56% of Brits reckon bad smells are a deal-breaker, well, you wouldn’t want to live in a pongy pad would you.
Quick fix? Obviously, opening your windows and airing the place out will help.
Clean your soft furnishings of any pet odours and fur by sprinkling some bicarbonate of soda on them before hoovering off.
The kitchen can hold onto bad smells better than no more nails can hold a shelf up. If you don’t want people holding their noses clean the oven and hob, don’t eat a curry the day before viewings, and finally, the old bake-some-cookies trick always helps. After all, a fresh-smelling home is a welcoming home.
4. Bathroom Grime and Limescale
In joint third and equal to nasty smells on the ick-o-meter, bathroom grime can be a glaring red flag for 56% of house hunters.
Get you Marigolds on and dive into that cleaning, wash and bleach your loos. Bi-carb and white vinegar down your plugholes will get rid of any grime and limescale.
White vinegar on your shower head and taps will remove any limescale and grime, and scrub that bath.
Keep your bathroom sparkling with a bit of elbow grease to ensure it's a place of relaxation, not revulsion.
5. No Whiffs, No Butts.
Your last tenant may have enjoyed their tutti-frutti vaping pen, or had the odd ciggy in the front room, but cigarette odours and visible butts can turn off 55% of potential buyers. Smoke smells linger longer, while seeing ashtrays full of butts is off-putting to say the least. Not to mention the long-term damage smoking can do to your interiors.
Quick fix? Don’t allow smoking in your properties. Simple.
If there has been smoking or vaping in the property, open windows to air the place before any visits.
Maybe light a scented candle, safely of course.
At the very least, ensure your home is smoke-free during viewings.
6. Clean the Loo!
Picture the scene, you are showing a potential purchaser round your home, you have addressed all the mould, sniffs and evicted the rats. The whole place smells like the McVities biscuit factory, and you think you’re onto a winner. Then they see the loo that you forgot to clean, despite my explicit instructions earlier. With 52% of potential buyers turned off by a dirty toilet, this is one chore you can’t afford to skip.
7. Bugs in the Building
Bugs and flies buzzing around can be a buzzkill for 52% of viewers.
Quick fix? A good clean and some natural fly repellents can help make your home a no-fly zone.
8. Peeling Plaster
Not Elastoplast, but that horrible crumbling plaster on walls that peels away and disintegrates to dust on the floor. Peeling plaster can make a property seem neglected, deterring 51% of potential buyers.
Quick fix? A bit of fresh plaster and paint can go a long way in making your home feel loved and lived-in, in the best way.
9. Poop on the Patio.
Just as finding dog poop in the pavement is very off putting, finding your furry friend’s leftovers in the garden is a definite no-no for 44% of house hunters.
Quick fix? A quick scoot around the garden before viewings with a couple of poo bags can ensure your home doesn’t fall foul of this faux pas.
10. Knickers.
Lastly, and perhaps surprisingly only making it to number ten, is dirty underwear left on show, be that in the bedroom, lounge or heavens forbid, the kitchen. This is a sure-fire way to turn off a massive 39% of potential buyers.
Quick fix? Simple, tidy away those intimates to keep the focus on your fabulous floorspace. Washing basket or washer, either will do.
Selling your home is a bit like the dating game – you want to make the best first impression to find that special someone. By avoiding these top ten turn-offs, you’ll be well on your way to closing the deal and maybe even sparking a bidding war. Remember, it’s not just about making your home look presentable; it’s about making it feel welcoming, healthy, and ready for a new chapter. So, roll up those sleeves, and let’s get your home ready for that date.
Until next time, keep your investment compass steady and your dreams of property prosperity alive!
The Anonymous Investor.
*This blog post is for general information only and is not financial advice. Always speak to a financial advisor for guidance on your specific situation.