For some sellers, a home showing may seem like a no-brainer. Buyers come in, they look at the home, they leave. However, this isn’t quite the case. It’s easy to leave a bad impression with buyers, so here are five mistakes sellers can make during home showings and how to avoid them.

1. Homeowners at Home

Whether you’re selling a home in Anoka or Alaska, one of the fastest ways to make buyers uncomfortable while viewing a home is for the homeowners to be around. If the owners are home, it’s difficult for the buyers to feel like they have any privacy, which can in turn lead to them not being able to speak their minds or even not being able to get as close a look at the home as they would have liked. To avoid this, it’s best for the homeowners to leave the home during showings.

2. Distracting Décor Choices

While the homeowners may be proud of their collection of taxidermied lizards in silly poses, buyers who come through the home may not enjoy seeing them. Strange decorations can be distracting to buyers and take their focus away from the actual home and instead put it on the furniture. To prevent this, it’s best to put away anything that might be seen as odd until after the home has shown. Other things to put away include posters and family photos, religious or political memorabilia, and certificates and diplomas. 

3. Strange and Strong Scents

Needless to say, bad odors can drive away buyers. After all, who wants to buy a home that smells like a gym? But similarly, heavy perfumes can have a similar effect. Avoid using  too much air freshener before buyers come to view the home. If the home has a persistent smell to it, try opening windows to let the home air out, or if that isn’t enough, an air purifier is another option.

4. Incomplete Renovations

Some homeowners may think it’s acceptable to have ongoing renovations while buyers come through the home because it shows them that the owners are actively doing work to make the home better. However, this is not the case. Seeing a room torn apart, even if it’s for the sake of improvement, can turn buyers away. Always be sure to finish all home improvement projects before allowing buyers to come view the home.

5. Pets in the Home

Many homeowners also own pets, and unfortunately, they can make selling a home difficult. Between people who are allergic to, afraid of, or just don’t like animals, it’s best to take dogs and cats out of the home while it’s being viewed. That way people who are off put by animals don’t have to see them, and there isn’t any risk of someone accidentally getting bitten or scratched. For animals like birds, fish, and reptiles that can’t be easily taken out of the home, cover the cage if possible, or put a large, clear note telling visitors not to touch the animal. 

On the subject of pets, it’s also best to put away all beds, bowls, toys, and things like that. Even if the animals are out of the home, seeing pet supplies is undeniable proof that a pet lives there. While people are viewing the home, make sure to put pet items in a closet or somewhere else they won’t be easily noticed.

Once sellers know what to look for, it isn’t hard to correct mistakes like these. All it takes is a keen eye and a few trips around the home to search for things that could be off-putting to buyers. A skilled real estate agent can also help sellers with preparation for selling a home as well as give extra tips.