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The Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed
Personal taste is as much a factor in buying a home as it is in buying clothes. You may think those mauve walls are horrible but someone out there will probably love them. Still, there are some things that are almost universal real estate deal breakers. Here are 20 of the most common ones.
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1. Being in a Flood Zone
1/201. Being in a Flood Zone
1/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
A home in a high-risk flood zone usually costs more in terms of higher insurance premiums and with climate change, new areas are becoming flood zones. If your home is in a flood zone, make it more sellable by installing good flood-prevention measures, such as a sump pump.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed1. Being in a Flood Zone
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -A home in a high-risk flood zone usually costs more in terms of higher insurance premiums and with climate change, new areas are becoming flood zones. If your home is in a flood zone, make it more sellable by installing good flood-prevention measures, such as a sump pump.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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2. Shoddy Roofing
2/202. Shoddy Roofing
2/20Photo Credit: Jakec/Wikimedia Commons
The buyer can ask you to cut your asking price by tens of thousands of dollars if your home’s roof isn’t in tip-top shape. Clean the gutters regularly and check the roof for cracked or missing tiles or shingles and signs of dry rot. Fix little problems before they become big, expensive problems.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed2. Shoddy Roofing
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -The buyer can ask you to cut your asking price by tens of thousands of dollars if your home’s roof isn’t in tip-top shape. Clean the gutters regularly and check the roof for cracked or missing tiles or shingles and signs of dry rot. Fix little problems before they become big, expensive problems.Photo Credit: Jakec/Wikimedia Commons
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3. Poor Upgrades
3/203. Poor Upgrades
3/20Photo Credit: Wiki B M/Wikimedia Commons
Some upgrades can increase the value of your home by thousands but buyers can spot a mile off if you’ve done a poor upgrade simply in order to flip the property. Think carefully about how much value an upgrade will really add and then have it done by a reputable professional.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed3. Poor Upgrades
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -Some upgrades can increase the value of your home by thousands but buyers can spot a mile off if you’ve done a poor upgrade simply in order to flip the property. Think carefully about how much value an upgrade will really add and then have it done by a reputable professional.Photo Credit: Wiki B M/Wikimedia Commons
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4. Bad Odours
4/204. Bad Odours
4/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Bad odours, whether they come from last night’s meal or from somewhere outside, can put off potential buyers. However, obvious attempts to mask the smell can make buyers suspicious. Instead, find the source of the odour, clean and air your house thoroughly and use simple, subtle scents like citrus or vanilla.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed4. Bad Odours
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -Bad odours, whether they come from last night’s meal or from somewhere outside, can put off potential buyers. However, obvious attempts to mask the smell can make buyers suspicious. Instead, find the source of the odour, clean and air your house thoroughly and use simple, subtle scents like citrus or vanilla.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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5. Old Plumbing
5/205. Old Plumbing
5/20Photo Credit: Joe Mabel/Wikimedia Commons
Old plumbing can lead to flooding, mould and other problems. Fix leaky taps, make sure the toilet flushes properly and clean out all the drains. Shine bathroom and kitchen fixtures to make them look newer and if you need to have any plumbing replaced, keep the receipts to show the buyer.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed5. Old Plumbing
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -Old plumbing can lead to flooding, mould and other problems. Fix leaky taps, make sure the toilet flushes properly and clean out all the drains. Shine bathroom and kitchen fixtures to make them look newer and if you need to have any plumbing replaced, keep the receipts to show the buyer.Photo Credit: Joe Mabel/Wikimedia Commons
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6. Too Much Maintenance
6/206. Too Much Maintenance
6/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Buyers will balk at the idea of a high-maintenance home. Pay attention to every detail to make your home look well maintained: shine the floors, fix cracks and holes, give the house a new coat of paint and tidy up the garden, at the very least.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed6. Too Much Maintenance
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -Buyers will balk at the idea of a high-maintenance home. Pay attention to every detail to make your home look well maintained: shine the floors, fix cracks and holes, give the house a new coat of paint and tidy up the garden, at the very least.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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7. Pets
7/207. Pets
7/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Not everyone may be as enchanted by your pets as you are. Before you show your home to prospective buyers, vacuum it thoroughly to get rid of pet hair that may trigger allergies and use an air purifier to get rid of pet smells. Clean up your pets’ mess and if you can, get someone to take them out while you show your home.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed7. Pets
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Not everyone may be as enchanted by your pets as you are. Before you show your home to prospective buyers, vacuum it thoroughly to get rid of pet hair that may trigger allergies and use an air purifier to get rid of pet smells. Clean up your pets’ mess and if you can, get someone to take them out while you show your home.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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8. Mould
8/208. Mould
8/20Photo Credit: Infrogmation/Wikimedia Commons
Mould can cause health problems but is often a sign of bigger issues, such as water leaks. If you find any signs of mould in your home, have the problem treated or you may have to lower your asking price.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed8. Mould
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -Mould can cause health problems but is often a sign of bigger issues, such as water leaks. If you find any signs of mould in your home, have the problem treated or you may have to lower your asking price.Photo Credit: Infrogmation/Wikimedia Commons
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9. Radon
9/209. Radon
9/20Photo Credit: CKristiansen/Wikimedia Commons
High levels of radon are common in Canadian homes and can cause serious health problems. Lowering the levels isn’t very expensive, so test your home’s radon levels, especially in the basement, and fix the problem. It’s a good idea to keep the paperwork too.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed9. Radon
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -High levels of radon are common in Canadian homes and can cause serious health problems. Lowering the levels isn’t very expensive, so test your home’s radon levels, especially in the basement, and fix the problem. It’s a good idea to keep the paperwork too.Photo Credit: CKristiansen/Wikimedia Commons
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10. Outdated Décor
10/2010. Outdated Décor
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Buyers won’t want to pay top dollar for outdated décor, so be realistic about your selling price. You can increase the price by updating the décor but check market trends first and go for a classic, timeless look.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed10. Outdated Décor
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -Buyers won’t want to pay top dollar for outdated décor, so be realistic about your selling price. You can increase the price by updating the décor but check market trends first and go for a classic, timeless look.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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11. A Small and Dark Kitchen
11/2011. A Small and Dark Kitchen
11/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
For many buyers, the kitchen can be the deciding factor. If your kitchen is small and dark, consider renovating it. Lighter colours will create a sense of space while good artificial lighting or a larger window to let in natural light can brighten up things. It may even be worth your while to knock out a wall or two.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed11. A Small and Dark Kitchen
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -For many buyers, the kitchen can be the deciding factor. If your kitchen is small and dark, consider renovating it. Lighter colours will create a sense of space while good artificial lighting or a larger window to let in natural light can brighten up things. It may even be worth your while to knock out a wall or two.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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12. Dated Appliances
12/2012. Dated Appliances
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Old appliances will need to be replaced sooner. Increase your home’s selling price by replacing those appliances with new, Energy Star appliances that will also lower the hydro bill.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed12. Dated Appliances
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -Old appliances will need to be replaced sooner. Increase your home’s selling price by replacing those appliances with new, Energy Star appliances that will also lower the hydro bill.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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13. Popcorn Ceilings
13/2013. Popcorn Ceilings
13/20Photo Credit: Roskvape/Wikimedia Commons
Popcorn ceilings are ugly, hard to clean and look dated. Sometimes they may also contain hazardous materials like asbestos and prospective buyers hate them. Luckily they’re not too difficult to remove and you can even do it yourself.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed13. Popcorn Ceilings
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -Popcorn ceilings are ugly, hard to clean and look dated. Sometimes they may also contain hazardous materials like asbestos and prospective buyers hate them. Luckily they’re not too difficult to remove and you can even do it yourself.Photo Credit: Roskvape/Wikimedia Commons
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14. A Buried Oil Tank
14/2014. A Buried Oil Tank
14/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Older homes often have old underground oil storage tanks buried in the backyard. When these become rusty, they can start leaking and fixing the damage can cost a small fortune. Have the oil tank inspected and removed sooner rather than later and keep proof of the job.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed14. A Buried Oil Tank
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -Older homes often have old underground oil storage tanks buried in the backyard. When these become rusty, they can start leaking and fixing the damage can cost a small fortune. Have the oil tank inspected and removed sooner rather than later and keep proof of the job.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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15. A Sordid History
15/2015. A Sordid History
15/20Photo Credit: Lars Hagberg/CP
If your home was once the scene of a crime, don’t be evasive when you’re asked about it. Prospective buyers will know when you’re trying to hide something. Who knows, some may even be excited about buying an infamous home.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed15. A Sordid History
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -If your home was once the scene of a crime, don’t be evasive when you’re asked about it. Prospective buyers will know when you’re trying to hide something. Who knows, some may even be excited about buying an infamous home.Photo Credit: Lars Hagberg/CP
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16. Having a Sex Offender in the Neighbourhood
16/2016. Having a Sex Offender in the Neighbourhood
16/20Photo Credit: Sue Bailey/CP
Canada’s National Sex Offender Registry isn’t open to the public. However, if prospective buyers ask you if there are any sex offenders in the neighbourhood and you say “no” even though you know that one of your neighbours is a convicted sex offender, you may be sued for misrepresentation.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed16. Having a Sex Offender in the Neighbourhood
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Canada’s National Sex Offender Registry isn’t open to the public. However, if prospective buyers ask you if there are any sex offenders in the neighbourhood and you say “no” even though you know that one of your neighbours is a convicted sex offender, you may be sued for misrepresentation.Photo Credit: Sue Bailey/CP
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17. A Low Appraisal Value
17/2017. A Low Appraisal Value
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your home’s appraised value comes in much lower than your selling price, the buyer may back out. One option is to lower your selling price but you can also work with the appraiser to try and increase your home’s appraised value.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed17. A Low Appraisal Value
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -If your home’s appraised value comes in much lower than your selling price, the buyer may back out. One option is to lower your selling price but you can also work with the appraiser to try and increase your home’s appraised value.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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18. Pests
18/2018. Pests
18/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Savvy buyers will look for signs of pests like cockroaches, termites, ants and rodents. Reduce the risk of pests by keeping your home and yard spotless and if you need to, get an exterminator in before you start showing your home.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed18. Pests
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -Savvy buyers will look for signs of pests like cockroaches, termites, ants and rodents. Reduce the risk of pests by keeping your home and yard spotless and if you need to, get an exterminator in before you start showing your home.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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19. Faulty Wiring
19/2019. Faulty Wiring
19/20Photo Credit: Me/Wikimedia Commons
Old, faulty wiring is a fire hazard and will put off prospective buyers. Check every light switch and electrical outlet in your home and catch problems before the prospective buyer does. If you need to have all the wiring replaced, keep the receipt and use the new wiring as a selling point.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed19. Faulty Wiring
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -Old, faulty wiring is a fire hazard and will put off prospective buyers. Check every light switch and electrical outlet in your home and catch problems before the prospective buyer does. If you need to have all the wiring replaced, keep the receipt and use the new wiring as a selling point.Photo Credit: Me/Wikimedia Commons
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20. Major Maintenance Problems in the Past
20/2020. Major Maintenance Problems in the Past
20/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If buyers find out that your basement flooded a few years ago or that the roof caved in, they may be afraid that it will happen again. Whenever you need to have major repairs done, get it done by a professional and keep the paperwork.Real EstateThe Most Common Deal Breakers for Home Buyers Revealed20. Major Maintenance Problems in the Past
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -If buyers find out that your basement flooded a few years ago or that the roof caved in, they may be afraid that it will happen again. Whenever you need to have major repairs done, get it done by a professional and keep the paperwork.Photo Credit: Getty Images
