|When you put your property up for sale or try to draw more people in to rent it out or make use of any services you provide, you want to make the space as attractive as possible to invite them in. If they have a good perception of the property, you are one step closer to translating that into a sale. On the flip side, a bad impression can immediately knock that opportunity off the table. As important as it is to know how to best present your space, it’s also pertinent to know what things could immediately drive people away. Here are some of the worst culprits that can turn potential profits off.
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Bad sewage
Make sure you get proper septic tank pumping so that you don’t have waste overflowing. That is not only a health hazard but is also a sure sight to turn people away. Even if it’s not visibly overflowing, poor maintenance can produce some rank smells that can put off anyone a mile away.
You don’t want anyone perceiving your property as disgusting, and having bad smells and poor waste management are among the worst things you can show on that front. It’s also a pretty bad sign that you’ve got problems you should attend to prevent further damage and risk to your well-being and those around you. If the smell isn’t necessarily emanating from your property, you’ll want to make sure you still nip it in the bud if it’s in the vicinity.
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Noise pollution
If you live in an area that gets a lot of loud noises from traffic, nearby busy locations, or music, it’s a big no-no that will almost immediately confirm that no one will want to hang around for long. Make sure you don’t produce too much noise and that you can adequately quell any sources of noise, especially during times when you expect people to be in. Nobody wants to snap up a home where the train loudly passes by in the morning, or one has to listen to a barrage of bass drops and whoops from a nearby club in the middle of the night.
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Pest infestations
An alarming situation that would drive people away for sure is having pests. Rodents, ants, cockroaches, and spiders are the most common ones that come to mind, but you should also be wary of birds, termites, mosquitoes, and bed bugs. If there are signs that these critters are in the dwelling and making a whole community in your property, then you can say goodbye to any prospective clients.
Make sure you properly seal any cracks and crevices in the property, avoid attracting them with pools of water and garbage, and have thorough inspections done to make sure they are not populating the area. Even if you think you’re clear, make sure to double-check because polls reveal that 84% of homeowners in the United States experience a pest problem in a year.
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Bothersome neighbors
Your property is not the only representative of the location. Its neighboring properties and dwellers count, too. If you’re trying to rent or sell your property, make sure the people next door aren’t rowdy or intimidating and check to see if their places look presentable, too (at least on the outside). This way, prospective buyers or renters can have more confidence about the area and take comfort in knowing that they won’t be staying in the same vicinity as dangerous folk or, really, just annoying people with bad habits.
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Poor curbside appearance
First impressions do matter, so you should put in the effort to make your curbside look good. It only takes a person 38 seconds to make their first impression on a home. You should start outside since that is obviously the first thing to be seen and can immediately put them off. Make sure the bushes and the grass are well-trimmed, there’s no garbage or clutter, and the exterior walls are well-painted with an even coat that doesn’t look old or damaged. Make sure nothing looks broken down, whether it’s a fence, a gate, a doorbell, or some porch steps.
If you’re going to add some flowers and plants, it could add to the appeal as long as it’s maintained well, and they look alive. It’s also good to remember the little details like the windows and their appearance.
These are just some of the most significant things you want to watch out for when trying to get people to have a good feeling about your place. This way, you can ensure that people will have an excellent impression of it.
