5 Mistakes That Will Instantly Turn a Home Buyer Away – and How to Avoid Making Them

If you’re preparing to sell your home you’ve likely heard many tips and tricks to help close quickly, however few people will ever tell you what you’re doing wrong.

Don’t be your own roadblock to success! Avoid these common seller-mistakes to ensure that your home leaves a lasting impression on buyers, instead of sending them running for the hills.

1) Dirt: It’s A Don’t

Perhaps one of the biggest turn-offs in real estate, dirt gives the impression that your property is not well maintained. A dirty home is simply not aesthetically appealing and can often be the root cause of other turn-offs, such as bad odors. Keeping a clean, clutter-free home will show potential buyers that your property is a beautiful, healthy place where they can live comfortably without any foul surprises.

2) It’s Nothing Personal

While you may love looking at family photos, funky trinkets from travelling, or your colorful assortment of bath products, personal items such as these should be stored away during an open house. Showings are for buyers to see if they can see themselves living in your home, which is difficult to imagine when there are someone else’s belongings scattered throughout the house. If you’re serious about selling, pack away any items that send the message that this is your space.

3) Old News

Most often when people are looking for a new home they’re looking for just that: a NEW home! Having old, dated fixtures in your house tells prospective buyers that your property is stuck in the past, rather than prepared for the future. Make your property a place that anyone can move forward in.

4) Street Style

You may have spent so much time and effort making the inside of your home immaculate for a sale that you’ve completely forgotten that the outside is equally as important. Curb appeal is the very first impression that your home will have on buyers, and it’s essential that your property looks just as nice from the street as it does inside.

5) Snoopy Seller

You know your home better than anyone else, and you want to sell it to someone who genuinely cares about your property. While this statement may be true, it is counterproductive for you to participate in showings, pointing out all the great features of your home to interested buyers and grilling them on their intentions for when they purchase it. Give buyers space they need to see if your home is the right fit for them, and you’ll be selling it in no time.

Interested in receiving more advice on selling your home? Give me a call today – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

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21640 S Hawes Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$1,990,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,575 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6357693

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

The possibilities are endless with this property!! Bring your toys, boats, horses and build your dream home (OR 5 HOMES) to this irrigated property in a fabulous location !! Over 5 acres, owners have lived here for over 30 years in this 1985 mobile home...and they are ready to give someone new an opportunity to make this property into something FABULOUS! Sides up to Queen Creek wash/walking path... Neighbors to the North are One Acre, Custom Homes....and this could be split into 5 - 1 Acre Parcels.

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7420 E Reins Court Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

$1,990,000

3 Beds

5 Baths

4,804 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685848

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your new memories begin here! Enter through the giant pivot front door to this fully custom home, enter the warm and welcoming living room with space for everyone. You'll find you're eager to entertain all of your friends more than you ever have. The large great room flows to the formal dining area and then into the chef's kitchen with the very large gas, 6 burner range with its 2 ovens in addition to the built -in wall convection oven. A built -in ice maker helps when entertaining outside on the very large patio that overlooks FIVE holes of the Stoneridge Golf Course! Ready to BBQ with friends? No worries, use the easy to slide corner window from the kitchen and pass all the provisions right out to your guests! Enjoy a relaxing swim in the 25 YD indoor pool. The master suite is truly.... spa-like with the walk- in stone surround shower. The dual vanities with Brazilian Quartzite and Illuminating mirrors and the large, jetted tub tucked into the custom corner view windows, lower one blind for complete privacy while enjoying the stunning views of the mountains and the golf course below. The jetted tub heats the water and recirculates it so you can enjoy a very long, relaxing soak. The master walk in closet is very large and has great storage too. The 2 guest bedrooms are also very large and both have great big closets...so much storage in this home! These rooms are also complete with the custom corner windows for the wonderful views as well as blackout blinds for a good nights' rest. The loft has it's own patio with views of Glassford Hill and also the beautiful neighborhood below. The second floor has an art studio which could be used as a rec room or a great movie room. This room has 2 separate patios, corner windows for the views and beautiful wood floors....not to mention...the room is plumbed to add a bathroom, so this could make a 2nd master en-suite! On the main floor there is an office area that has a great view of the pool and lots of productivity space for you....all rooms have Cat 6 hard wired high speed data connections. There are so many special features....please read the Special Features page to get even MORE information about this very special home nestled in the Mingus Mtns. Golf cart and some furnishings may convey with full price offer.

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22970 N 79th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,990,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,958 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6732535

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the heart of North Scottsdale, this exquisite single-level home epitomizes modern elegance and comfort. Bathed in natural light from numerous skylights, the open floor plan seamlessly blends spaciousness with warmth. The large primary suite offers a tranquil retreat, while three additional bedrooms in a separate wing provide ample space for family or guests. A great room, adorned with a spacious eat-in kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, serves as the heart of the home—perfect for both casual family meals and elegant entertaining. Outside, the resort-like amenities beckon. A meticulously designed outdoor space boasts a built-in BBQ area, a shimmering pool with a soothing water feature, and a cozy firepit—ideal for enjoying cool desert evenings under the stars. Located within a gated community near Grayhawk and Pinnacle Peak, residents also enjoy access to community tennis courts and a playground, enhancing the community's appeal as a serene and family-friendly enclave. This North Scottsdale gem offers a rare combination of luxury, comfort, and outdoor living, truly a sanctuary in the Sonoran desert.

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2662 N Chestnut Circle Mesa, AZ 85213

$1,990,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

5,747 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762960

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! ideally situated on a prime N Mesa cul de sac lot w/ excelling schools, just 15 min from Sky Harbor Airport.This elegantly remodeled home has 5 spacious bedrooms, 4.5 luxurious baths, large loft, office, bonus room, pool, and 4-car garage. Grand entrance features Restoration Hardware lighting, custom railing, & wood floors throughout, formal living room has a stunning fireplace, huge picture windows fill the space w/natural light. Culinary enthusiasts: large kitchen comes complete w/double islands, double ovens & adjacent family room for gathering. Downstairs primary suite & bathroom is a true sanctuary, w/2-way fireplace and sitting room. Upstairs a huge loft w/balcony, 2 bedrooms, a separate 2nd primary suite, and a private basement bedroom. All new AC units.

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2041 N Orchard Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$1,989,500

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,655 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776845

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Hermosa Groves Estates! This brand new, never-lived-in custom home redefines next generation living. The home offers three distinct wings, providing unparalleled privacy and tranquility for residents and guests alike. A 60 foot paver driveway leading to the insulated 4 car garage welcomes you home. At the heart of the home an impressive 21-foot Anderson glass sliding door, merging indoor and outdoor living. The meticulously designed kitchen was built to offer plenty of storage, counter space and functionality. Step out onto a grand porch featuring two evaporative coolers and a series of outdoor fans, ensuring outdoor comfort year-round. This move-in-ready home is waiting for your personal touch to make it uniquely yours. Come experience the unique ambiance in this home today.

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4849 N Camelback Ridge Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$1,985,000

1 Bed

2 Baths

1,521 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6552938

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

This unique loft style home features 20' ceilings in the living area with spacious indoor/outdoor living and a lower garden/yard. This home is exceptional with its soaring ceilings and phenomenal views of Camelback Mountain. Featuring 1 bedroom, 2 full baths, a den and 2 reserved parking spaces. Tucked at the base of Camelback Mountain, Ascent is a new, private gated residential enclave adjacent to The Phoenician Resort - one of Arizona's premier luxury resorts. Home designs feature contemporary architecture integrating warm, natural materials, expansive windows, stacking door systems opening to a large outdoor patio with fire feature and BBQ Thoughtfully designed by Nelsen Architects and Vallone Interior Design. Luxury finishes include exquisite Bulthaup Kitchens, hardwood floors, ..... Sub Zero-Wolf appliance package, window coverings, washer and dryer are also included. A private rooftop terrace and the Mountain Club pool and fitness facility are amenities Ascent homeowners will enjoy.

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2449 W Sunrise Drive Phoenix, AZ 85041

$1,985,000

5 Beds

5 Baths

4,034 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762451

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city just minutes from the heart of it all! Nestled on over 5 acres this 5-bed, 5 bath estate backs up to the Phoenix Preserve, with direct access to South Mountain's hiking trails from your backyard. Panoramic 360-degree mountain views, enjoy peace and tranquility as you gaze out over the city in this serene desert retreat. This home is an entertainer's dream, with a sparkling diving pool, built-in BBQ, and an expansive backyard designed for hosting family and friends. Step inside to find a beautifully updated interior with a chef's dream of a kitchen. Adding to its appeal, the property includes a separate 1-bedroom, 1-bath suite with its own kitchen, living room, and views. Experience resort-style living & close to everything Phoenix has to offer! This exceptional estate spans three separate parcels totaling 224,118 sq ft (5.14 acres), providing ample space for outdoor activities and privacy. With individual parcel sizes of 81,108 sq ft, 55,896 sq ft, and 87,114 sq ft, there's plenty of room for your imagination. The guest attached guest suite is 622.5 sq ft of the total 4,034 sq ft. There are 1,261 sq ft of outdoor covered living area. The expansive lot allows for parking toys, housing horses, or creating customized landscaping. The interior boasts newer flooring and fresh paint throughout, enhancing the home's appeal. This property truly offers a unique combination of tranquility and convenience, all while being just minutes from the vibrant offerings of Phoenix!

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12328 E Black Rock Road Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,983,995

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,860 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6708931

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*NEW CONSTRUCTION: SPRING 2025 COMPLETION. Interior Finishes have been added!* Stunning Callum floor plan with Modern exterior under construction on an elevated home site! Gorgeous 13' ceilings, a casita with private entrance and 3 outdoor spaces are some of the reasons this plan is a top seller. Professionally designed, tasteful neutral color scheme. Additional upgrades include SS Wolf appliances, a double oven, 48'' Sub Zero Fridge & extended Kitchen island. The great room has a 72'' linear fireplace & a 16' multi-slide pocket door, perfect for cozy nights at home. This is the low-maintenance, LUXURY, lock & leave home you have been waiting for! Located in the stunning guard-gated community, Sereno Canyon. The ultimate resort lifestyle community in North Scottsdale by Toll Brothers. Come take a tour today!

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6762 W Hombre Road San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$1,975,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,100 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768203

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to ''The Resort''. This CUSTOM HORSE PROPERTY will capture your heart from the moment you walk into the custom iron gated PRIVATE courtyard. Property boasts 4 over-sized bedrooms (office could be the 5th) with walk in closets in each with their own private bathroom. Just minutes away from the Equestrian center and downtown Queen Creek. Amazing views of the San Tan Mountains, Superstitions and Four Peaks with city lights. When you bring your horses and toys they deserve THE VERY BEST-this home is a must see! 4 car+ attached garage, plus a 28' X 50' RV garage, fully insulated with both having epoxy flooring and a 12 x 16 storage loft area with ladder and safety railings. 2 large covered Horse stalls, paddock and large tack/feed room for the equestrian enthusiast.

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5327 E Pinchot Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85018

$1,975,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,066 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6772922

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning, newly constructed home offers 3,066 square feet of luxurious living space, featuring 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, pool and an attached 2-car garage. The modern design includes high-end finishes throughout, ensuring both comfort and style. The master suite is a true retreat, boasting an oversized walk-in shower with rainfall showerhead, built-in bench, and LED accent lighting. The large walk-in closet offers custom-built organizers, while the elegant bathroom features a 70'' soaking tub and backlit vanity mirrors. The spacious kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with a 9' quartz waterfall island, luxury appliances, and a 48'' dual-oven gas range. The custom range hood and solid oak floating shelves add a sophisticated touch, while the expansive pantry and temperature-controlled wine cellar provide ample storage. Designed for privacy and entertainment, the backyard includes a 20'x20' pergola, a built-in grill with a granite eat-in bar, and a firepitperfect for hosting gatherings. The newly refinished pool with a PebbleTec surface, in-pool bar table, and Baja shelf offers resort-like living. Plus, all new smart pool equipment allows for easy control of features via smartphone. Additional highlights include:

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7468 E Baker Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,975,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

4,276 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6786273

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream oasis in the heart of North Scottsdale! Discover modern luxury in Trovia! This 5-bed, 3.5-bath home boasts a fully updated kitchen with granite countertops and new appliances. Outside, enjoy a basketball court, putting green, raised garden beds, fruit trees, and a heated pool/spa. The split floorplan offers a spacious main suite. Perfectly located near schools, shopping, and outdoor activities, this property epitomizes Arizona living.

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2203 E Scenic Drive Payson, AZ 85541

$1,975,000

4 Beds

5 Baths

5,618 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6726593

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

EXQUISITE MODERN MOUNTAIN RETREAT located within the desirable community of Chaparral Pines, with expansive mountain and golf course views! This stunning four-bedroom, five-bath home, including a dedicated office, offers luxurious living both indoors and out. Completely updated and move-in ready, this home boasts a spacious, open floor plan spread across three levels, all accessible by a 3-stop elevator or gentle stairs, perfect for hosting family and friends. The main level welcomes you with a jaw-droppingly grand great room, drenched in natural light from expansive windows that blend indoor elegance with breathtaking views of hole #7 and the Granite Dells in the background. The floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and a wet bar add to the sophisticated atmosphere, while the radiant heated floors add an additional touch of comfort and luxury. The recently remodeled kitchen, updated in 2020, features quartz countertops, new appliances, and custom cabinetry, and the large breakfast bar and adjacent dining area are ideally situated to enjoy the magnificent views. The main-level master suite opens to an expansive deck, perfect for morning relaxation, and includes a luxurious en suite bath with a sizable walk-in closet. Also on the main level, you'll find a beautifully designed office with built-ins and a sink, a laundry room, and a powder room for guests. Split from the master suite, a short ascent of stairs leads to two private guest bedrooms, each with walk-in closets and en suite baths. The lower level offers a generous living area with a theater setup, wet bar, and outdoor access to a patio featuring a fireplace and hot tub. The fourth bedroom, a spacious guest master suite, is situated for maximum privacy. This home also provides ample storage and flexible spaces to suit your needs with a basement level workshop, multiple closets, an indoor/outdoor dog kennel, and a potential wine cellar that's currently used as a kids toy/play area. The oversized 3.5-car garage accommodates three vehicles, a golf cart, and includes additional storage space.

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