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.

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19360 N 73rd Street Unit 1075 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,717,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,858 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784749

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Belgravia Group presents Atavia, a private gated community of 88 luxury condominiums coming soon to North Scottsdale. Atavia blends the breathability of single-family living with the carefree convenience of condominium ownership. Designed by award-winning international architecture firm KTGY, with a clubhouse inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Taliesin West. Atavia is perfectly situated at the Loop 101 and Scottsdale Rd within the One Scottsdale masterplan development. Each exceptional home features a private entry with 2 car garage, Italian kitchen cabinetry, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, 1 ¼'' quartz counters, and wood floors throughout main living areas. Residence E1 includes a private in-home elevator, a 473 sf rooftop deck plus an option for a 4th bedroom.

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100 W Northern Avenue Unit 7 Phoenix, AZ 85021

Open House

$1,708,308

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,715 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737176

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 100 Northern! Nestled in the prime location of North Central Phoenix, this gated, NEW, unique community features 3 different floor plans and only 17 homesites. Experience the elegant sophistication and uncluttered feel of these thoughtful, light flooded designs, where soaring ceilings, sleek lines, and open spaces all converge to evoke a true sense of serene ambiance throughout the home. This spectacular 2 level ''C'' plan features owner's suite, large den, and all primary living on the ground floor with 3 additional bedrooms, 2 baths (one ensuite) and large flex loft upstairs. Subzero/Wolf appliances, Trane AC units ,and tankless water heaters all set the standard for the list of included high-end features. Heated community pool, dog park and walking path cont.... all provide the outdoor enjoyment without the upkeep, cost and work of maintaining your own. Come and claim your new address at 100 Northern, the epitome of modern luxury living!

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31 W Canyon Street Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$1,700,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697663

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into luxury with this stunning new construction home boasting vaulted ceilings adorned with rustic beams, a testament to its craftsmanship and charm. Indulge your culinary passions in the gourmet kitchen featuring custom cabinets, not one but two islands, and top-of-the-line appliances. Seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living with a folding patio door, leading to a spacious wrap-around covered patio, perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding in style. Enjoy the sleek elegance of smooth wall finishes throughout the home. Plus, say goodbye to restrictive HOA regulations and embrace the freedom of no HOA. With a convenient drivet-hrough RV garage, this home is tailormade for those who value both functionality and sophistication. Don't miss your chance to make this dream home yours

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8724 E Russell Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$1,700,000

5 Beds

5.5 Baths

3,770 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740161

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

360 degrees unobstructed VIEWS!!! NO HOA! DETACHED GUEST HOUSE! 7 car garage! Bring all your toys to this home in The Desert Uplands of Mesa! Lifestyle here is exceptional with a blend of tranquility & convenience. Nearby stores, restaurants, hiking & boating at Tonto National Forest & Usury Mountain Regional Park. All million $ plus homes. Experience elegance & comfort in this magnificent 5-bedroom, 4.5 -bathroom residence on a sprawling 1.22-acre lot! 2 story entry w/ elegant stairwell. Formal LR & DR with updated modern flooring. 2022 kitchen remodel offers white shaker cabinets, viking stove, lg prep island, true butlers kitchen & pantry. Family room has huge windows, gas FP & open to the kitchen. 1st floor office, bedroom & full bathroom. Attached 4 car extended garage. GUEST suite is detached & private. Guest suite: great room, full kitchen with island & informal dining area, full bedroom & bathroom. Has a page storage room & attached to full access to second garage. This home boasts MOUNTAIN, SUNRISE, SUNSETS & CITY LIGHT VIEWS from multiple view decks & form inside the home. Fenced in back yard has extended covered patio's built in BBQ, heated spa and diving pool. Bring all your toys!! No HOA!! ** WELL is private and 1000 ft deep with a 2700 gallon holding tank!

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23430 N 84th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,700,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,896 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784263

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Outstanding residence on a 1-acre lot with impressive mountains, sunsets, & sunrise views! You will love the natural desert landscaping & oversized courtyard with synthetic grass. The 3-car garage, extra long driveway, & RV gate allow you to bring your toys, cars, & trucks. Inside, be welcomed by a delightful living room & a family room with a fireplace. High wood beamed ceilings, clerestory windows, stone floors, neutral palette, French doors, pre-wired surround sound, & arched doorways. Architecturally & aesthetically pleasing! Chef's kitchen showcases granite counters, a plethora of cabinets w/crown moulding, tile backsplash, & stainless steel appliances, including a pot filler. The main retreat offers a lavish bathroom with a garden tub, a dual sink vanity, a floor-to-ceiling tiled shower, & a walk-in closet. Host fun gatherings in the huge backyard comprised of a built-in BBQ, outdoor pizza oven, fireplace, large covered patio, artificial turf, outdoor shower & a sparkling pool. You don't want to miss this excellent property!

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703 N Chaparral Pines Drive Payson, AZ 85541

$1,700,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,879 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763197

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Exquisite one of a kind log home by Pioneer Log Homes of British Columbia. One level living plus a loft for family/game room and an office. The home is nestled in a private setting on over 5 acres that backs the National Forest. Extra large garage plus a two stall RV carport to store all the toys. This property is a horse lovers dream! It has an amazing horse set up with an MD custom made horse barn that has a saddle room and hay compartment. Horse stalls have rubber floors, and all stalls have their own outside run to a nice size arena. The one bedroom one bath guest house is also a custom Pioneer Log Home of the same amazing quality. You can hike, bike, or ride your horse directly from your property into the National Forest. One of the best properties available in Rim Country!

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3520 E Pearl Circle Mesa, AZ 85213

$1,700,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,839 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771344

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LUXURY LIVING AT ITS FINEST! This stunning custom-built home offers over 4,839 square feet of refined elegance in the prestigious Montana Dorada community. Nestled on a premium cul-de-sac lot, this 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath masterpiece boasts spectacular mountain and city light views from every room! Step through the impressive iron and glass entry doors into a world of sophistication, where high-end finishes and custom details abound. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring built-in fridge, double ovens, gas range, granite countertops, a vegetable sink, and exquisite cabinetry. Enjoy indoor-outdoor living with surround-sound wiring, perfect for entertaining inside or by the resort-style heated pool and spa, complete with a waterfall, built-in table, and patio fireplace. The opulent master retreat includes a cozy fireplace, sitting area with built-in desk and mini fridge, and a spa-like bath with a large Jacuzzi tub and a walk-in shower with six showerheads. Step out onto your private balcony to take in breathtaking views or unwind in your own serene space. The exterior has been freshly repainted, and the home is equipped with three new A/C units (2024), two water heaters, and an air-conditioned workroom in the garage. With luxury upgrades too numerous to list, this home truly has it all, including an inviting backyard oasis with a fireplace and lush green lawn. MOTIVATED SELLER bring all reasonable offers! Don't miss your chance to own this one-of-a-kind property in a prestigious location!

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36511 N Porta Nuova Road Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,700,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,061 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781694

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 36511 N Porta Nuova Road, an exquisite Scottsdale retreat blending modern elegance with Southwest charm, perfect for snowbirds or anyone seeking year-round desert warmth. Nestled in a prime Scottsdale location, this luxurious home places you minutes from world-class dining, upscale shopping, championship golf, and scenic hiking. Bask in panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert, where mountains, vibrant flora, and stunning sunsets surround you. Inside, the home offers grand spaces with soaring ceilings, sophisticated finishes, and a gourmet kitchen featuring premium appliances and custom cabinetry. Resort-style amenities abound, including a sparkling pool, spa, and lush gardens that make every day feel like a vacation. The primary suite provides a private oasis with a spa-like bath and a balcony capturing breathtaking desert vistas. Escape to Scottsdale's tranquil beauty and mild wintersschedule your private tour today and experience luxury desert living at its finest.

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5549 E Saguaro Vista Drive Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,700,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,124 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6735458

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the Sedona, a contemporary open-concept design to be built. Car collectors and RVers will appreciate the storage, featuring an oversized 3-car tandem garage plus a 49' deep RV garage. The home includes 4 bedrooms, office, 4.5 bathrooms, island kitchen, and a guest suite with a private living room. The owner's suite boasts a free-standing tub, a walk-through shower, and an oversized walk-in closet. Enjoy quality finishes such as 90/10 smooth walls, 8' doors, quartz countertops, and 12' ceilings in the great room and kitchen. The build is enhanced by energy-efficient spray foam insulation, 2x6 framed exterior, fully sheathed construction, and a post-tension foundation. Pictures are from a model home w/ available options. Buyer to verify all facts and specs.

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8642 E Camino Real -- Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,700,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,569 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767390

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out this amazing opportunity in the heart of Pinnacle Peak! Nestled on over 2 acres, this is one of the rare gems available in the beautiful GATED community of Pinnacle Paradise. Tucked away at the back of the neighborhood, this quiet & private property features a huge fenced backyard, just waiting for your vision. There is an abundance of space in this 5 bedrooms & 4.5 bathrooms home, 4 bedrooms equipped with its own ensuite. The split floor plan includes a spacious primary suite with a bonus room that's perfect for an office or workout space. If you're looking to live or invest in the Pinnacle Peak area, this is your chance! You'll be just minutes away from DC Ranch, Kierland, Scottsdale Quarter, & TPC Scottsdale, with plenty of shopping & dining options nearby. Don't miss out!

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15618 E Centipede Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,699,999

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,369 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742123

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This fully renovated 3 level modern Pueblo home boasts unique layouts, the primary bed perched atop, while kitchen & living occupy the middle level. Also available with furnishings! Dive into luxury with pool access from bottom level or side of the property. Enjoy an acre of privacy, with no HOA! Nestled against the protected McDowell Mountain Regional Park, your views remain pristine! With impressive curb appeal, pull into a private drive & experience desert landscaping. The kitchen features top-of-the-line SS KitchenAid appliances & quartz countertops, with a living/dining area perfect for entertaining & admiring views through massive windows spanning the entire width of the main-level. The primary bedroom offers the perfect spot to bask in the beauty of your surrounding the primary bathroom features dual-sinks, and a separate soaking tub to relax and unwind. Downstairs has a guest bedroom, bonus room, two private entrances off of the pool area, and a full bath offering added seclusion for your guests. Ideal as a mother-in-law suite or for a teenager looking for their own space. Step outside to the pebble tec salt water pool and hot tub where you will experience unmatched peace and serenity, along with the beautiful and unspoiled scenery. This home features a freshly epoxied 3 car garage with custom cabinetry to store all of your toys and tools. If privacy, views, curb appeal, and a beautifully renovated desert retreat are on your wish list, look no further!

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12620 E Troon Vista Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Open House

$1,699,995

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,580 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6663184

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Desert Contemporary style architecture! This open 3bdr/3bth floor plan offers ample space for entertaining. Views of Troon Mountain and close proximity to the Mountain House Lodge Community Amenity. The Caullins' welcoming covered entry and inviting foyer lead to the spacious great room and dining room, with views of the large covered patio beyond. The well-designed kitchen is equipped with a large center island with breakfast bar, plenty of counter and cabinet space, and ample dual pantries. The beautiful primary bedroom suite is highlighted by a huge walk-in closet and deluxe primary bath with dual-sink vanity, large soaking tub, luxe glass-enclosed shower with seat, and private water closet. Designer appointed finishes throughout.

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