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

5 Mistakes That Will Instantly Turn a Home Buyer Away - and How to Avoid Making ThemIf 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

11336 E Diamond Cholla Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,350,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,248 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759739
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located in TROON, an area known for its exquisite golf & beautiful mountain views is the community of Four Peaks at Troon Village. Enter & you are greeted by a wall of glass that paints Pinnacle Peak. This COMPLETE DESIGNER REMODEL has an open floor plan that lets in plenty of natural light. The kitchen offers a massive quartz island w/ plenty of seating & professional grade appliances. The family room & dining room are across from the kitchen so everyone can be together. The owner's suite features a large soaking tub, glass shower & large walk-in closet. On the other side of this split floor plan home are 3 additional bedrooms & an additional bath. Exit through the 18' sliding glass door to reveal your own pool & majestic mountain views. Perfect vacation home or your forever home.

22787 E Quintero Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$1,350,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,740 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763524
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom luxury home in an exclusive gated community offers elegance and comfort on a sprawling 14,783 sq. ft. lot with breathtaking panoramic views. Highly upgraded and a former model home, it features a den, great room, and an attached casita—perfect as a multi-generational suite with its own kitchenette, laundry room cabinets with sink. The exterior boasts incredible curb appeal with an iron entry door, while the elegant interior impresses with two-tone accent walls, high ceilings, and an airy, inviting atmosphere. The gourmet kitchen is complete with granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, quartz counters, a large island, and formal and casual dining spaces, including a breakfast bar. Step outside to a covered patio overlooking the beautifully designed backyard with a private pool, paver pathways, and lush plants. Community amenities include a playground, pool, and more, making this home a luxurious retreat!

2609 N 81st Way Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$1,350,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,385 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767278
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful custom home in the heart of South Scottsdale minutes from Old Town, spring training, and amazing shopping, dining, & entertainment. Located in the quiet, friendly community of Scottsdale's Village Grove neighborhood, this charming mid-century Allied home has been completely reimagined, rebuilt, & made ready to be called home once again. Thoughtfully designed & professionally built from top to bottom, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2,385 sf. residence is 90% new construction & comes with a 2-year builder warranty. Portions of the foundation, exterior walls, & roof framing are all that remain of the original structure. Wonderfully functional and flowing split floor plan designed for hosting, gathering, entertaining, and making the most of life with friends, family, & neighbors. Beautiful but low maintenance landscaping front and back featuring artificial turf, pavers, putting green, and diving pool. A great life awaits you here.

11519 E Blue Wash Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,350,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,655 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6612853
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Heavenly views and a custom home in Tonto Hills surrounded by the National Forest, direct views of Mighty Four Peaks, Weavers Needle and beyond. Intelligent floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, formal dining and great room that opens to the picturesque patios. Detached horse stable has electricity and could be easily converted to a casita. Rear patios offer the perfect shape and ideal location/site for a negative edge pool, see photos of renderings for a virtual pool. The views and privacy here are unrivaled.

9436 E Thunder Pass Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$1,350,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,486 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6668556
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MOUNTAIN VIEWS, CONTEMPORARY STYLE, SPACIOUS LAYOUT, DESERT BEAUTY all available now in ONE OF THE LOWEST PRICED custom homes in the community. Enjoy the supreme Arizona lifestyle in SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN in this 3 bed/ 3.5 bath beautiful home with a solar heated pool and views from 3 outdoor patios. Contemporary split floor plan includes large open concept great room, master suite with large luxurious bathroom and huge walk-in closet, a 3-car extended and over-height garage with epoxy floors and storage cabinets, two large en suite guest rooms, large bonus room/game room or office with wet bar, formal dining room, sewing/craft room and beautiful kitchen with custom cabinetry, large kitchen island with counter seating, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Outdoor entertaining space includes a solar heated pool to extend your swimming season by several months, new gas BBQ grill station, easy care artificial turf and plenty of covered patio space to enjoy the quiet surroundings and views. Updates include NEW water heater, NEW water softener, NEW solar pool heating system, NEW pool pump, NEW built-in BBQ, NEW garage cabinetry and NEW artificial turf in backyard. Home is in excellent condition and ready for you now! Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club is a fabulous guard gated community, home to two private 18 hole Jack Nicklaus golf courses, a 50,000 sf remodeled clubhouse with fine dining, bar, patio dining and outdoor seating areas, fitness center with a beautiful heated pool, bocce ball, pickleball courts, tennis courts, walking trails and plenty of events and activities. Membership is optional and under separate agreement. Join in on the fun, you'll love the community atmosphere here!

16623 E Emerald Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,350,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,749 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6752009
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Contemporary Southwest Retreat sitting on 1.013 acre offers sweeping views of Redrock Mtn, the Superstitions looking down a peaceful arroyo. Gracious courtyard entry welcomes guests and opens to an elegant great room. Gorgeously updated features vaulted ceilings, walls of massive windows with tons of space for friends and family. Chef's kitchen is designed for a crowd, offers granite island w/ breakfast seating, top-of-the-line appliances, tons of cabinetry, is dine-in, and allows the chef to be part of the celebration. Space for a dining room. Large primary suite plus 2 additional bedrooms, which one is ensuite, plus a den or 4th bedroom. Nice big 3-car garage with a separated bay that can also be a ''private space.'' Heated pool and Spa!

2709 E Janelle Way Gilbert, AZ 85298

$1,350,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,680 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6760858
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This exquisite 4680 sqft home complete with an expansive mother-in-law suite, with kitchenette, is sure to exceed your expectations! Nestled on a sprawling .85-acre lot, one of the largest in the subdivision, this property offers 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths & dual 3-car garages on either side of the home. The outdoor oasis features lush tropical landscaping in both the front & back yards, extended driveways, stone façade, courtyard, & a stunning 30,000-gallon saltwater pool with stone accents, waterfall, waterslide & underwater seating adding to the resort-like feel. Inside you will find elegant wood & tile flooring, recessed lighting, soaring ceilings & large picture windows. The grand living area includes a great room, formal dining & remodeled kitchen boasting granite counters, SS appliances chic pendant lighting, gas cooking, large center island, butler's & walk-in pantries, breakfast nook & rich wood cabinetry with crown molding. The luxurious master suite offers new carpeting, bay windows & a spa-like bath complete with dual vanities, grand Roman tub, a walk-in tiled shower with a drying area & His & Her walk-in closets. 2 guest bedrooms come with ensuite baths, while a 4th bedroom, equipped with a Murphy bed & large walk-in closet, is perfect as a home office. The attached 731 sqft. Casita is a gem, featuring an oversized bedroom with sitting area, large walk-in closet, spacious bathroom with dual sinks & walk-in shower, living room with a kitchenette & a private yard. It also includes a 30 x 30 garage with a workshop & drive-through door, providing extra parking space in the back. Additional upgrades include 3 HVAC units, 100-amp service in the casita garage, extra insulation, cobblestone pavers, firepit & RV gate. Ideally located in Gilbert, near shopping, dining, and scenic views of the San Tan Mountains, this home offers everyday living that feels like a vacation in paradise!

9441 N 80th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$1,350,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,944 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6763355
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
From Frank Lloyd Wright's Architects and one of only two subdivisions from Fellow John Rattenbury. Exuding serenity while integrating seamlessly into the streetscapes of the neighborhood was Rattenbury's primary goal for his Mountain View East project within McCormick Ranch. Utilizing principles of Taliesin West, these homes are simple, while elegant, sophisticated, and spacious. This model features 2 master suites split from each other while also split from 3rd and 4th bdrms. Wright-inspired design features of multi-level ceilings with clerestory windows and skylights keep the home awash in natural lighting and visual interest making it architecturally unique. Lush & mature landscaping, relaxing pool and a patio with commercial misting draws one to outdoor living and entertaining.

3800 E Lincoln Drive Unit 29 Phoenix, AZ 85018

$1,350,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Estate Antigua, Phoenix
Open House
$1,350,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
3,031 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779980
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to a luxurious Southwest oasis in the heart of Estate Antigua, a premier guard-gated community renowned for its iconic exterior Mediterranean architecture since 1981. Nestled on a hillside just above Lincoln Drive, this exquisite 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers breathtaking views of the Valley, downtown Phoenix, and the majestic Camelback Mountain. Step inside to discover a warm and inviting interior, featuring soaring 12 foot beamed ceilings and newer custom alder wood interior doors. The recently remodeled kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with LG stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, and elegant granite countertops. Wood shutters throughout enhance the ambiance, while tall living room windows frame the stunning vistas that make this home truly special. See more. The primary bedroom serves as a serene retreat, boasting a spacious layout, a roomy walk-in closet, and a cozy sitting area plus an adjacent office, perfect for a quiet work-from-home space with phenomenal views of the Valley. The ensuite bathroom is a luxurious escape, featuring a soaker tub, a newer walk-in shower, and dual sinks for added convenience. Descend the spiral staircase to find a versatile separate living area ideal for a game room, exercise space, or theatre room. This level also includes an adjacent guest bedroom and bathroom, offering privacy and comfort for visitors. This property is one of a kind; an extraordinary blend of tranquility and security in the midst of a bustling city. Experience the best of both worlds at Estate Antigua.

7658 E Pasaro Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,350,000 - 2Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Parcel B At Bellasera, Scottsdale
Open House
$1,350,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781306
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Step into this luxury home in a prestigious guard-gated community of Bellasera. It features 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a bonus room that can be converted into a third bedroom. Recent updates of over $300K enhance the elegance, with 24'' Spanish porcelain tile, Brushed Oak engineered wood floors, and 5.5'' base molding. The open kitchen is a gourmet's dream, boasting a Bosch 5-burner gas cooktop, SubZero side-by-side fridge, Koehler cast iron farmhouse sink, and a wine fridge. An expanded island offers extra storage, while custom cabinetry and countertops elevate the space's sophistication. The backyard is a private oasis with a newly designed pool and spa featuring Baja shelves, a custom white tile wall, and sheer descent waterfalls. Enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living with thoughtfully designed landscaping, low-water plants, limestone pavers, and raised garden beds. This retreat is perfect for year-round enjoyment, complete with an app-enabled pool system and built-in heaters. Additional highlights include Hunter Douglas shades, a brand new roof, dual HVAC units with room sensors, and custom California Closets in the master and office. The attention to detail in this move-in-ready home promises comfort and styledon't miss the opportunity to make it yours!

4625 E Garnet Circle Mesa, AZ 85206

$1,349,990
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,654 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6698697
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled inside the exclusive 46-home gated community of Sunny Mesa, this custom property perfectly combines modern touches and classic elegance. The red brick façade provides tremendous curb appeal for this corner lot sitting on just over half an acre. This recently renovated estate features 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms with a versatile layout and OWNED SOLAR. The front entry leads you to your sunken living room with gas fireplace followed by the formal dining area. The gourmet kitchen shines with custom cabinetry, a huge island, built in fridge, and high-end Bosch and Thermador appliances. The primary bedroom features an upgraded en-suite with two walk-in closets - one with its own dedicated laundry and the other was converted from a secondary bedroom for optimal size and fully customized. The west corridor of the home has the perfect guest quarters for next-gen living with 1.5 bathrooms, living room, kitchenette, plus an additional 735 sqft of flex space. The backyard features a large grass lawn, citrus trees, and an extended patio area leading to the pebbletec diving pool with pool cooler and spa. There's plenty of parking and storage with 3+ car garage, extended driveway, and RV gate/parking. Close to the highly coveted Franklin at Brimhall elementary school and US-60 freeway. This amazing property is ready for its new owners!

10154 E Happy Hollow Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,349,950
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,798 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6756125
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled on a pristine acre of Sonoran Desert land, this exceptional residence offers captivating mountain and sunset views that perfectly embody the essence of Arizona living. Located in the coveted gated community of Cresta Norte, this well-maintained home by its original owner exudes both elegance and comfort. Boasting 4 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a versatile layout that includes two flexible office spaces, this home is designed for both luxury and practicality. The updated open kitchen, adjacent to the family room and informal dining area, features modern finishes and seamlessly flows into the living spaces. A formal dining room and inviting living room create an ideal setting for both intimate family moments and larger gatherings. (Continued ) Step outside into the meticulously designed outdoor oasis, where two covered patios offer shaded areas to relax, while a sparkling pool and two tranquil fountains provide a serene ambiance. A stone-surfaced pergola completes the outdoor entertaining space, perfect for enjoying the breathtaking Arizona sunsets. The north/south exposure ensures optimal light and comfort throughout the day. Inside, recent upgrades include a freshly painted interior and an updated master bathroom, adding a touch of modern luxury to this timeless desert retreat. Tile and wood floors flow throughout the home, enhancing its warm, sophisticated appeal. The residence also includes a detached casita, ideal for guests or additional workspace, and a 3-car garage for ample storage. Cresta Norte offers residents access to tennis and pickleball courts, a neighborhood park, and unparalleled serenity, all within the embrace of the natural desert surroundings. This is more than just a homeit's a private sanctuary in one of Scottsdale's most exclusive neighborhoods.

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