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

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

1410 W Flintlock Way Chandler, AZ 85286

$599,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,132 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742529

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Excellent location! This 3 bed, 2 bath + office/den home boasts of 2 spacious living areas, open kitchen concept with a large island and new SS appliances (2024). The oasis backyard includes a heated pool and spa, and backs to a greenbelt. This home also features a 3-car AC'd garage that includes a 220V, 27 ton hydraulic system. With a New roof (2023), New HVAC (2022), New Tankless Water Heater (2022) and water filtration throughout the home, this place has it all. The property is centrally located near the 202 freeway, Chandler Fashion Center, Hospitals, A+ Chandler Schools, Restaurants, and Much, Much More, putting you in the heart of everything Chandler has to offer.

View Property

3780 S Ashley Place Chandler, AZ 85286

$599,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,188 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743456

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Home, sweet home! This beautiful 4 bed, 2 bath residence now on the market is for you! Great curb appeal, a low-maintance front yard, and a 2 car garage & Brand New AC System! Discover spacious dining & living areas w/vaulted ceilings, soft carpet in all the right places, and custom palette throughout. The kitchen is equipped w/ample cabinet & counter space, a pantry, built-in appliances, recessed lighting, a prep island, a breakfast nook w/a lovely bay window, and a peninsula w/a breakfast bar. End your busy day in the primary bedroom, boasting a walk-in closet and a full ensuite w/dual sinks. Finally, the wonderful backyard includes a covered patio, extended seating area, artificial turf, and a sparkling blue pool perfect for the warm summer days! What are you waiting for? Act now

View Property

22325 N 78th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$599,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,136 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757376

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEWLY UPDATED 4-BEDROOM HOME IN THE FLETCHER HEIGHTS COMMUNITY! This home features updated flooring throughout. Quartz countertops in kitchen and bathrooms updating the home with a bright and airy atmosphere. Fresh paint throughout. The eat-in kitchen features ample cabinet space with a large island with breakfast bar seating. The primary bedroom features dual sinks, separate tub and shower, and walk-in closet. The other bedrooms are located away from the primary bedroom allowing privacy. The large back yard features a hot tub and ample space to create a beautiful low maintenance backyard oasis. A MUST SEE TO MAKE THIS YOUR HOME!

View Property

750 N Chippewa Place Chandler, AZ 85224

Open House

$599,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762793

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunningly remodeled single-story home with owned solar features 4 bedrooms, a den/office, 2 bathrooms, and a roomy 2-car garage, all within 2,070 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. The open split floorplan provides a perfect balance of privacy and functionality. The upgraded kitchen features granite countertops, updated cabinets and appliances, a stylish hood over the cooktop, and a generous walk-in pantry. The primary suite is a true retreat, complete with an extra-long vanity featuring dual sinks and custom mirrors, a walk-in shower with dual shower heads, a large walk-in closet, and a private toilet room. Throughout the home, you'll find updated dual-pane windows, blinds, ceiling fans and modern light fixtures. The exterior is equally impressive with a charming... private courtyard, a paver walkway, and a backyard that boasts a covered patio, a sparkling pebble-tech pool, a grassy lawn, putting green and RV gate with additional parking. Located in a cul-de-sac, this home offers both tranquility and convenience, being centrally situated near shopping, dining, freeways, and entertainment. This home is a must-see for those seeking comfort, style, and convenience!

View Property

16220 W Boulder Drive Surprise, AZ 85374

Open House

$599,999

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,834 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767561

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning Palo Verde Del Webb model located on the #9 tee box of Granite Falls South Golf Course. This home features split bedrooms, ensuring privacy for both owner and guests. The spacious great room includes a custom DAGR media wall and fireplace. The kitchen is well-appointed with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a bay window in the breakfast nook. Primary bath has 2 sinks, granite counters and Calif Closets. French doors, by Renewal by Andersen, lead to the backyard. Brand-new 2024 roof. Air conditioner replaced. Your outdoor sanctuary features a large, heated pool with water feature. The spa offers the ideal spot to relax after a round of golf or a game of pickleball. Move-in ready & waiting for its new owner!

View Property

10511 S 47th Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

$599,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720364

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Boasting an open layout ready-made for entertaining, this Pinecrest plan centers around an expansive great room, 10' ceilings, a dining nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen boasting a convenient island, walk-in pantry, with white shaker cabinets, quartz counters, black matte fixtures and stone tile throughout, with carpeted bedrooms. The elegant primary suite is adjacent, showcasing an immense walk-in closet and a private deluxe bathroom with shower and separate tub. Two additional bedrooms, a study, a laundry and a covered patio round out the plan.

View Property

17637 W Blue Sky Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$599,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740210

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this dynamic Deacon home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a versatile flex room; a gourmet kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a double oven, a walk-in pantry and a center island; a spacious great room; an elegant dining room with center-meet doors leading onto a relaxing covered patio; an impressive primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a tandem garage and an RV garage. This home also offers additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms.

View Property

310 S 4th Street Unit 806 Phoenix, AZ 85004

$599,995

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,426 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6761931

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Sold out pre-construction because of its desired NE corner lot location with 180° views from City lights to NE Valley Mtn and ballpark! Splitmaster layout featuring floor to ceiling aluminum frame windows, powder rm, laundry rm and 230/ft wrap around balcony. Other features; engineered wood floors, granite kitchen w/bar overhang, Viking appliances. Freshly painted top to bottom and new carpets in bedrooms. HOA includes Cox Internet, water, sewer, trash, storage with other amenity conveniences such as, 24-hr desk/guard, 24 hr fitness center w/dry spa, locker rm, rooftop terrace clubhouse w/fire pit, heated 5th floor pool/hot tub and much more.. 806 comes with two full size side-by-side parking located steps from elevator door!

View Property

31711 N 164th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$599,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,492 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787022

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

YES! IT HAS WATER!! Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and functionality on this stunning 2.5-acre horse property in the heart of the Rio Verde Foothills. Boasting breathtaking views of Four Peaks, this property is a slice of desert paradise with ample room to bring your vision to life. Offering a tack shed, chicken coop, two storage sheds, and even an outdoor shower, the possibilities are endless and the memories to be made are abundant! Equipped for equestrian enthusiasts, it features a mare motel, round pen, and turnout space, offering everything you need to care for and train your horses. With the best of Arizona's natural beauty as your backdrop, this property is ready for your personal touches—whether you dream of creating a ranch-style haven, expanding its existing amenities, or building your ideal retreat. Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of the Rio Verde Foothills lifestyle!

View Property

21889 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$599,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,260 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731563

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this eye-catching Townsend home, ready for quick move-in! This plan boasts 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, formal dining room, 3-car garage, and a welcoming covered porch. There is a private study off the foyer with an open-concept great room with a multi-sliding glass door. The breakfast nook flows into a gourmet kitchen boasting white cabinets, quartz countertops, a center island and a walk-in pantry; The primary suite showcases a generous walk-in closet.

View Property

106 N Lariat Way Payson, AZ 85541

$599,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,407 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760660

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Unbelievable find for UNDER $200 PER SQUARE FOOT! This is a multi-generational house with no HOA, oversized bedrooms, and travertine flooring. You need to see this home! Fantastic 4 bed, 3 bath, 3407 square foot home at the end of a cul-de-sac in a desirable neighborhood within a mile and a half of the high school, middle school, and Rumsey Park. Freshly painted 2-level home with dueling open concept great rooms, suitable for separate living areas or an unbelievable party room. One on the 3-bedroom upper level, with a split floor plan, and one on the lower level, with a bedroom, kitchenette, and 3/4 bathroom. Both levels featuring updated Trex outdoor living areas. Investors welcome! This home offers countless opportunities. Come and see today!

View Property

3929 W Talc Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

Open House

$599,995

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,668 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768174

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home is luxury single-level living at its finest. The bright foyer sets the perfect mood, offering plenty of natural light and flowing effortlessly into the rest of the home. A well-appointed kitchen boasts KitchenAid stainless steel appliances, beautiful cabinets, and a huge walk-in pantry. The casual dining area is adjacent to the kitchen, providing a convenient and intimate setting. The great room is the perfect setting for relaxation and entertaining with natural light. Roomy secondary bedrooms offer ample closet space. The primary bedroom suite is tucked away for a more intimate, private setting. A luxurious primary bathroom that boasts dual sinks, large bathtub, private toilet area and large walk-in closet. A sliding glass door leads to a luxury outdoor living space.

View Property