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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4602 E Monte Way Phoenix, AZ 85044

$589,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,735 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682751

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Price Reduction!!! Excellent Golf Course Lot has the views but far enough away to be private & very few if any golf balls*Corner lot*Mountain Views*Home is a block away from South Mtn Park*Private In Ground Heated Spa*Multiple Patio Areas*Wood Shutters*Tile Floors Through-out*Vaulted Ceilings*Newer Heat Pump*Split Bdrm Plan*3rd Bdrm Can be Den or Bdrm*Nicely landscaped*Community pools & spas*

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20038 N 21st Street Phoenix, AZ 85024

$589,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,784 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687430

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this beautiful 4 bedroom, single level home with a pool in a quiet hidden alcove neighborhood in north Phoenix. This home features: plank tile flooring, quartz countertops in the kitchen, a 3 car garage, NO HOA, full length rear covered patio, pebble tec swimming pool, ceiling fans throughout, newer windows, updated fixtures throughout, dual sinks in both bathrooms, a nice open & flowing floor plan, vaulted ceilings, & brand new hot water tank (2024). This neighborhood is extremely quiet, with gorgeous mountain views, easy access to the 101, & has a lot of great restaurants and shopping close by (Costco is up the street, multiple public parks, Desert Ridge shopping & restaurants). Also close by is the Arrowhead Mall area, Westgate shopping & Arizona Cardinals stadium. NO HOA!!

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20830 N 98th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$589,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,828 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755466

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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298 W Tulsa Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$589,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

1,626 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782769

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fully remodeled and permitted home redone from studs, all new underground plumbing, new electrical, new gas lines, new meter, new flooring, new showers, bathrooms tile, new kitchen white shaker cabinets and quartz countertops, guest house features kitchen and bathroom and laundry room, studio apartment can use as a rental and or mother in law suite, this home features a nice backyard with RV gate no HOA, 2 carport, and new ac's and new roof, all new insides paint drywall and many more. Come see this 4 bed 2 bath home and casita before its gone!

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11667 W Luxton Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$589,900

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,937 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6741312

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore Alamar! A community where neighbors become friends & friends become family! Downstairs you will find 2 primary bdrms w/walk in closets & private baths. Main primary has generous custom closet space. Flex room w/built in desks for everything from homework to zoom meetings! Chef's kitchen features built in gas oven, 36'' cooktop & generous center island. The view through the 16' glass doors brings you a yard w/entertaining in mind. 2 gas stubs to add a BBQ & fire feature. Solar has offered savings on the electricity. Alamar features well thought out parks for grilling & playing-4 around this home alone. Enjoy the community pool & BBQ ramada at Haymoon Park. Head to Alamar park for pickleball, fishing, outdoor exercise area, splash pad & 2 dog parks. Come live in ALAMAR!

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12826 N 29th Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

$589,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,545 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6715302

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to a meticulously renovated sprawling ranch home where no detail has been overlooked. This home has undergone a comprehensive transformation! Upon entry, you're greeted by new waterproof flooring that extends throughout. Natural light floods the interior through newly installed energy efficient dual pane windows. New custom windows & coverings combined style w/ functionality. The fully remodeled kitchen, featuring new custom Thomasville shaker cabinets, Quartz countertops & designer backsplash. Equipped w/ top-of-the-line LG appliances including a fridge, stove, dishwasher, & in-drawer microwave. The primary bath has been completely reimagined to offer a luxurious retreat, while an additional bath off the hallway is also fully renovated. Private pool just in time for summer!

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13333 W Chapala Court Sun City West, AZ 85375

$589,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,143 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6764055

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Popular Encanto Model with foyer and large great room. Beautiful granite and stainless steel kitchen. 3'' wood shutters throughout. Extended den with closet and door. Extended depth garage. Oversized fully landscaped and irrigated lot. Corte Bella offers a relaxed, luxury feel including newly renovated restaurant, complete athletic facility including day spa and huge community pool. Come live the Corte Bella lifestyle!

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4941 Saddle Blanket Circle Happy Jack, AZ 86024

$589,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,531 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682510

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Are you ready to escape the heat and bring your horses with? This is the home for you. Almost an acre and a half with great corrals, tack shed ,horse wash area, and so much more. This beautiful log sided cabin/home is decorated for the horse lover and comes completely furnished. It has been taken care of and is filled with love , perfect for a permanent home or weekend or summer home. Get your horses out of the heat, take them for some amazing forest rides with our great riding group up here. This is a must see ''mini ranch''. 3 bedroom/2bath cozy but with enough room for your guests. Come see it now. Sit in your front yard and watch the elk graze on the beautiful grass or sit in the back barbuque area and watch as your horses play.in the 60 x 120' ft corrals. Must see in person.

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6812 W Firebird Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$589,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,328 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753607

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the coveted Arrowhead Ranch - Sierra Verde community! This stunning property offers 4 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms, all situated on a desirable corner lot that ensures added privacy. Step inside, you'll be greeted by soaring vaulted ceilings + a well-designed N/S exposure that bathes the home in natural light. Beautiful luxury vinyl flooring throughout (no carpet). The chef's kitchen boasts updated cabinets, ample counter space, + an ideal layout for entertaining guests. The primary bedroom offers high ceilings + a luxurious ensuite bath w/ 2 walk-in closets, separate soaking tub/shower, + dual sinks. The backyard is a private oasis with an extended covered patio, mature trees, and a grassy area. Enjoy lakes, trails, parks, dining, and shopping just steps away!

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2547 E Corrine Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$589,600

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,700 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765202

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Price reduced, buy while the market favors you! Floorplan has been opened up and feels like a modern great room layout inside mixed with the charm and uniqueness of a non HOA neighborhood close to the 51, mountain preserve and more. The remodel was done in 2020 with new flooring and layout changes. Kitchen boasts Stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, granite countertops 4 bedrooms give you options for either a guest room or office. Out back there is a covered patio, relaxing pool, real grass, and the RV gate access via the side of the lot. The 2 car garage and paver slab parking add to the appeal if you have lots of cars or other toys. 30 amp car charger/RV plug for charging EV's. Located close to the 51, PMP and minutes from shopping and nightlife.

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15935 W Montana De Oro Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$589,595

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,165 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764951

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY!! Brand New Home! This 4br, 3ba., 3 car garage home has all the designer touches. Truly move in ready. Features include, 2'' blinds on all the windows, SS appliances,, upgraded kitchen cabinets, deco tile back splash, Plank floor tile, fans in all the rooms, 16' atrium doors, front yard landscaping plus so many more exciting included features - 10' ceilings, 8' doors, granite tops in the kitchen, gourmet kitchen, garage service door, tank less water heater, and so much more.

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43131 N 11th Avenue New River, AZ 85087

$589,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,818 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769538

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This newly built 2024 single-level home offers modern design, energy efficiency, and tranquil desert living. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, the open layout includes a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, a large island, and stainless steel appliances, flowing into a spacious living area with sliding doors to a large back porch. A high-end water filtration system filters out toxins, including arsenic, and provides soft water throughout the home. Custom sun screens on every window enhance energy efficiency year-round.

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