You have likely heard the term “The Ick”. If not, this is what the younger generation calls a sudden turnoff, often caused by something obscure.

Case in point: You fall in love with a cute rancher while scrolling MLS, and then you go to tour the home, and there’s a lingering smell, or it’s much smaller than the photos make it appear.

Here are the top 4 things that immediately give buyers “The Ick” feeling:

UPDATES THAT SACRIFICE FUNCTIONALITY

You may see this when a home has been flipped by investors who haven’t lived in it or homeowners who focus on trends more than functionality.

Some prime examples of this are; a walk-in shower without enough slope for proper drainage, or kitchen drawers and cupboards that block others from opening. 

You may even find a beautifully updated kitchen, but it is overshadowed by the lack of storage space or an oddly placed sink.

When updating your home, be sure to keep functionality top of mind, a lack of functionality is a major turnoff to many buyers. 

LISTING PHOTOS WITH WIDE ANGLES

Also known as “Real Estate Catfishing”.

Photos with wide angles make properties look much larger than actually are which can leave buyers extremely disappointed when they see the property in person. Of course, we want our listings to look as great as possible online, but they also need them to look like the actual property.

Fooling a buyer into thinking a property is bigger than it actually is will leave a bad impression on them and they may wonder what else you’re trying to slide under the radar.

Instead, we suggest staging and removing clutter and personal items to show your home at its best. Another great tip is to remove 50% of items from closets and storage rooms to all buyers to see just how much space their actually is. 

STRONG SCENTS 

Strong scents will turn off almost any buyer, from scented plug-ins to food and pets.

There’s nothing worse than an overpowering perfumed scent that hits you in the face as soon as you walk in and is so strong that it takes your attention away from home itself. It also raises the question: is the seller trying to cover something up such as mould problem?

If you have pets or cook often in your home, be sure to clean carpets, wash floors, and open windows to let fresh air in.

Remember, what might smell welcoming and wonderful to you could be overbearing or cause headaches for others.

COCKY PHOTOS OF LISTING AGENTS

People indeed want to work and be around successful folks, but there is a thin line between authentically sharing your life online and creating a character for clout.

Of course, you want to see photos of the agent you may be working with, but they don’t need to be dripping in diamonds or posing with luxury cars.

Like you and I, buyers want to work with trustworthy, honest, and respectable agents. Someone they feel comfortable discussing their finances with without judgment or pressure.