Things in homes that put off buyers from making an offer

When you’ve lived in a home for a long time, it’s easy to become used to the little things. A dripping tap, a noisy neighbour, or an unpleasant smell might eventually go unnoticed. However, prospective buyers view properties with fresh eyes and often notice details homeowners may have overlooked.

According to Adrian Goslett, CEO and Regional Director of REMAX Southern Africa, homeowners may see these issues as insignificant.

Still, they can shape a buyer’s first impression and influence their decision to make an offer.

“When buyers walk into a property, they’re already imagining what it would be like to live there. Small issues that the seller has grown used to can quickly become concerns for a buyer, especially if they give off the impression that the home hasn’t been well maintained or that there might be additional expenses after moving in,” explains Goslett.

To help sellers prepare their properties for viewings, REMAX Southern Africa highlights four commonly overlooked details that could influence a buyer’s first impression.

Unpleasant smells

Everyday living comes with everyday smells, but while homeowners may overlook pet odours, cigarette smoke, and lingering cooking smells, they can be off-putting to prospective buyers.

Unpleasant smells can create a negative first impression and may even raise concerns about the property’s cleanliness or overall condition.

Before a viewing, REMAX Southern Africa recommends that sellers identify and address the source of any unpleasant odours instead of trying to mask them with air fresheners or scented candles.

A clean, fresh-smelling home can help create a more welcoming environment and leave buyers with a better impression of the property.

Noise levels

Barking dogs, noisy neighbours, heavy traffic or nearby construction can all affect how peaceful a property feels. While homeowners may have grown accustomed to these sounds, prospective buyers are likely to be more sensitive.

“Unlike cosmetic issues that can easily be fixed, external noise is often beyond a homeowner’s control and can be seen as a significant drawback for buyers, even if the property itself meets their needs.

“Where possible, sellers should try to minimise noise during viewings by keeping pets quiet and closing windows to reduce outside noise,” says Goslett.

Poor water pressure

Something as simple as weak water pressure can raise concerns for prospective buyers as it can create doubts about the condition of the property’s plumbing system.

REMAX SA recommends that sellers aware of water pressure issues investigate the cause and address any problems within their control before putting their property on the market.

Lack of cleanliness

While sellers might overlook dusty skirting boards, stained carpets or greasy kitchen surfaces, these details can stand out during a viewing.

Even if a property is structurally sound, a lack of cleanliness can make it feel poorly maintained and less inviting.

A thorough deep clean before viewings is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to help a property make a better impression.

Goslett concludes that not every minor imperfection affects a property’s selling price, and most buyers understand that previously occupied homes will show some everyday wear and tear. However, when several small issues are left unaddressed, they can collectively create a negative impression.

“Sometimes, it’s the smaller things that make the biggest difference. Taking the time to address these details before viewings can help buyers see the property’s full potential rather than focusing on the work they might need to do after moving in.”