If your house isn’t selling, it might be more than just the market. Believe it or not, certain things in your home could be turning buyers away or even putting your safety at risk. And while you may feel like you’ve checked all the boxes, if you’re overlooking any of these key factors, you could be unknowingly sabotaging your sale.
Here are seven things you should never have in your home when selling, with the last one likely to ruffle some feathers. But trust me, it’s all about helping you sell your home faster and with fewer risks!
1. Medications – Especially Addictive Ones
First up, something most sellers don’t even think about—your medications. If you’ve got pills lying around, particularly addictive ones, make sure they’re out of sight. Sadly, some people might snoop through your medicine cabinet during an open house, looking for their next fix.
Even celebrities like Matthew Perry have admitted to going to open houses specifically to raid medicine cabinets for pills. So, take the extra step to lock up your meds or remove them from the house altogether to avoid this risk.
2. Valuables and Easily Stolen Items
Next, don’t leave your valuables lying around. Jewelry, small electronics, cash—basically anything that can be easily grabbed—should be locked up or taken out of the house. You might think open houses are just for buyers, but unfortunately, some people are there to steal, not shop. And it’s not just in person; thieves can zoom in on your online listing photos, spotting where you keep valuables. Better safe than sorry!
3. Pet Smells and Evidence
We all love our pets, but potential buyers might not—and they definitely don’t want to smell them. Pet odors and fur can be a real turn-off, especially for those with allergies. And remember those “nose-blind” commercials? Just because you can’t smell your pets anymore doesn’t mean others can’t.
Deep clean carpets, vacuum regularly, and maybe even send Fido to a friend’s house during showings. It’s not just about smells; even things like pet toys or food bowls can distract buyers from seeing the home’s potential.
4. Personal Photos & Memorabilia
When selling your home, the goal is to create a neutral space where buyers can imagine their own lives. Personal photos, memorabilia, or even something as simple as your child’s name on their bedroom door can make buyers feel like they’re intruding on someone else’s life, rather than picturing their own future there.
And don’t forget—this is also about privacy and safety. Take down anything that reveals too much personal information, and make sure important documents are tucked away securely.
5. Excessive Clutter and Furniture
Less is more when it comes to selling your home. Overstuffed shelves, countertops packed with gadgets, or rooms crammed with oversized furniture can make your space feel smaller and more chaotic. By decluttering and simplifying the space, you allow buyers to focus on the house itself, not the stuff inside it.
Consider removing some furniture to open up rooms, creating a clean, inviting space that’s easy for buyers to visualize themselves living in.
6. Signs of Separation or Divorce
If you’re going through a separation or divorce, don’t let buyers pick up on it. Savvy buyers—and their agents—know how to spot clues like only one toothbrush in the bathroom or one half of the closet looking empty. These little signs might make them assume you’re desperate to sell, giving them leverage to offer less and negotiate harder.
Keep the house staged as if everything is normal. The more stable your home appears, the more likely you are to get stronger offers.
7. You, the Seller
And finally, the number one thing you should never have in your house during showings: YOU. Nothing makes buyers more uncomfortable than having the seller hanging around. They want to picture themselves in your home, not you. Plus, it’s easy to say the wrong thing and weaken your negotiating position.
Your agent knows exactly what to say—and what not to say—to help you get the best offer possible. So, do yourself a favor and leave during showings.
Avoiding these common mistakes will make a big difference when selling your home. But there’s one more secret that could be a game-changer in getting your house sold faster and for more money. To find out what it is, be sure to check out my next post!
Need help selling your home? Schedule a call with me here and let’s get started!
