Everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to how their homes look and feel. That’s part of what makes a house feel like home.
Despite these preferences being very personal and subjective there are common deal breakers that are likely to turn most people away even if the house is a good fit for them.
On this list we’ll cover deal-breakers that can keep a home on the market that aren’t aesthetic issues like wall colour or furniture design.
For tips on preparing your home for sale in Toronto or The GTA read our article about staging your home for sale in Toronto or The GTA. You’ll find the top tips which Frank Leo & Associates have collected over 3 decades serving the Toronto & GTA real estate market and selling billions of dollars worth of homes.
1. The Location Of The Property When You’re Selling Your Home In Toronto or The GTA
The saying goes that in the restaurant business the three most important features are location, location, location. Although people put a lot more thought into picking a house and consider many other factors, location does have a big importance for some people thinking of buying a home in Toronto or The GTA.
People are generally adverse to homes built in precarious places like flood zones, on hillsides where the foundation could shift, or around other hazards. Fortunately for people selling their homes in Toronto & The GTA, the region is reasonably safe when it comes to climate risks.
Other geographic factors people consider when buying a home is what kind of neighbourhood the house is situated in – it could be a quiet residential area or a more vibrant part of town. A great real estate agent will understand not only the city’s real estate market but the specific market conditions in the neighbourhood.
They’ll be able to leverage this information and help point out the positive aspects of a home’s location – if it’s in a neighbourhood where property values are steadily increasing, for example.
2. Maintenance Issues With The Home You’re Selling
Essential components (roof, foundation, etc.) Buyers see these issues as big, expensive problems and want to pass the cost on to the seller. Here are the most common parts of a house which are in disrepair.
Roof
A roof in disrepair can turn off buyers before they even enter the property. Since parts of the roof may be visible from the street it’s especially important to address any roofing issues before listing your home for sale.
Cracked, missing, or damaged shingles or tiles are sure signs that the roof needs work. If your roof does need work, even just a small section, it’s worth doing because otherwise the buyers could walk out on the deal or request a price reduction of thousands of dollars.
Foundation
If your gutters aren’t overflowing and are working properly they keep water from getting to the foundation and potentially causing damage. A cracked or otherwise damaged foundation requires attention and won’t make a good impression on potential buyers.
Mould
In addition to being unsightly, mould can pose health issues if left untreated. Potential buyers could also form the impression that if there’s mold, there are other serious problems. Any signs of mould can sink the sale.
During your home inspection your professional inspector will notify you in the unlikely event there are traces of mould of which you were not aware. Fortunately in most mild cases removing the mold does not necessarily require the help of a professional.
Bad Plumbing
Poorly done or old plumbing can indicate mould, flood, and other plumbing issues. Although the potential buyers won’t be tearing up walls to inspect plumbing all external plumbing must be functional. That includes fixing leaky taps, making sure drains drain properly, and the toilet functions.
3. Climate Problems In The Property For Sale
If you’re living in the home you’re selling it could be tricky to determine whether atmospheric factors could turn off potential buyers. Since you spend a lot of time in the home something that’s totally normal for you could be perceived differently by others. Although these issues are often a matter of preference, there are also some environmental issues that would certainly need to be addressed if you want to get top dollar value for your home.
Air Quality
Old or dysfunctional HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Cooling) can create stale air. Some buyers may take that as an indication that the home’s heating and cooling systems are not in good working order, and that’s a definite red flag for most buyers.
Odours
Pets, cooking with pungent spices, or smoking indoors can all cause lingering odours that turn off buyers. There are measures you can take if you do notice the property you are selling has an odour. Replacing fabrics like carpeting and furniture and getting rid of any pet-related items can help alleviate lingering smells. It’s best to keep pets out of the home while it is being shown as well.
High levels of Radon
Test your home’s Radon levels. Many Canadian homes have relatively high levels which can pose a health risk. Luckily, lowering levels is not prohibitively expensive.
If you have professionals come to measure or reduce radon levels make sure to keep all the paperwork to show potential buyers if asked.
4. If The Home For Sale Has A Bad History
A History of Problems With Maintenance
When home’s have experience problems like flooding or a leaky roof it can give buyers the impression they’ll facing problems like that themselves.
Oil Tank Buried in The Backyard
Some older homes have oil tanks buried beneath the rear yard. If left alone they can become a liability, and a costly one at that. When they rust, they leak, and if they leak that’s where the problems begin.
If you have an oil tank consider having it inspected and/or removed. Be sure to keep your proof of having work done.
Thinking Of Selling Your Home In Toronto & Need Help Finding Out Home Much Your Home Is Worth?
Knowing your home’s value can be tricky given the changing markets, your home’s condition, and numerous other conditions.
Take advantage of Frank Leo & Associates FREE, no-obligation home evaluation and find out what you can expect to earn from your home sale today.
Remember you can also contact us at any time with your Toronto & GTA real estate related questions.