When you’ve lived in a home for a long time, it’s easy to become used to the little things. A dripping tap, noisy neighbour or unpleasant smell might eventually go unnoticed. However, prospective buyers view properties with fresh eyes and are often quick to notice details that homeowners may have overlooked.
According to Adrian Goslett, CEO and Regional Director of REMAX Southern Africa, while these issues might seem insignificant to homeowners, they can influence a buyer’s first impression and potentially impact 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 pet odours, cigarette smoke and lingering cooking smells might go unnoticed by homeowners, they can be off-putting to prospective buyers. Unpleasant smells can create a negative first impression and may even raise concerns about the cleanliness or overall condition of the property.
Before a viewing, it is recommended 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 to them.
“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 who are aware of water pressure issues should 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 affordable ways to help a property make a better impression.
Goslett concludes that not every minor imperfection will affect a property's selling price, and most buyers understand that previously occupied homes will show some signs of 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.”
Cleaning tips
The weather's warming up and with spring comes the perfect opportunity to refresh your home. From decluttering your closet to scrubbing away winter's grime, now is the time to tackle those chores you have been putting off. Engel & Völkers Southern Africa shares practical spring cleaning tips to get your home sparkling.
- Deodorise Your drains: Keep lingering smells at bay by pouring half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar down your sink or tub drain. Cover, wait 15 minutes, and flush with boiling water to clear hair clogs and freshen your pipes.
- Salt as an iron cleaner: Remove sticky residue from your iron by running it, hot and steam-free, over paper sprinkled with salt.
- Fix scratches on wood: Mix half a cup of vinegar with half a cup of olive oil. Dip a rag into the mixture and rub onto blemishes until your wooden surfaces shine.
- Clean ceiling fans easily: Slide each fan blade into a pillowcase to wipe off dust and debris without it scattering. Shake out the pillowcase outside and toss it in the laundry.
- Remove pet hair with rubber gloves: Dampen a rubber glove and run your hand over furniture to attract pet hair effortlessly.
- Squeegee for carpets: Use an old squeegee to scrape pet hair from carpets and rugs.
- Sanitise sponges: Microwave damp sponges for a few minutes to kill germs, extending their usability.
- DIY cleaning slime: Combine white wood glue with borax and water to create a fun cleaning slime that picks up dirt in tricky spots. Add food coloring for a colorful twist.
- Homemade leather cleaner: Mix ¼ cup olive oil and ½ cup vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil, spray your leather surfaces, and wipe with a cotton cloth to clean and condition.
- Clean stainless steel with vinegar: Try and wipe appliance surfaces with a vinegar-soaked cloth, then buff dry for a streak-free shine.
- Keep towels soft: Add ¼ cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle to remove detergent residue, or wash towels in hot water according to care labels. Avoid fabric softeners, which reduce absorbency.
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