Small issue? Big problem.
Psychologists call this “spillover pessimism” – where one small flaw overshadows everything else. When a buyer sees that the “little things” haven’t been maintained, they can start to assume that the “big things” haven’t been maintained either. On top of this, if that issue is one of the first things buyers notice, then the effect of spillover pessimism can be magnified.
Spillover Pessimism costs sellers both offers and money. And when buyers aren’t able to see past a couple of minor things, in search of that non-existent property with 100% perfection, it makes their home search even more tedious.
Luckily, fixing these minor things doesn’t have to break the bank! Here’s a few common issues that create spillover pessimism, and a few ways to fix them!
Odours
My own tendency toward spillover pessimism is when I enter a home and smell something like the “old motel smell”, urine, or an old air freshener that smells like a urinal cake anyway. It can be so bad that you get uncomfortable just breathing — and will make your visit as short as possible. Strong odours can be a significant turnoff for buyers.
The “old” smell is easy to fix! Sometimes just vacuuming, dusting, and mopping is all you need to do. Pay attention to carpets and rugs too, since they’re absorbing and amplifying these odours. Replacing your furnace filter and running your HVAC system’s fans for a couple of days also helps a lot. Some even suggest spraying a small amount of Febreze on the ceilings.
The key is to find the source of the odour and clean that source. If it’s animals, clean the litter box and/or the rug they used as one. Change the garbage, clean the toilets, and do whatever it takes to handle these odours so you’re not scaring buyers away. And please, pretty please, don’t use an air freshener to mask it. You’re making it worse, not better.
An air purifier can help quite a bit. I used to consider air purifiers to be somewhat of a myth – until I tried one and fell in love with it. My BlueAir has become a staple in my house and turned me from a naysayer into a believer! However, you don’t need to spend a fortune if you’re just looking for a quick fix, as a temporary alternative exists and it’s as simple as a fan and a furnace filter!
Flickering, Mismatched, or Burnt-out Lights
Want to host a haunted house? Get some flickering lights. But if you want buyers to feel as though they’re buying a house that isn’t haunted, make sure the lights in each room are the same hue, brightness level, and aren’t burning out.
For best results, every bulb in the same fixture should be the same exact model. You could even update your outdated light fixtures as a bonus, but this isn’t as important as avoiding mismatched or flickering lights.
The Doors
Nothing puts “foundation issues” into a buyer’s mind faster than a door that scrapes the floor or doesn’t shut properly. Luckily, foundation issues are actually rare. Something like a loose screw, a hinge that’s shifted a few millimeters, or just natural and normal humidity can cause this. An easy fix is usually tightening screws, fixing hinges, and/or sanding the bottom of the door.
Other common turnoffs are loose door handles or locks that don’t work properly. This can also be fixed quite easily with a screwdriver. However, if the style of doorknob is outdated vs how the rest of the house appears, it may be worth replacing with a more modern style. It’s also a good idea to have the same style of door and doorknob throughout the home to create a feeling of unity.
Stains
If they’re from an old leak that was repaired several years ago and have been a non-issue since (don’t try to hide actual problems!), a buyer will see the stain and think the problem is a current one. Paint over it if you can.
If it’s a carpet stain, get a carpet cleaner. Same process for rugs – but these can also just be removed if needed.
Dirty or Moldy Caulking
Dirty caulking happens even in the cleanest of homes. It can be common in bathrooms or around windows. While it can scare prospective buyers, it’s also a very easy fix that only takes about 20 minutes.
Vent Covers
There’s nothing worse than a dirty or rusty vent cover. Then there’s a vent cover that’s been painted over in a rush! These should either be cleaned or replaced. You might also want to ensure the vent covers in a room all match.
Interested in discovering the sources of spillover pessimism in your home?
A real estate review is essential, even if you’re not planning to sell soon. You should know where you stand when it comes to your home’s value, the wealth/equity you’ve built, and the options you have to increase that wealth (they don’t always cost a fortune!). Preparing early is key – especially if you’re thinking of selling in the spring!