10 simple tips for attracting buyers

According to HomeGain, it is estimated that only 10 percent of homebuyers can visualize the potential of a home. That means 90 percent are not going to be able to look past the dirt, clutter and imperfections.

HGTV recommends factoring in these frequently occurring mistakes that turn off homebuyers and sellers, and how you can avoid them.

1. Remove personal photos. People can be very photogenic, but many clients are distracted by portraits of the sellers, and miss out on key selling points of the home.
2. Accentuate the positive. Whether it is a staircase, a great view from the kitchen sink, stunning built-in bookshelves or a three-car garage, do something to make the buyers linger in that magic space.
3. Hide personal opinions. Especially avoid politically charged material that expresses strong opinions.
4. Clean up the clutter. Cleaning is a no-brainer. And clutter is a killer. Clutter makes a house look smaller, and if you have a small house, it makes it feel claustrophobic.
5. Embrace the quiet. When showing a home, music is not necessarily a bad thing. If you don’t know the potential buyer and their taste in music, don’t push yours. If you are going to play music, be sure it doesn’t have vocals.
6. Smells like home. Opt for a few plug-in air fresheners. Use vanilla in the kitchen, fresh scents in the laundry, apple cinnamon in the living room and such. Specific aromas add a theme to the tour, even when it’s not an open house.
7. Paint the story. A coat or two of paint is always a good investment. If you decide to make the effort, consider flat paint in areas for resting and relaxing. You can add some colors, but neutral is always best.
8. Pet-proof the home. Consider buyers with pet allergies. Ask a friend to come by and give it the sniff test. The purchase of a few air purifiers may also be a great investment.
9. Show off the goods. Consider placing laser-printed cards on items that remain with the home. Such things could include high-end appliances, dumbwaiters, laundry chutes, built-in sound systems and other goodies. These inexpensive cards are an under-utilized way to bring attention to such selling features. 
10. Go away. No buyers want to discuss the home with the seller standing there. Very few buyers stay more than five minutes in a house with the seller in earshot. Let the home speak for itself.