Brendon DeSimone

26

Aug
2026

Today’s buyers are quick to make judgments about listings they see online, and they’re a lot more cautious. They want to be absolutely sure they’re getting the best house for the right price. The following are 10 things that turn off home buyers—so make sure you avoid doing them if possible.

1. A garage turned into something else. Did you turn your garage into a man cave? If so, it could be a turn-off for buyers, especially where parking is at a premium. Even in the ‘burbs, most people want a covered, secure place to park their cars, as well as a place to stow the lawn mower.

2. A bedroom turned into something else. You might assume having a wine cellar, with built-in refrigerators, in your home will make it attractive to potential buyers because it was attractive to you. And while it’s true many people work from home now at least part of the time, that doesn’t mean they want a dedicated home office. If you must convert a bedroom into something else, be sure you can easily convert it back into a bedroom when you go to sell.

3. Carpet that hides hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are cleaner looking, add a design element, don’t show dirt as much, and they’re definitely preferred over carpets for people with allergies. If you have nice hardwood floors, show them off.

4. Over-the-top lighting fixtures. A beautiful chandelier can enliven a dining room. But it can also turn off buyers who prefer simpler, less ornate lighting fixtures. When it comes time to sell, replace your Casablanca-purchased chandelier with something neutral.

5. A kid’s room that’s a tiny theme park. Little kids have big imaginations. They tend to love Disney characters, spaceships, super heroes, and such, and their parents are often all-too-willing to turn their rooms into fantasy caves. But the more you transform a kid’s bedroom into something resembling a Disneyland ride, the more you’ll turn off most potential buyers. If you can, neutralize the kid’s room before listing.

6. An above-ground pool. For most potential buyers, above-ground pools are an eyesore. Also, they can leave a big dead spot of grass in your backyard — another eyesore. If you must have one, consider dismantling it before going on the market.

7. An in-ground pool. Except in warm climates, where pools are truly an important amenity, many people see a backyard pool as a huge maintenance issue—not to mention a liability. If you live in an area where pools are uncommon, seriously consider your decision. If you’re planning to be in the home for the long haul and you’ll get lots of use out of it, go for it.

8. Avocado-green kitchen fixtures. If your kitchen looks like something from The Brady Bunch, consider investing in a quick once-over. Some new stainless steel appliances and granite countertops can be installed in no time and the cost and hassle is a lot less than you think.

9. Cigarette smell through the house. Over time, the smell of smoke gets into the carpet, drapes, wood paneling, just about everywhere—a big turnoff to most buyers today. If you’re a smoker, consider how you want to present your home to the market. For a long-term smoke-filled home, you’ll need to paint, remove the carpets, and do lots of deep cleaning.

10. Pets and toys everywhere. Dog’s toys, filled with saliva, dirt and dust, can be unattractive and smelly. If you have a pet, move the food and water bowls as well as the toys and dog’s bed to a better location, like the garage, before showing the home.