In the world of dating, there’s a term called “the ick.” It’s used to describe the feeling of disgust a person experiences when their date does something they consider to be a major turnoff.

But “the ick” doesn’t just happen in dating. It can also happen in real estate,and if your home gives potential buyers “the ick,” it could put your home sale in jeopardy.

So what, exactly, are potential turnoffs that could give buyers “the ick” and ruin your home sale in the process? A recent article from realtor.com outlined common things about a home that could activate buyers “ick” response, including:

• The smell of cigarettes. The smell of cigarette smoke is just about universally disliked — even by smokers — which is why the lingering smell of cigarette smoke is a surefire way to give potential buyers the ick. If you or someone in your house is a smoker and there’s a distinct smell of smoke, make sure to do whatever you need to do to get the smell out (for example, getting your carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned) before you start showing your home.
• Bugs and/or vermin. For many people, any evidence of bugs and/or vermin (like mice or rats) is an immediate ick, and could turn them off from buying a home. If you have any issues with bugs or vermin in or around your home, you should strongly consider hiring a professional exterminator to get rid of the problem before you try to sell.
• Bathroom carpeting. Bathroom carpeting had a moment back in the 70s, but today most buyers view carpet in the bathroom as unhygienic and extremely ick. If your home has carpet in the bathroom, consider ripping it out and replacing it with more bathroom-friendly flooring (like tiles) before showing it to buyers.

We are not “ick”…we really aren’t. Get in touch today! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORs, SRES. Luxury The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com