3 Things That Scare Away Homebuyers (And How to Fix Them)

By Diane and Brian Hagarty

With multiple industry awards from top brokerages and a loyal following of raving fans, Diane and Brian Hagarty continue to raise the standard for what real estate service should feel like.

Northern Virginia’s competitive market, success lies in the details that many homeowners completely overlook. As we move into the spooky season of fall, the goal is to give buyers a treat, not a trick. We want to share three subtle things that can scare buyers away, and how you can easily fix them.

1. The silent deal-killer: lingering odors. The moment a buyer walks in, they judge your home by how it smells. As homeowners, we often go “nose-blind” to the scents of our daily lives, whether it’s last night’s dinner, a pet’s favorite spot, or a musty basement. To buyers, these odors can signal larger issues, such as poor maintenance, hidden mold, or an aging HVAC system.

The good news is that most odor problems are easy to fix. Deep clean carpets and draperies, replace air filters, and wipe down vents and ceiling fans. For pet owners, a black light can be a lifesaver for locating and treating hidden accidents. A clean, fresh-smelling home instantly feels more inviting and well cared for.

2. The domino effect of minor maintenance issues. Buyers notice everything, and small details can create a big impression. A loose doorknob, chipped paint, or a burned-out bulb might seem trivial, but they can raise questions about the home’s overall condition. When buyers start wondering what else hasn’t been maintained, confidence drops fast. The best way to avoid this is through a pre-listing walkthrough.

Take note of every small repair before your home hits the market: tighten handles, patch paint, and replace bulbs for consistent color and brightness. We offer this walkthrough as a free service to our clients because it’s one of the simplest ways to show buyers that your home has been well cared for from top to bottom.

3. Creating the right mood: why lighting is everything. Lighting sets the tone for your entire home. Poor lighting can make even a spacious room feel small, dark, and uninviting. Beyond replacing burnt-out bulbs, pay attention to color temperature. Light bulbs are measured in Kelvins (K), which determines how warm or cool the light feels. We recommend a Kelvin of around 3500 for most homes, slightly warm and bright enough to make each room feel crisp and welcoming without harshness.

For older homes with orange-toned oak cabinets, switching to 4000K bulbs in the kitchen can help neutralize color tones and modernize the look. Consistency across rooms makes a big difference, turning your home from dim and dated to fresh and vibrant.

Final thoughts and a free offer. A well-lit, fresh-smelling home that’s free of minor defects feels warmer, more open, and more comfortable. These aren’t major renovations, but together they make a powerful first impression that helps your home sell faster and for more money. If you’re planning to sell in Northern Virginia, we want to help you avoid the small mistakes that cost sellers time and profit.

We offer a free pre-listing walkthrough to identify exactly what your home needs to shine. To schedule yours, call 703-386-7326, email hello@dianeandbrian.com, or visit dianeandbrian.com. Let’s make sure your home gives buyers a treat, not a trick, and stands out for all the right reasons.