Pets, Odors, and Other Deal Killers: What Buyers Won’t Tell You-Uncovering the Hidden Objections in Home Buying (+Market Snapshot)

I hope you’re gearing up for a wonderful holiday season!

Before the hustle and bustle of traveling, hosting, and spending time with family and friends takes over, I wanted to take a moment to reach out. (Invite Below)☕📱

I have seen so many different types of buyers come and go.

There’s the hurry-up-and-get-it-done buyer who power-walks through the house, laser-focused on checking their mental list because they know exactly what they want (and don’t want). Then there’s the curious passerby, stopping by after church, casually browsing for "someday" because they’re still a year out from being ready.

Oh, and let’s not forget the three-car-load-full family affair—grandma, the kids, the cousins, and the neighbor’s dog all tagging along to critique your decor. Or the solo spouse scout who shows up while their partner is at work, Facetiming every detail because they know they’ll be back for round two with the full team.

For the most part, buyers are kind and genuine, but there are always a few who show their cards a little too clearly. You’ll spot the snooty critic who’s offended by the price or the disgusted looker who can’t fake a smile if they tried. But here’s the kicker: None of these reactions mean anything.

Why? Because so much of it is theater. Some buyers genuinely feel overwhelmed by a home’s condition or price, but others are playing a strategy game. They act unimpressed to set the stage for a lowball offer while secretly planning how they’ll decorate the living room. And then there are the buyers struggling to suppress their excitement because they love the house but don’t want to give away their hand too soon. Buying a home is emotional, and everyone expresses it differently—whether they’re genuinely unsure or just testing their poker face.

The Top 10 Buyer Complaints

Here are the most common (and a few unusual) complaints I’ve heard once buyers get in the car:

1. “It’s too cluttered.”

2. “The house smells weird.”

3. “It needs too much work.”

4. “The price is too high.”

5. “The layout feels awkward.”

6. “It’s too dark inside.”

7. “The yard is too small.”

8. “The neighbors are too close.”

9. “The colors/decor are outdated.”

10. “It feels haunted.” (Yes, really.)

    
    

Simple Solutions to These Complaints

1. Cluttered:

   Solution: Simplify. Pack up personal items, extra furniture, and anything that makes spaces feel crowded. Think “model home” minimalism. Do this before pictures and before listing on MLS.

2. Odors:

   Solution: Deep clean carpets, air out the house, and invest in subtle air fresheners or fresh-baked cookies for showings. (But skip the heavy plug-ins—they can be overwhelming.)

3. Needs Too Much Work:

   Solution: Offer estimates for repairs or consider pre-listing updates to address glaring issues. If it’s priced accordingly, remind buyers of that fact. Your agent should have already gone over what is worth fixing prior to listing versus what can be fixed later during negotiations and the best strategy to use- there are many!

4. Price Too High:

   Solution: Stay firm if the market supports your price. A confident seller and agent combo can handle these objections without stress. Always have a plan with your agent about what it looks like when you should consider dropping price.

5. Awkward Layout:

   Solution: Reimagine the space with strategic furniture placement. Show buyers how they can make it work. Staging companies are available and with Coldwell Banker we do have a revitalize program available. Ask me how it works!

6. Too Dark Inside:

   Solution: Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones, add brighter light bulbs, and use mirrors to reflect natural light. Have a plan because the first thing a real buyer will do is ask for a credit for the amount of the cost to repaint the house. They will use this negotiate a lower price which is a vert feasible solution. Again, there are many!

7. Small Yard:

   Solution: Highlight low-maintenance landscaping and any outdoor features (patio, fire pit) to show how the space can still be enjoyed. Always work on curb appeal. Its the first thing buyers see and is their first impression next to your entrance way.

8. Close Neighbors:

   Solution: Point out privacy features like fencing or landscaping. If there aren’t any, focus on community benefits like safety or nearby amenities. There are a lot of interesting and creative ways to show buyers what's available beyond the house with the amenities and such.

9. Outdated Colors/Decor:

   Solution: Neutralize bold colors and depersonalize. If the decor is permanent, remind buyers of how easy and affordable it is to update paint and fixtures. This can be a bargaining tool later for a decrease in price during negotiations.

10. Feels Haunted:

    Solution: Well, there’s not much you can do about this one—aside from maybe sharing a lighthearted joke to ease the tension! Some buyers can be superstitious, so don’t take it personally if they feel an odd vibe. In some cases, homes with a history of crimes or unsettling events might actually attract certain buyers who are looking for a bargain, but the reality is, most people are not keen on living in a house where negative things have happened. It’s all about perspective, and sometimes, no matter what you do, the energy of a space can leave a lasting impression.

    
    

Not every complaint has a fix, and that’s okay. Some buyers are just picky, and no home will be perfect in their eyes. What matters most is being confident in your home, your price, and your realtor. Remember, your home doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be perfect for the right buyer.

Trust the process, stay grounded, and let your agent do what they do best: finding the right match. Buying and selling homes is an emotional rollercoaster, but with a confident team in your corner, it doesn’t have to be a stressful one.

For those of you who have been receiving my emails over the years, I wanted to let you know I’m making a few changes. Moving forward, I’ll be sending out 24-hour market updates with each email, instead of the bi-weekly updates I’ve been doing. This adjustment better aligns with the changes in the market. We adapt to what’s working now—what didn’t work before and vice versa.

So, keep an eye out for each new article, and feel free to share with a friend! As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. I’ve kept it simple and straightforward for you.

If you’ve been curious about the market or have questions about buying or selling, I’d love the opportunity to connect. Whether it’s over a cup of coffee at Starbucks or a cozy bookstore café, a weekday or weekend lunch, or even a virtual meeting via FaceTime, Zoom, or Messenger, I’m here to make it easy for you.

I want you to know how available I am for my clients. While I’m flexible with how we meet, I truly prefer face-to-face conversations—no matter the distance. In today’s world, where real estate scams have unfortunately become more common, meeting in person is not just personal—it’s protective for both of us.

Let’s set up a time to chat and make sure all your questions are answered, stress-free. I’m here for you every step of the way!

Have a beautiful Christmas!

Amanda Allen, Realtor

(903) 603-0648

Coldwell Banker Realty

Heath, TX