Kellie has seen it all, including homes that sit on the market for months simply because of easily avoidable mistakes. She warns agents to pay attention to three major turnoffs that can make buyers walk away:
1. Overly Personalised Spaces
One of the biggest blunders sellers make is leaving family photos and personal memorabilia on display.
“Family photos should not be shared. This is particularly important when trying to sell your home. No one wants to see overly personal or awkward family photos while touring a home,” Kellie said.
She recalls instances where large wedding portraits or holiday snaps from Bali have completely distracted buyers.
“Large imposing wedding photos or photos of your family on vacation wearing budgie-smugglers poolside in Bali can distract buyers and make it difficult for them to envision themselves in the space. Short of needing counselling, it is likely the potential buyers won’t come back for a second inspection,” she added.
Her advice? Neutralise the space.
“Replace personal photos with neutral artwork or leave walls bare to create a clean slate. Your home should invite buyers to imagine their future, not showcase your past vacations.”
2. Lingering Odours
Scent is one of the strongest triggers of memory and emotion, and unfortunately for some sellers, bad smells can be a deal-breaker. Kellie warns that buyers are particularly sensitive to odours from bathrooms, musty wardrobes, and kitchens.
“Unpleasant odours are an immediate red flag for buyers and can ruin their impression of a property,” she said.
“Some of the worst odours include bathroom and toilet odours. Ensure bathrooms are spotless and well-ventilated.”
“Musty rooms and foot odour is a revolting turnoff. Eliminate musty smells and odours emanating from wardrobes or storage spaces. Put your shoes away somewhere so that they can’t be seen or smelled. Better still, pack them up into a box and put them in the shed.”
She also warns sellers to pay extra attention to the kitchen and laundry.
“Kitchens can be very problematic. Remove old food and clean thoroughly to ensure no lingering smells in areas like the kitchen or laundry.
3. Dirt and Neglect
A home that looks uncared for is a major deterrent for buyers. Kellie stresses that even small details like grimy taps, greasy appliances, or smudged walls can leave the impression that a home isn’t well-maintained.
“Visible dirt and neglect are major turnoffs that can make a home feel uncared for and appear unclean,” she said.
“Focus on ensuring that grime on taps and fixtures is removed. Polished taps and appliances instantly improve a kitchen or bathroom’s appeal. Ensure all appliances are clean and free from stains and grease.”
She also warns agents and sellers not to underestimate buyers’ curiosity.
“Buyers are nosey. Even though they are not supposed to touch anything when they visit open homes, we know they do. They open cupboards, drawers and look in the oven, microwave and other appliances and closed areas.”
Her takeaway? A deep clean is non-negotiable.
“Make sure your property is spotless and very clean and smells nice. While this seems straightforward, you would be surprised how many people don’t do it.”
The Power of a Strong Agent-Stylist Partnership
Meanwhile, Justine Wilson, director and owner of Vault Interiors explains that a collaboration between real estate agents and stylists isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a key factor in achieving faster sales and higher prices.
Justine says successful property styling isn’t just about decorating; it’s about understanding the target market, enhancing a home’s best features, and creating a space that buyers connect with.
Here’s her list of how real estate agents can work effectively with stylists to ensure every listing is market-ready:
1. Open Communication Early
“Communication is the foundation of any successful collaboration. Real estate agents and property stylists need to discuss the property’s strengths and challenges early in the process. By sharing insights on the target market, property style, and local buyer preferences, agents can help stylists craft a design that aligns with the sales strategy.”
2. Trust the Stylist’s Expertise
“While agents are experts in market trends and buyer expectations, stylists bring a unique set of design skills to the table. Trust in the stylist’s ability to highlight a property’s best features and address any potential flaws through strategic styling.”
3. Tailor Styling to the Buyer Profile
“One of the biggest benefits of collaboration is the ability to tailor styling choices to the potential buyer profile. Agents have in-depth knowledge of their buyers—whether they’re families, young professionals, or investors. Share this insight with the stylist so that the design choices resonate with the buyers’ preferences and lifestyle, helping them visualise living in the space.”
4. Plan Ahead to Manage Time Efficiently
“Property styling can be time-sensitive, especially when preparing a property for market. To avoid unnecessary delays, agents and stylists should work together to develop a timeline that suits both parties. This includes scheduling consultations, installations, and photography sessions well in advance.”
5. Involve the Stylist in the Pre-Listing Stage
“Involving the stylist during the pre-listing stage allows them to provide input on necessary repairs, renovations, or upgrades that could significantly enhance the property’s appeal. It also provides more time for the stylist to curate a look that will resonate with buyers.”
6. Keep the Homeowner in the Loop
“Agents should reassure homeowners that property styling is part of the sales strategy and that the goal is to enhance the property’s appeal for buyers. Involve homeowners in the process by explaining why certain design choices are being made and how they will contribute to the sale.”
7. Leverage the Stylist’s Experience for Marketing
“Property stylists often have valuable experience with photography, layout, and composition, which can greatly enhance the marketing of a home. Work with the stylist to stage rooms in ways that photograph well, emphasising key selling points like spaciousness, natural light, or lifestyle appeal.”
8. Be Clear on Budget and Expectations
“A successful collaboration requires transparency about budget and expectations. Agents should be upfront with stylists about what the homeowner is willing to invest in the styling process.”
9. Create a Long-Term Partnership
“Successful collaborations between agents and stylists often lead to long-term partnerships. When agents and stylists work together on multiple properties, they develop a strong understanding of each other’s preferences and processes, leading to more efficient and effective outcomes.”
10. Celebrate Success Together
“The collaboration between real estate agents and property stylists can be a game-changer when it comes to selling homes. By working closely together, communicating openly, and leveraging each other’s expertise, agents and stylists can achieve exceptional results that benefit both the seller and the buyer. A well-styled property speaks volumes, and with the right partnership, it becomes a powerful tool in a competitive market.”
