So far we have talked about hideous decor, the importance of curb appeal, and the consequences of clutter. Now, we move on to the top five things that can stall a home sale:

5. Pets. You love your pets; you couldn't live without them! Buyers on the other hand, don't love your pets. Opening the front door, and seeing dogs and cats can set off alarm bells for potential buyers. Carpet stains, shedding hai

The best way to deal with this problem without getting rid of Fido, is to deal with accidents as they happen. Don't allow urine to sit for any period of time. Be sure to clean the area with vinegar and water, and sprinkle baking soda on the carpet to neutralize the smell. Get your carpets and upholsteries cleaned, and are sure to vacuum and dust daily while your home is on the market. You may even consider purchasing an air purifier, which will help to freshen up the space. Keep windows open to ventilate the area, and keep pets out of the home during showings. If you are diligent with cleaning and airing, buyers may not even know you've had pets in the home, and that will definitely work to your favor.

4. Outdated Fixtures. Avocado green bathroom fixtures scream 'outdated'. Not only are they unattractive, but they also reveal how little maintenance has been done over the years. Buyers will want updated fixtures, and may take the cost of replacement off of the purchase price. For others, replacing the items may simply be too much work, and they will dismiss your home outright.

3. Smoking. Some people are allergic to the smell of smoke; others simply detest it. The smell of tobacco lingers for literally years on end, and nicotine stains everything it touches. Home buyers know this, and if they smell smoke when they enter your home, chances are good that they will immediately nix your property from their list. Even if they love the structure and the decor, if it smells like cigarettes, buyers will flee.

2. Over pricing. Pricing your home is possibly the most difficult part of putting a property on the market. Oftentimes homeowners have invested a great deal of time and money into their homes, and want to see a return on their investment. Owners are also biased, and see their home as being worth more than perhaps a real estate agent believes. It is absolutely critical to listen to your listing agent's advice about pricing. They will do a market analysis and find out what comparable homes in the area are listed for, and what the final selling prices are. You need to look at the age and condition of your house, compare it with similar properties, and then decide how much your home is actually worth. Market conditions change frequently, so even though people were willing to pay through the nose a year ago, they aren't so eager to pay as much today. Price your home based on present conditions, and check your emotions at the door. Also, be willing to negotiate. If you are dead set on a price, and you aren't receiving any offers, then you need to reexamine things. Be willing to compromise a little, or be prepared to stay on the market for a very long time.

1. Cracked foundation. If your house appears to be unstable in any way, buyers will head for the hills. If there are any cracks, even minor ones, get them checked out by a professional and get them repaired. Even if a crack is harmless, it raises alarm bells in the minds of the buyers. Not only can cracks be potentially dangerous, but repairs can also be costly. If a buyer is willing to buy your home with the crack still present, they will likely knock the costs of repairs off of the purchase price anyway, so it's best to fix the problem before potential buyers even walk through the doors.

About the Author

Eric Badgley is an award winning real estate agent in the Bellingham WA real estate market. Let Eric and his partner Angela Gardner be your guide to Ferndale WA real estate.