What Buyers Really Notice (and What They Don’t)

When preparing to sell your home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the list of things you could fix or update. Should you replace every light fixture? Remodel the kitchen? Repaint every room? The truth is, buyers notice certain details much more than others — and focusing on the right things can make your home stand out without wasting time or money.

Here’s a closer look at what buyers really notice… and what they usually don’t.

What Buyers Really Notice

1. Curb Appeal
   First impressions matter. The exterior of your home — the front door, landscaping, walkway, and even mailbox — sets the tone for the entire showing. A fresh coat of paint on the door, trimmed bushes, and tidy flowerbeds go a long way.
2. Cleanliness
   A clean home signals that it’s been well cared for. Buyers notice sparkling windows, fresh-smelling air, clean floors, and tidy countertops. A deep clean before showings is one of the best investments you can make.
3. Natural Light
   Buyers love bright, airy spaces. Open blinds and curtains, replace heavy drapes, and clean windows to maximize natural light. Bonus: swap out dim bulbs for brighter, warm-toned ones.
4. Kitchen and Bathrooms
   You don’t need a full remodel, but buyers definitely notice if these spaces feel outdated or dirty. Simple fixes — like new cabinet hardware, fresh caulk, or a modern faucet — can make a big difference.
5. Smells
   This one is huge. Unpleasant odors from pets, smoke, or last night’s dinner can immediately turn buyers away. A fresh, neutral scent (think clean laundry or a light candle) makes a home feel welcoming.

What Buyers Don’t Usually Notice

1. Minor Cosmetic Flaws
   A small nail hole in the wall or a slightly scuffed baseboard? Most buyers won’t care. Focus your energy on larger visual impacts instead of chasing down every tiny imperfection.
2. Old Appliances (if they’re clean)
   Unless appliances are broken or extremely dated, buyers are more forgiving here than sellers often realize. If they work and look clean, you’re good.
3. Personal Style Choices
   Buyers know they’ll repaint walls or swap décor to fit their taste. That bold accent wall might not be their style, but as long as it’s clean and in good shape, it usually isn’t a deal breaker.
4. The Brand of Materials
   Buyers rarely care if your tile is high-end Italian or from the local hardware store — they’re more interested in whether the space feels fresh, functional, and move-in ready.

When preparing your home to sell, focus on what buyers notice most: curb appeal, cleanliness, light, and fresh-looking kitchens and bathrooms. Don’t get bogged down in the little things that won’t make or break a sale. By putting your effort where it matters most, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and attract the right buyers.

I’d love to walk through your home with you and help you decide what’s worth updating (and what’s not!). Reach out today to start the conversation.

About Jenny Vossler

Years working in real estate has taught me that everyone, including YOU, deserves a real estate agent who is highly experienced, has local knowledge, proven systems and procedures, and local connections in and out of the real estate industry. Whether you are buying, selling or investing, the transaction you’re about to embark on will have a large financial impact on your future.  Please make sure you choose an agent with unparalleled professional skills and high ethical standards to represent you. Give me a call – I look forward to learning about your real estate needs and personally discussing how I can be of service to you. I can be reached by call or text at (435) 559-1260, or by email at jennyvossler.homes@gmail.com.