After 28 years in the real estate business, I have shown many houses where I am shaking my head at how the house looks. Today, I’m here to share the 10 things you should NEVER have in your home when selling. Stay tuned for two bonus items at the end—you won’t want to miss those!"

"Let’s get right to it!"

#1 You and Your Pets

First and foremost, you and your pets should not be in the house during showings. Buyers want to imagine themselves in the space, and it's tough to do that with someone hovering around. If you must be home, try to be in a room out of earshot. Plus, remove any signs of pets—like food bowls or pet smells—as many buyers may have allergies."

#2 Clutter

● "Number two: Remove all clutter throughout the house, including kitchen and bathroom countertops. Your Realtor should guide you through what to take out. Remember, clutter eats your equity—less is always better!"

#3 Personal Items

● Next up: remove all personal items. That means mail, bills, and any controversial art. You want buyers to focus on the home, not on personal touches that could turn them off.

#4 Family Photos

● It’s also recommended to take down framed degrees and family photos. Buyers will focus better on the house if they’re not distracted by your personal life. If you have children’s names displayed on doors or walls, remove those too—privacy matters!

#5 Valuables and Medications

● Make sure your valuables and medications are locked away. While theft is rare, it's better to be safe than sorry!

#6 Firearms

● If you own firearms, put them away in a secure place. A visible gun cabinet can make some buyers uncomfortable. Make sure there is nothing visible for pictures or buyers.

7 Cleanliness and Odors

● Your home must be clean and free of odors. Strong smells from cooking, cigarettes or pets can deter buyers, so keep things fresh! Avoid heavy fragrances, as they might make buyers feel like you’re hiding something. Remember: the best smell is no smell!"

#8 Excess Furniture

● Too much furniture can crowd a room and confuse buyers. If a room feels cramped, move excess pieces into storage to showcase your space better.

#9 Fix things that are broken

● Address any repairs, especially wood rot and broken fixtures. The last thing you want is for a buyer to think your home isn’t well maintained. For in-depth advice, check out my videos about preparing for a home inspection and the benefits of doing a pre-sale home inspection.

10 Signs of Distress

● Lastly, remove any signs of distress. If you’re going through a life change, make adjustments so your home feels balanced and inviting. For example, rearranging clothes in closets can help create a sense of normalcy.

Now for my bonus tips!

Bonus Item #1: Watch the number of clocks in your home. Too many remind buyers of time constraints, making them feel rushed.

Bonus Item #2: Be cautious with window treatments. It’s best to take down dated curtains or rods to let in maximum light. Neutral window treatments that do not block light can be ok. If you remove them, repair and paint the wall. If blinds are old or broken, consider replacing them or simply removing them for a fresh look.

I'm Jodi Bakst with Real Estate Experts working in Chapel Hill and Durham, North Carolina. Click the button below to contact me to discuss how to prepare your home for the market. And don’t miss my next video on the 10 things you NEED in your home when selling.