8 Exterior Features That Scare Buyers Away, According to Real Estate Pros

Whether you’re selling your home or just hosting visitors, it’s true that your home’s exterior makes the first impression. For sellers, real estate professionals say there are eight exterior issues that should be addressed before you list your house on the market to prevent scaring buyers away before they even step inside.

“Buyers aren’t just judging what the house looks like today, they’re imagining future costs, stress, and maintenance,” explains Ledeana Strand, a licensed Realtor.

If you’re getting ready to sell, go through this checklist of eight exterior issues that are buyer turnoffs, according to Strand and other real estate agents. Below, the pros share why these things make buyers hesitate and how you can fix them to ensure a fast and successful sale.

Faded or Peeling Exterior Paint

Jillene Cahill and Kambrin Thorne, real estate partners at Summit Sotheby’s International Realty in Park City, Utah, say one of the biggest buyer turnoffs is peeling or faded paint.

The realtors say that if a fresh exterior paint job is feasible, it will instantly make a home feel clean, cared-for, and move-in ready, which will help reduce buyer objections before they ever step inside.

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A Worn-Out Roof

According to Strand, a roof nearing the end of its life is a huge red flag for buyers.

“Buyers know roofs are expensive, and even cosmetic wear can raise concerns about leaks or future insurance issues,” the realtor says.

Strand shares that the mere thought of replacing a roof shortly after moving in can be overwhelming for buyers and is often what leads to lower offers or buyers walking away all together.

If you are not able to replace a worn-out roof, Strand recommends having the roof inspected and making the necessary repairs.

“Providing documentation that shows the roof has been maintained can make buyers feel better and help with negotiations later,” Strand says.

Foundation Issues

Cracks, gaps, and other signs of foundation settlement are sure to scare potential buyers according to Sain Rhodes, a real estate professional and a customer success manager at Clever Offers.

Rhodes reveals that foundation repairs can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000, a hefty sum that will deter many buyers.

“I have seen deals fall apart because buyers notice these things first,” Rhodes says. “Homeowners need to address cracks before listing the house by hiring a structural engineer, a licensed contractor to make the repairs, and documenting everything.”

Loose or Missing Stonework

Stonework, especially in mountain homes, can be a deal breaker for buyers if it’s not all intact.

Loose or missing stones suggest poor maintenance and potential safety or structural concerns, according to Cahill and Thorne.

The real estate pros share that repairing and cleaning exterior stonework is almost always worth the investment because it restores confidence and can have a direct impact on the home’s perceived value.

Damaged Siding

“Old, faded, warped, or damaged siding makes a home look tired and raises questions about moisture intrusion or insulation issues,” Strand adds.

Even if the siding is structurally fine, Strand says if it’s not aesthetically pleasing, it can still feel like a big expense that buyers don’t want to have to deal with.

She suggests power washing, spot repairs, or repainting which can refresh the exterior significantly to make buyers feel more comfortable.

Visible Drainage or Water Issues

In Strand’s experience, pooling water, moss growth, or visible grading problems around the home’s foundation scare buyers fast, she says.

These water issues suggest potentially costly problems with the foundation, mold, or drainage system. Strand recommends simple grading adjustments, extending downspouts, or improving drainage, which she says can often solve the issue and show buyers that the problem has been addressed.

Neglected Landscaping

“Landscape neglect, such as dead vegetation, overgrown shrubbery, and an unkempt yard, speaks to neglect about the entire home as buyers draw impressions within seconds of arriving at the property,” Rhodes says.

To enhance curb appeal, Rhodes recommends investing between $1,000 to $3,000 to remove dead plants, trim overgrown shrubs, spread grass seed, and add a layer of new mulch.

This can make the difference between a buyer picking your house or moving on to the next, she says.

Broken or Dented Garage Doors and Windows

Garage doors and windows are two things Cahill and Thorne say matter more than most sellers realize: Dirty, dented, or outdated garage doors and broken or fogged windows immediately create a worn first impression.

The realtor team says that giving your garage door some TLC (cleaning, repainting, or replacing) is a relatively simple way to elevate curb appeal.