Here are my top 10 Ways to Make Sure your Home Does Not Sell:

10.  No Photos.  Buyers have so many homes to choose from, before they even set out.  By not having quality photos online for them, you can quickly eliminate your home from their list of properties to visit.

9.  Wallpaper.  Wallpaper is a very personal method for decorating your home, and while some Buyers may like wallpaper, it's not likely that they will like your wallpaper.  Most buyers will look at wallpaper as a big chore that will have to be undertaken as soon as they move in, and will be sure to walk away.

8.  Dim Lighting.  Nobody likes walking into a home and fumbling for a light switch.  Particularly in the winter when many showings are after dark, by leaving the lights off you'll increase the chance that someone can trip over something while looking for a light.

7.  Curb Appeal.  If a Buyer doesn't like the outside of your home, or can't even see your home from the street, you may save them time, by them not even wanting to look inside.  Having a garden growing in your eavestroughs is a great way to show Buyers right away that the home is poorly maintained.

6.  Animals.  You may be an animal lover, but some potential buyers won't be.  Leaving a large barking dog to greet potential buyers is a sure way to keep them focused on your pets and not on your home.

5.  Damp Basements.  Everyone is on the lookout for a basement that doesn't leak.  That damp smell is a great way to send Buyers running who don't want to take on the task of waterproofing a bsement.

4.  Bugs/Mice.  Critters running around and cobwebs on the ceilings are another great indicator to Buyers that the home is not well maintained.

3.  Dirty Bathrooms/Kitchens.  Buyers will look at the condition of your home to imagine their lifestyle there.  A dirty kitchen or bathroom sends the message that to live there, means living in your mess.  They won't want to cook on your dirty countertop or shower in a bathtub with mold and mildew.

2.  Odours.  Before they even see anything in your home, the first thing to hit them will be odours as soon as they walk in the door.  Whether it's the smell of cigarettes, pets or food, Buyers are very quickly turned off your home if they encounter strong odours or even stronger perfumes to cover up the smells.

1.  The Sellers.  When you stay at home during a showing, it makes a Buyer uncomfortable about being in your home and sends a message that your are staking your territory and they are intruders.  They won't take the time to get to know your house, and it'll be quickly forgotten once they leave.