9 Common Showing Pitfalls Sellers Make & How to Avoid Them
9 Common Showing Pitfalls Sellers Make & How to Avoid Them
When it comes to selling real estate, first impressions are everything. Whether it’s a single-family home in Brookhaven or a Midtown condo overlooking Piedmont Park, a showing is your buyer’s chance to picture themselves living there. Any distraction—or worse, a turnoff—can kill that connection. Yet, too many sellers make mistakes during showings that hurt their chances of getting an offer.
Here are 9 common showing pitfalls and how you can avoid them ….for both a single family home or a condo!
1. Being Home for Showings
Buyers don’t want you hanging around. Even if you think you’re being helpful answering questions, most buyers will rush through if the owner is present. They need space to talk openly with their agent.
Condo angle: If you’re selling a Midtown condo, leaving during a showing is even more important. Buyers want to linger on the balcony, peek inside closets, or test out how quiet the space is—and they won’t do that if you’re hovering. Head down to Starbucks Reserve or walk the BeltLine while your condo is being shown.
Solution: Leave before every showing. Period.
2. Pets Being Present
Not everyone loves pets. A barking dog, a cat darting out the door, or even just a litter box can distract or turn off buyers.
Condo angle: In a high-rise, you simply should not leave a dog unless it is crated, and you know it’s not a “barker” when a stranger is around. The scent from a litter box in a smaller condo can feel overpowering. And keep in mind—some buyers are already on edge about pet-friendly buildings and noise. Don’t give them an extra reason to worry.
Solution: Remove pets completely if possible. If not, at least stash all bowls, toys, and beds.
3. Bad Smells
Buyers notice everything—and nothing kills a deal faster than an odor. Pets, last night’s takeout, or even too much air freshener all leave a negative impression.
Condo angle: Smaller square footage means smells hang around longer in a condo. That garlic pasta you cooked last night? Buyers will still notice it in the morning. And covering it up with strong candles doesn’t fool anyone.
Solution: Keep it neutral and fresh—lemon, linen, or just open the balcony doors for some fresh Midtown air.
4. Cluttered and Hard-to-Navigate Spaces
Too much furniture or personal stuff makes a space feel smaller, and in condos, that’s already a sensitive topic. Buyers need to see the flow of a space, not trip over your oversized sectional or dodge piles of shoes.
Condo angle: Overstuffed closets in a condo scream “not enough storage.” And storage is already a top buyer question.
Solution: Edit your furniture, clear counters, and get a storage unit. Make sure doors, closets, and the balcony slide open easily.
5. Limiting Showing Availability
Restricting showing times limits your buyer pool. If they can’t get in, they can’t buy.
Condo angle: Remember that most condo buyers are busy professionals. If they can only see your condo after work at 7 p.m. or on a Sunday afternoon, you need to be flexible. Also, factor in building access—make sure the concierge, lockbox, or listing instructions are clear. Nothing frustrates a buyer’s agent faster than being held up in the lobby.
Solution: Be flexible and make it easy to show.
6. Poor Lighting and Dark Spaces
Dark homes feel smaller and less inviting. Buyers want bright, open, airy spaces.
Condo angle: Many condos already have one or two interior-facing rooms with limited natural light. Don’t make it worse with heavy drapes or dim bulbs. Outdated light fixtures also scream “renovation expense.”
Solution: Open blinds, turn on every light, swap in LED bulbs, and add lamps where needed. Make your condo shine.
7. Leaving Personal Items on Display
Family photos, political memorabilia, or religious items can distract buyers. They need to picture themselves in your home, not get caught up in who you are.
Condo angle: Condos are often more compact, so your personal items feel even louder. That wall of family portraits in the hallway or your Georgia Tech shrine in the living room? It’s all buyers will see.
Solution: Neutralize. Tuck away anything overly personal. Let the space—not your stuff—speak.
8. Overly Themed or Dated Décor
Bold wallpaper, heavy drapes, or “themed” rooms (Tuscan kitchen, anyone?) don’t age well. Buyers see updates and dollar signs.
Condo angle: In Midtown condos especially, buyers expect modern and move-in ready. They’re drawn to clean lines and neutral palettes. Your burgundy accent wall and ‘90s chandelier? Time to go.
Solution: A fresh coat of neutral paint and updated light fixtures make a huge difference.
9. Neglecting Curb Appeal
First impressions start outside. Overgrown lawns, peeling paint, or cluttered porches send the wrong message.
Condo angle: You might not have a yard, but curb appeal still matters. Think: your front door, the hallway outside your unit, or even the balcony. A dusty balcony with dead plants screams neglect. Buyers will notice scuff marks on the entry door or a cluttered hallway.
Solution: Freshen up your entry, power wash the balcony, add a plant or two, and keep things tidy.
Final Thoughts
Showings are your chance to make buyers fall in love. Don’t sabotage the moment with distractions or oversights. Whether it’s a Buckhead townhome or a Midtown condo, avoiding these common showing pitfalls makes the difference between sitting on the market—or moving on with a solid offer.
