10 BRUTALLY HONEST TRUTHS BUYERS WON’T TELL YOU TO YOUR FACE!

Thinking about selling your home? In this article, I share 10 brutally honest truths that homebuyers won’t say to your face — from pet odors to clutter and overpricing. Learn what buyers really think when they walk through your home, and how to sell faster and for more money.

When you’re selling your home, it’s easy to assume that buyers will tell you what they’re really thinking. The truth? They won’t.

As a real estate agent, I hear the things that buyers won’t say to your face — and sometimes, it’s not pretty. These aren’t meant to be rude; they’re simply the honest reactions that determine whether or not a buyer falls in love with your home.

So, here are 10 brutally honest truths homebuyers are thinking — but won’t tell you.

1. Your Home Has a Smell

Every home has a smell — and you’ve gone nose-blind to yours. Buyers walking in for the first time notice immediately.

If you have pets, that’s often the biggest culprit. Even if you think your house doesn’t smell, it probably does to a buyer who doesn’t have animals. Clean litter boxes daily, replace old carpets, and avoid heavy cooking (especially with strong spices) before showings.

A lingering odor is one of the fastest deal-killers when selling your home.

2. Your Decor Is Distracting

Your home might reflect your personality — but when you’re selling, that can work against you.

Bright paint colors, personal collections, or unique furniture draw attention away from your home’s features. Buyers get caught up looking at your décor instead of imagining their own life there.

When staging, think “neutral hotel room.” Clean, simple, and distraction-free. (Download my free Seller’s Playbook — it includes color guides and staging tips that help homes sell faster!)

3. Clutter Makes Your Home Feel Smaller

Clutter screams one thing: small space.

Even if your home is a good size, cluttered entryways, packed closets, and overfilled rooms make it feel tight. Remove 30–40% of your belongings before showings.

Sell, donate, or store items you’re not taking to your next home. You’re moving anyway — start now!

Remember my motto:

“Fake it, take it, make it.”
Fake how your house looks, take great photos, and make more money.

4. Buyers Don’t Want to “Do Work”

When buyers say, “We’re willing to do a little work,” they usually mean painting a wall — not remodeling a kitchen.

Many modern buyers are busy. They don’t want to take on large projects. What feels like “minor updates” to you — like replacing rugs or redoing a kitchen that’s 13 years old — feels like major renovation to them.

Listen to your agent’s feedback. If buyers say, “It needs too much work,” that’s code for “It’s not move-in ready for the price.”

5. “Too Small” Means “Too Expensive”

When a buyer says your home feels too small, what they really mean is that it’s overpriced for what it offers.

Buyers today know the market extremely well. They compare photos, features, and square footage before they even step inside. If your price doesn’t match what else is available, they’ll walk away — quickly.

Your home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay, not what you think it’s worth.

6. Buyers Judge How You Maintain Your Home

Buyers notice everything — from broken doorbells to burned-out light bulbs.

If they see something small that’s neglected, they assume bigger problems exist. That’s why your home should be clean, well-maintained, and hotel-ready. A spotless, well-cared-for home makes buyers feel confident that you’ve maintained it properly.

7. Buyers Hate When Sellers Are Home

This one’s simple: buyers feel uncomfortable when sellers are present during showings.

Even if you think being there will help, it won’t. Buyers can’t relax, can’t talk openly, and can’t imagine living there. Leave before the showing and let your agent handle it.

8. Every Little Imperfection Stands Out

Chipped paint, uneven fixtures, cluttered shelves — buyers notice it all.

Before listing, do a “buyer walk.” Step outside, pretend you’re seeing your home for the first time, and walk through slowly. You’ll start seeing what buyers see: peeling paint, cluttered counters, dusty baseboards.

Fix the small things — they add up to a big impression.

9. Buyers Decide Within 15 Seconds

Studies (and my own experience) show that buyers know within 15 seconds whether a home feels right.

That’s why first impressions matter so much. From curb appeal to entryway, every detail influences their emotional reaction. Your agent can show off fancy kitchen features later — but if the initial feel isn’t right, it’s too late.

10. Buyers Won’t Tell You the Truth

Here’s the hard part: buyers won’t tell you any of this.

They won’t say your home smells, or that your decor is distracting, or that it feels overpriced. They’ll simply move on to the next listing.

That’s why it’s so important to be proactive — to clean, declutter, price strategically, and work with an experienced agent who understands what today’s buyers really want.

Ready to Sell Your Home for More Money, Stress Free?

At Sell Your Home with Kati Spaniak, I help homeowners prepare their homes the right way — so you can sell faster and for top dollar, without the stress.

📘 Download my free Seller’s Playbook — over 25,000 homeowners have used it to learn how to stage, update, and price their homes like a pro.
💬 Need an agent? My team and I can connect you with the best local agents in your area who know how to sell homes just like yours.

Visit my website or scan the QR code from my video — let’s make your home-selling journey simple and successful.