Things like unkempt yards and ugly wallpaper are obvious turnoffs, but there are other things that can jinx a sale.
Before hammering a For Sale sign into the front lawn, most sellers rectify major deterrents including faded paint, broken windows and messy yards.

Unfortunately, real estate agents say many miss a handful of less obvious ailments which can have buyers turn on their heels long before they have finished touring a home.

It is the small things that make the difference. The home should have a feeling that is well maintained and allowing buyers no excuses to walk away. Many small problems can be repaired with a screwdriver or a hammer, or by spending a few hours on the end of a broom or paintbrush. The cost is often less than $500.

Here are ten problems sellers often ignore when their properties go on the market:

1. Grout around ceramic tiles in kitchens and bathrooms is loose, missing or discoloured. No one likes a skuzzy bath or kitchen area, so invest a few bucks in caulking and use a toothbrush and cleaners n dirty grout.
2. Mailboxes and address numbers are crooked, dirty or pitted. Poor numbers make a home hard to find and a loose mailbox shows lack of maintenance that home shoppers may feel extends throughout your home. A new mailbox and letters will cost less than $75, a good investment since they’re among the first things a potential buyer sees.
3. Rooms are dark. Vampires like dark rooms, but most homeowners don’t. Replace old lightbulbs, wash windows and throw open drapes, blinds and awnings.
4. Wallpaper and paint are outdated, dirty or too dramatic. Sounds boring, but go neutral when you freshen up your paint and paper because there’s less chance you’ll turn off a buyer who, more likely than not, finds your taste in wall covering revolting.
5. Closets and storage areas are cluttered, giving the appearance of lack of space. Storage is crucial, especially among younger buyers who have large wardrobes, so pitch everything you don’t need and tidy up what’s left.
6. Loose or broken door knobs and locks. Few purchasers will buy a home that doesn’t feel secure. Fix broken door sets or invest in new ones.
7. Pet or other odours. Don’t cook a meal heavy in garlic the day of an open house and clean up garbage and kitty litter before showing your home.
8. Peeling paint on basement floors. Scrape away old paint and apply a new coat in basement laundry and furnace rooms. While you’re at it, install a fluorescent light to turn a dungeon-like basement into a a bright and useful space.
9. Chipped paint on baseboards, trim and doors. A bush and a $25 can of paint will have your trim sparkling, again showing that your home has been cared for lovingly over the years.
10. Water stains and cracked drywall on ceilings and walls. You may have had a leak fixed five years ago but if the stain and cracks are visible, a buyer visualizes water pouring in. Drywall compound and paint are the solution.
    Find these and other problems by taking a walk through your home and putting yourself in buyers shoes. And when your real estate agent suggests repairs, pay heed.

When it comes time to sell, it is not really your home anymore, it is an investment. It’s like selling investments in your stock portfolio. You want to get the most out of it, so you and your agent must work together so buyers are left with the best possible impression.