Tiny Issues, Big Turn-Offs: 10 Small Fixes That Can Make or Break the Sale of Your Home
April 3, 2025
By Dave & Candy – Team Goddard – Garry Real Estate — Serving Bartlett, IL and Surrounding Communities
Selling a home is all about first impressions. While most sellers focus on big-ticket improvements like curb appeal and staging, it’s often the small, easily overlooked details that can turn buyers off — or even cost you the sale.
Buyers notice everything, and minor maintenance issues can create an overall feeling of neglect. The good news? Most of these problems are simple and affordable to fix. A few quick updates — plus a thorough deep clean — can help your home feel fresh, cared for, and move-in ready.
Here are 10 tiny issues that make a surprisingly big impact on buyers — and how to fix them:
1. Burned-Out Light Bulbs
Even one dark corner can make a space feel cold or uninviting. Replace all bulbs with warm, consistent lighting to create a welcoming ambiance.
2. Minor Roof Damage
A missing shingle or two may not seem urgent, but buyers see it as a sign of potential leaks or costly repairs. Have a professional patch up obvious issues before listing.
3. Chipped or Peeling Paint
Scuffed walls and trim make a home look tired. A few touch-ups in high-traffic areas can make your home feel crisp and cared for.
4. Water Stains from Past Leaks
Even if the issue was fixed long ago, lingering stains raise red flags. Repaint affected areas to show buyers there’s no active damage.
5. Dripping Faucets
That steady drip is more than annoying — it signals plumbing problems. Most fixes are quick and inexpensive.
6. Missing or Cracked Outlet Covers
These little details matter. Swapping out cracked or missing covers takes minutes but boosts the overall impression of care and cleanliness.
7. Running Toilets
A toilet that runs nonstop might be a quick DIY fix, but buyers don’t want surprises. Take care of it before showings begin.
8. Bunched-Up or Wrinkled Carpet
Loose carpet can feel like a trip hazard — or an expense. A quick re-stretch from a carpet pro can make a huge difference.
9. Grimy Bathrooms
Old grout, moldy caulk, or dingy fixtures are a huge turn-off. A deep clean and a few budget-friendly upgrades go a long way.
10. Dusty Exhaust Fans
Bathroom and kitchen fans are magnets for dust — and they’re one of the first things buyers notice in small spaces. Clean them up for a fresher feel.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Skip the Deep Clean
One of the biggest unspoken turn-offs for buyers? A home that looks clean on the surface, but shows signs of neglect in the details.
Before listing, make time for a true deep clean:
Dust baseboards, window sills, and ceiling fans
Scrub the inside of the stove and refrigerator
Clean air vents and light fixtures
Wipe down cabinet fronts and interior shelves
Remove cobwebs and pet hair from corners
A home that looks, smells, and feels clean creates a powerful sense of trust — and it’s one of the easiest ways to add perceived value.
Ready to Sell in Bartlett or the Surrounding Suburbs?
We’ll guide you through prepping your home, pricing it right, and marketing it with professional-grade polish — because first impressions matter.
Dave and Candy were very knowledgeable, honest, and transparent. The whole process of selling my condo stress free. Would definitely work with them again and recommend them!
We worked with Dave & Candy Goddard to purchase our home, and honestly, we couldn’t have asked for better agents. They are incredibly knowledgeable about the market and helped us understand what to look for beyond just the basics. Dave took the time to inspect each property during showings like a pro, pointing out things we wouldn’t have noticed and giving honest feedback, which we really appreciated.
Throughout the process, they were patient, responsive, and genuinely supportive. It felt like they were guiding us every step of the way, not just trying to close a deal. Their professionalism stood out, but they were also warm and approachable, which made the whole experience less stressful and more enjoyable.
They went above and beyond for us, and we’re truly grateful. If you’re looking for agents who actaully know what they are doing, Dave & Candy are it.
I've had the pleasure of knowing Candy and Dave for over 15 years, and I can confidently say they are one of the most trustworthy and knowledgeable real estate professionals I’ve ever worked with.
Most recently, they helped me with the purchase of my new home, and I couldn't be more grateful for their guidance and support throughout the entire process.
If you're looking for agents who are knowledgeable and treat you like family, I'd highly recommend Candy and Dave.
Candy and Dave were excellent. Very well prepared, full of knowledge, communication was outstanding. Would highly recommend them. They sold our home in no time & got us a higher price than what we asked!!!
Dave and Candy have been our agents for years! They have helped my husband and I buy and sell through every stage of our life. They’re always incredibly responsive and knowledgeable. When working with Dave and Candy you truly feel like they’re always looking out for your best interest. They are the only ones we will ever trust with our home buying and selling needs. Thanks again for everything you’ve always done for us Dave and Candy!
Very responsive- answered weekend calls immediately! Knowledgeable about the property, location and came prepared to answer all of questions and informed us on how to best list the property for sale. Entire process was seamless- will definitely use again! Thank you Candy & Dave!
From start to finish, Dave and Candy Goddard made selling our family’s home very easy. On our initial meeting they were able to answers all of our questions and concerns and saved us time by doing their due diligence prior to meeting us. A very professional team and highly recommend them.
📊 Active Home Inventory – Attached & Detached Homes
As of December 24, 2025
Total Homes in the MLS: 16,873
📌 Market Overview
Inventory continues to tighten across the northwest suburbs as we move through the holiday week. Detached single-family supply remains especially constrained in many communities, while attached homes continue to make up a growing share of available inventory in several towns.
New construction remains active but concentrated, and is already included within total inventory counts. Buyers should be prepared for limited options in ultra-tight markets, while sellers with well-positioned homes continue to benefit from favorable conditions.
📊 Active Listings by Town
(Total Homes | Detached | Attached | New Construction)
Welcome to your dream townhome in the highly sought-after Towne Place West subdivision! This exquisite two-story residence boasts 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a spacious 2-car garage, perfectly blending elegance, comfort, and convenience.
As you enter, you’ll be greeted by a bright two-story foyer featuring impressive 17-foot ceilings, brand new LVT flooring, and a stunning staircase with a catwalk that sets a grand tone for your home. The main level’s open-concept design is perfect for both relaxation and entertaining, anchored by a cozy gas/wood-burning fireplace in the living room, framed by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light.
Host elegant dinners in the formal dining room, which flows seamlessly into a beautifully updated eat-in kitchen. Here, you’ll find gorgeous granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and 42″ cabinetry with stylish crown molding—ideal for everyday living and gatherings alike.
Venture upstairs to discover brand new carpeting throughout, including the spacious primary suite, which offers abundant closet space and a luxuriously updated en-suite bath. Two additional bedrooms and convenient second-floor laundry provide the perfect blend of functionality and style for modern lifestyles.
Recent updates include a new furnace, garage door and opener, fresh LVT flooring, new carpeting, and a fresh coat of paint throughout, ensuring a move-in-ready experience.
Enjoy resort-style living with access to two community pools, a hot tub, tennis and basketball courts, brand-new pickleball courts, and scenic walking trails. Plus, you’ll love the unbeatable location with easy access to the Shops of Schaumburg, Target, Walmart Supercenter, and the vibrant dining and retail scene along Schaumburg Road.
All of this can be yours for just $389,896! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity—contact Dave or Candy today at 630.310.8315 with any inquiries!
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Presenting a rarely available gem, this stunning top-floor 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence is located in one of the most sought-after buildings in the area. This unique opportunity offers penthouse-level privacy, generous living space, two heated garage spaces, and an impressive array of lifestyle amenities.
Ideally situated just two blocks from the Metra station and mere moments from Downtown Downers Grove, you’ll enjoy easy access to a vibrant community filled with restaurants, cafes, boutique shopping, and the iconic Tivoli Theatre. The location couldn’t be better!
Spanning an impressive 1,660 sq ft, this open-concept home features soaring 10-ft ceilings, elegant crown molding, recessed lighting, and beautiful hardwood flooring throughout the main living areas, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bedrooms are adorned with new luxury vinyl tile, offering a cozy touch.
The expansive great room serves as the heart of the home, perfect for dining, lounging, and entertaining family and friends. The chef’s kitchen is a culinary delight, boasting granite countertops, abundant cabinetry with soft-close drawers, under-cabinet lighting, a stylish tile backsplash, stainless-steel appliances, and a generous breakfast bar for casual meals and conversation.
Both bathrooms are tastefully appointed with granite-topped vanities and designer fixtures, providing a touch of luxury. Your serene primary suite offers a private escape, complete with double vanities, an oversized 5′ x 3.5′ tiled walk-in shower, and a dream L-shaped walk-in closet with exceptional storage space.
This home boasts thoughtful upgrades, including solid white 2-panel doors, Pella triple-pane windows for superior sound control and energy efficiency, and Hunter Douglas Silhouette blinds for tasteful light diffusion and privacy. A true laundry room with a sink and added storage makes laundry day simple and discreet.
Step out onto your private north/east-facing 13′ x 9′ patio—a perfect spot for enjoying peaceful summer sunrises, sipping morning coffee, or indulging in a good book.
The building itself is packed with amenities designed for convenient, carefree living. Enjoy a golf putting room right outside your door for a quick practice session, a large party/gathering room for celebrations, a game room complete with ping pong and pool tables, cozy lounge areas, and an on-site fitness room to keep you active.
With two heated garage spaces and a large storage room just steps from your unit, this exceptional package is a rare find! Opportunities like this don’t come around often—experience the tranquility of top-floor living with premium finishes, enviable sound and energy performance, and a long list of amenities in a walk-to-everything location.
If you’ve been waiting for a standout home in a premier building near the train and downtown, this is the one for you! Priced at only $594,896, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity—contact us today to schedule your private tour!
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