They Loved the House Until...

It Was A Good Listing on Paper

Nice neighborhood, decent price, staged just enough to look clean but not creepy.

I opened the door for the showing, and the buyers gave the usual polite nods.

That early “maybe” energy.

The tour started fine. Until we got to the kitchen.

They opened the fridge and all I saw were eyes widen.

Not because of what was in it (although, yes, it was a little chaotic in there), but because it smelled like it hadn’t been cleaned since the Obama years.

They didn’t say a word.

Just a quick glance between them and a quiet “we’ll think about it” on the way out.

That’s how fast a deal can die.

This Week’s Highlights

Market Insights: September 1st, 2025 Housing Update 

Ask Mike: Do open houses still work? 

Deal of the Week: $620K Buys You This? 

News You Can Use: Homes are Taking Longer to Sell  

Weekend Watch: See, Tour & Explore in Pembroke Pines 

Local Spotlight: Raintree: From Fairways to Driveways 

Buyers Almost Never Say What They’re Really Thinking

Here’s the thing: buyers are always judging.

They’re just not saying it out loud.

Most won’t comment in front of the listing agent or seller.

They’ll smile, nod, maybe even compliment the layout.

But the real commentary happens in the car, or worse, in the group chat ten seconds after they leave your driveway.

And in this slower market, the little things aren’t just nitpicks they’re deal breakers.

Here’s What I See Buyers Actually Reacting To

• Odors
  Pet funk, lingering food, heavy air fresheners trying to hide something. They all make buyers uncomfortable. No one's going to say “your house smells weird,” but if you hear silence after they walk in, that’s probably what they’re thinking.

• Temperature
  If it’s stuffy, hot, or humid inside, buyers will assume the AC is struggling (even if it’s not). Crank it down before showings. Sweat kills deals.

• Closet and cabinet chaos
  Yes, they will open them. No, they won’t tell you what they saw. A packed closet tells them the house lacks storage and that maybe you’re not really ready to move.

• Weird security setups
  Three deadbolts, cameras in every room, a panic button by the bed? That doesn’t say “safe neighborhood,” it says “you’re gonna need all this.”

• Layout confusion
  If buyers can’t figure out where the living room is or how to get there without walking through the laundry room they’ll bail mentally before they even hit the backyard.

Things That Weirdly Work

• A super clean garage. Not fancy, just organized. It gives buyers “well maintained house” energy.

• Natural light. Open the blinds. Take the screens off if you have to.

• A fresh smelling home that doesn’t smell like anything. No candles. No plug-ins. Just clean.

Final Thought

Buyers are taking longer.

They’re showing up with spreadsheets, interest rate fatigue, and plenty of options.

They’re not in a rush which means they’re noticing everything.

Your home doesn’t have to be perfect.

It just has to feel good the moment they walk in.

That’s not about money, it’s about attention.

So if you’re selling in this market, remember:

They won’t always tell you what’s wrong. But if they’re quiet… it probably is.

Stay Safe,

Mike