You can't get the price that you want unless your home is in pristine move in condition. This means no sticking drawers in the kitchen. No leaning fences. No rust stained plumbing.
Here is a list of buyers biggest turn-offs:
1. Overpricing for the market
If you ignored your agent's advice and listed at a higher price than recommended, you're going to get negative feedback from buyers. The worst feedback of course, is silence. That could include no showing and no offers.
2. Smells
Smells can come from a number of sources - pets, lack of cleanliness, stale air, water damage, and more. There's not a buyer that will buy a home that smells unless they're investors looking for a bargain. Even so, they'll get an inspection to find out the source of the smells. If they find anything like undisclosed water damage, or pet urine, they will either discount their offer or walk away.
3. Clutter
If your tables are full to the brim with photos, figurines, etc., and your rooms full of too much furniture, it makes it really difficult for buyers to see the proportions of the rooms. If they can't see what they need to know, they'll move on to the next home.
4. Deferred Maintenance
Just like people age due to the effects of the sun, wind and gravity, so do structures like your home. Things wear out, break, weather, and it's your job as a homeowner to keep your house repaired. Your buyers really want a home that's been well maintained. They don't want to wonder what needs to be fixed or how much it will cost.
5. Dated Décor
The reason people are looking at your home instead of buying new is because of cost and location. They want your neighborhood, but that doesn't mean they want a dated looking home. Outdated colors, shag carpet, flocked wallpaper, textured ceilings, to name a few. When you're behind the time, buyers don't want to join you. They want to be perceived as savvy and cool.
In conclusion, the market can be brutal. If you're guilty of not putting money in your home, to properly maintain it, you're in for a rude awakening. You'll be stuck with an asset that isn't selling.