What are some surefire ways to scare off homebuyers?

Here are 10 turnoffs that sellers should avoid.

1. Dirt, grime, filth

Sellers should make an extra effort, from steam-cleaning tile and grout to replacing carpets. Put in new carpets if the current ones are old and smelly.

If they’re relatively new, get them shampooed. The home should be neat and clean and free of all debris.

2. Odors from food, pets and smoking

Buyers don’t like to detect by smell what your favorite foods are and the types of pets you have.

Don’t cook fried food, fish or greasy food while the house is on the market.

Remove all traces of pets, not just pet odors. It’s important to get rid of pet paraphernalia and have a “pet plan” to make sure the animals are not around when the house is shown.

The same rules hold true for smokers: Remove all ashtrays, clean all curtains and upholstery, and consider smoking outdoors while your house is on the market.

3. Outdated fixtures and appliances

Buyers are not impressed by tarnished doorknobs, disco-era light fixtures or old ceiling fans.

New cabinet hardware and doorknobs will probably cost $400 or $500.

The same holds true for dated ceiling fans, light fixtures and kitchen appliances.

4. Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a definite no-no because it is difficult to remove and simply adds another chore to a buyer’s to-do list.

5. Popcorn acoustic ceilings

Acoustic popcorn ceilings badly date your home. If you can’t stomach the cost or the mess to remove the overhead popcorn, be prepared to credit a buyer in certain markets to close a sale.

6. Lots of personal items

Sellers should try to remove personal items, including family photos, personal effects and even unique colors. If you really want to entice a buyer, place a mirror strategically so that people can actually see themselves in the home, so they can actually picture themselves living there.

7. Sellers who hang around the house

Don’t meet buyers at the door, follow them around, eavesdrop and make unsolicited comments.

8. Misrepresenting a house

Sellers use photos and words to make their homes enticing on the multiple listing service. But make sure not to mislead anyone.

9. Poor curb appeal

That first-glance impression of a house is called “curb appeal.” Trim and edge your yard to get it into the most immaculate condition possible. Power-wash the exterior and get rid of mud and wasp and bird’s nests in your eaves and above your doors.

10. Clutter

Your closets should be half-full, with nothing on the floor. Most people looking for a house have outgrown their previous house, so show them that they’ve still got room to grow.