What Buyers Really Mean When They Say ‘It’s Not Quite Right’
If you’ve ever sold a home, you’ll know the heartbreak of hearing a viewer say,
“It’s lovely… but it’s just not quite right.”
It sounds polite. Harmless, even. But what does it actually mean?
At Redrose Estate Agents, we hear feedback from buyers every day—and we’ve learned to read between the lines. So if you’re a seller and keep hearing those vague comments, here’s what buyers might really be thinking (but won’t tell you directly).
What Buyers Really Mean When They Say ‘It’s Not Quite Right’
1. “It’s Not Quite Right” = “It Feels Small”
Buyers rarely want to insult a seller by saying your home feels cramped. Instead, they’ll say things like “not quite right for us.”
✅ What to do: Maximise space by decluttering, removing excess furniture, and keeping colours light. Mirrors and smart storage can make a big difference too.
2. “We Just Didn’t Get the Feeling” = “Something Smelled Off”
This is a classic sign that a home didn’t smell quite right. It could be pets, damp, or overpowering air fresheners. But no one wants to say it to your face.
✅ What to do: Stick to neutral scents, open windows, and avoid masking smells with strong plug-ins. A clean-smelling home is inviting.
3. “We’re Worried About the Work” = “It Needs Updating”
If your home is a little tired—dated kitchen, old flooring, scuffed walls—buyers often assume the worst about cost and effort.
✅ What to do: A fresh coat of paint, updated light fittings or modern handles can work wonders. Even small upgrades help reduce buyer hesitation.
4. “It Doesn’t Really Work for Us” = “The Layout Feels Awkward”
Buyers may struggle to visualise themselves in your home if rooms feel cluttered or the flow is off. Rather than say that outright, they’ll use vague terms.
✅ What to do: Open up spaces, reposition furniture, and highlight flexible-use areas like a home office or playroom.
5. “We’re Going to Keep Looking” = “We Saw Something Better”
Sometimes, buyers have already seen a home that ticks more boxes—but they don’t want to be rude.
✅ What to do: Make sure your property stands out with great presentation, clear selling points, and honest pricing.
6. “We Need to Think About It” = “The Price Feels Too High”
When buyers love the home but feel it’s overpriced, they won’t always say it directly—especially if they’re not ready to negotiate.
✅ What to do: Speak to your agent about how your home compares to others nearby. A small price adjustment can reopen interest.
7. “We’re Just Not Ready Yet” = “We’re Not Emotionally Sold”
Sometimes, buyers don’t connect emotionally—even if the house ticks all the boxes. It might be too personal, too plain, or just didn’t give them that spark.
✅ What to do: Depersonalise the space. Make it feel fresh, neutral, and ready for them, not you.
Final Thought – What Buyers Really Mean When They Say ‘It’s Not Quite Right’
Buyers are often too polite to give blunt feedback—but if you’re hearing the same vague comments, something might need adjusting. At Redrose, we help sellers understand buyer psychology and tweak presentation or pricing to suit the market.
📞 Want honest feedback and a plan that gets results? Call Redrose on 01772 456 558 or pop into our Buckshaw Village office for a friendly chat.
Click here to contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your property goals. At Redrose, your journey to finding the perfect home starts here.
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Copyright Redrose Estate Agents – What Buyers Really Mean When They Say ‘It’s Not Quite Right’
What Buyers Really Mean When They Say ‘It’s Not Quite Right’