As Real Estate agents we talk to our sellers about staging a home and making it look beautiful. We recommend that all clutter go away and that excess family pictures be stored. What I find amazing is how many times I walk into a home and the smell completely spoils the experience.
This is not just about older, run down homes. I’m talking about somewhat newly remodeled homes. Homes where it’s apparent the minute you walk in the door that Fido rules the roost, in all too many places!Sellers need to understand that while they may be used to the odor, potential buyers will probably be turned off by it.
Here are some tips on helping the senses:
- Hire a good cleaning crew before you list the house.
- Put in new carpeting if cleaning the old one is not enough.
- Incorporate incense, candles and other aroma aids throughout the house.(Use the same scent, otherwise you may end up with a not so pleasant potpourri of scents)
- Replace litter frequently in your litter box, keep pets off your furniture.
- If possible, keep your animals in one area, or outside, to limit accidents.
I know some of these options may not be possible, but getting creative about finding solutions to this issue may translate into thousands of dollars in your pocket!
Great post and wonderfully presented. You are certainly right about odors and cover-up. When a buyer does not notice, I call it out. Who knows what the fragrance is covering up. Now, a spray for certain areas of the home seem reasonable when needed, lol, but spraying the heck out of the place to cover over built in odors should be a concern to everyone.
I had a seller that loved cooking fish and I swear when I walked in I used to get sick. Before Open house he would spray the place with something and the combination of two awful scents didn't counter each other and the odors nearly won out. Thankfully the buyers were planning a major remodel and my disclosure exaggerated the odors .
Vera, Francisco- Thank you....I hear you!
William....The fish smell sounds horrible! I have not encountered this one yet! Thank you for commenting!
Bob & Carolin.....I agree with your points......typically I would recommend s soft scent and that assuming that the house has been thoroughly cleaned first. Masking horrible smells usually does not work. Thank you for stopping by!
Linda.....Been there! Thank you!
Like any homeowner if I smelled something bad I'd walk right out. I think this is an excellent reminder to any seller. Presentation is everything and a home has to be appealing to all of the senses including smell!
I think the best way to "mask" odors is to use an odor neutralizer. These are sprays that don't add scent to the room but eliminate the odor that is there. The first thought I have when entering a home that has scented candles burning, incense going, or flowery air/carpet sprays is "Just WHAT are they trying to cover?" Also, I (like a lot of people) am allergic to scent, so I have quickly walked out of homes due to the owners use of sprays, etc.
My two cents...
Todd and Daniell, Patty.....Excellent suggestions! Thank you for commenting!
Ricardo-Thank you and I agree presentation is everything!
Ana - You are so right about smell. The olfactory sense is a great memory trigger, too. For homes that are occupied, I swear by Febreze. It actually eliminates odors and freshens soft surfaces such as carpets, drapes, upholstered furniture. I even carry it with me whn I travel. When I'm in a smoky room (like in Las Vegas), I hang my clothes on a hanger and spray with Febreze. The cigarette smell is eliminated before I put the clothing into the closet with my fresh clothes.
It's a touchy subject, but we just have to be honest with our sellers. If we can smell it, so can prospective buyers.
Smells are so important to be aware of, especially the unpleasant ones. Quite frankly, I think use of scented candles and such creates other issues - it MAKES one suspect there are unpleasant odors being covered up, and the scents themselves can be unpleasant (especially for allergy sufferers or those very sensitive). I have been through a number of homes with all sorts of scents and it was a major turnoff for buyers....lots of complaints. I would veto that route. But I agree - the bad smells MUS be taken care of...pets, cigarettes, etc.
Jeff