The Nose Knows

In today's market, it's the little things that can make or break a sale.  When we think of adding appeal to our home to ready it for sale, many don't think beyond the visual appeal.  But how a home smells can say a lot about your property.  Sensory research shows that the smell of a home can affect a person’s mood, according to Terry Molnar, executive director of The Sense of Smell Institute, a New York–based organization that focuses on the importance of smell to human psychology, behavior, and quality of life.

The Good

A light floral fragrance can put people in a more pleasant mood, while citrus scents, such as lemon and grapefruit, tend to have an energizing effect, he says. "Vanilla is one scent that’s universal around the globe," Molnar says. "People find it comforting and relaxing."

Here are some comments from realtors and stagers about their favorite smells.

"I recommend using lemon or citrus scented candles for showings and running a few lemon wedges through the garbage disposal." −Christine Spitale, Sunflower Staging, Highland Mills, N.Y.

"I think that cinnamon and vanilla are the best smells when trying to sell a home. I love to walk into a home and breathe in the fresh scent of cinnamon sticks on the stove or smell a burning vanilla candle." −Fran Hughes, Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Perimeter, Atlanta

"Heat up some water and throw fresh cinnamon into it. Turn it off just before the buyers come. They’ll think that you baked cookies for them." −April M. Newland, Newland Real Estate, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

"When you introduce any pleasant smelling items to a home, try to stick to basic scents such as vanilla, apple, cinnamon, and lemon. In small doses, these often appeal to the most buyers. A small reed diffuser in a bathroom can keep a clean smell, while not overwhelming the space." −Kellie Frooninckx, Virtual Enriching Homes, Phoenix

The Bad

While a light pleasant smell in the home can be very inviting, be sure that you are not using too many conflicting odors.  Additionally, many buyers may think that you are trying to cover up a bad smell if your scent is overpowering.  If your intent in using scents is to cover up a bad smell, it could make the problem worse.

"Covering up the smell is not the answer. Sometimes it takes a thorough cleaning of carpets, drapes, and upholstery. It also helps to open windows to get air flowing and to clean out the air ducts." −Barbara Linick, ERA Troy, REALTORS®, San Antonio

"I use an odor eliminator called PureAyre that smells like mint. The product can be 'injected' into furniture or carpets. It can also be sprayed into the air. When buyers come into a home, many are turned off by the smell of air fresheners or candles. Smart buyers know these are old tricks used to cover up smells, not eliminate them." −Carol Smith, Creative Home Stagers, Charlotte, N.C.

The Ugly

Okay, so you can't cover up a bad smell.  What is one to do?  Eliminating the source of the odor is the way to go.  Here are some tips from staging professionals:

- Take the trash out. It’s simple, but it can make a big difference. When the home is being shown, empty the garbage often.

- Snuff out the smoke. Eliminate all smoking inside and even outside, particularly when the doors or windows are open. An ionizer can help remove smoke smells.  For extreme cases where indoor smoking has occured for many years, you will have to hire a professional.

- Watch the cooking. The smell of lamb, broccoli, garlic, fish, and eggs can stick around long after the food has been eaten. 

- Wash Fido. Pets can be a big source of smells. Limit the pet to an outdoor area or a certain room in the house that can be regularly cleaned, says staging professional Kellie Frooninckx, owner of Virtual Enriching Homes in Phoenix. Also, clean the pet’s bedding regularly.

- Banish basement smells.  "If the sellers have a basement they may need to get a dehumidifier. Basements are in the ground, a damp environment by nature. So many times we open the basement door and get smacked with a musty odor. Bye-bye good offer." −Colette O’Mara, Weichert, REALTORS®, North Syracuse, N.Y.


Source:  Realtor.org magazine