The Scents of Your Home Affect the Dollars and Cents!

Last year, I was called out to a home by a would-be Long Beach home seller who warned me ahead of time: “This home stinks.” He was right. His mom, who had recently passed away, and his sister, who had been caring for her, had had dozens of cats who’d had the run of the place and the odor was overwhelming.

You may be thinking you wouldn’t have wanted to walk into that home. And neither would buyers looking for a Long Beach home for sale!

But that Long Beach seller was smart. He listened to our recommendations to eliminate the odor and he followed every one. In that case, it took considerable measures– removing parquet flooring, treating & sealing concrete floors, replacing drywall and painting. But at the end of it all, the home was fresh looking – and clean smelling. It sold above asking price with multiple offers.

Many potential home sellers know that what their home LOOKS like impacts its selling time and the price. But some overlook the fact that the sense of smell affects the dollars and cents of the sale.

It’s critical to make the best impression on potential buyers as soon as they arrive.

Here’s some things you can do that will make a difference:

1.      Clean your house thoroughly, top to bottom. Vacuum floors as well as furniture. Make sure the garbage cans are empty and clean. Keep all pet areas clean, especially litter boxes. Pet odors are not appealing, even to people who love pets. And sometimes people become used to their pets’ odors. If you’re unsure whether there are odors, ask a very honest friend to come over and give you a second opinion. Or ask your Realtor for an honest opinion.

2.      Air your home out and keep it aired out – especially the kitchen and bathrooms. Don’t cook any strong-smelling food, like fish or curry or strong garlicky dishes. (I love garlic & onions but some people don’t.)

3.      If you smoke, don’t do it inside. Especially if you’re a smoker, consider getting your drapes or curtains washed or dry cleaned and steam clean any upholstered furniture. Smoke has a way of lingering and for non-smokers, it’s a big turn-off. They wonder if the smell will still be there after you move out and whether they’ll be able to get rid of it. Eliminate that concern by getting rid of the odor before they walk in the door.

4.      Introduce pleasant smells that make people feel at home. Bake fresh bread or  something with cinnamon or chocolate just before the house is shown to leave a homey aroma. Or heat up some apple cider on the stove with apple and citrus slices, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Potpourri, plug-ins and candles are also good options, but try to choose a scent that isn’t overwhelming or cloying.

5.      Fresh flowers not only improve the way your home looks but also the way it smells. Carnations have a fresh spicy scent while roses, stock or lily have strong floral sweetness.

If you want more tips about selling your Long Beach home, give us a call today at 562-896-2456.

Shannon Jones, CDPE and PSC (Pre-Foreclosure Specialist)

Keller Williams Realty

562-896-2456 // 562-335-1965 // www.ShowMeHome.com

 

 

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