Previously I posted a question to the field regarding cat spraying in the basement. And today, I read with a certain amount of interest, a recent posting to the Boston Real Estate Now blog to which I am borrowing the same title "Ewww, What Smells?"

But in my case it was a listing, with a dog and two, perhaps three cats, all being sweet, close members of the household. Problem being that the cats used a single litter box placed in the basement that just could not keep up with the fluffy fur balls daily excretions.

I am a dog lover and recently added a Basenji puppy to our home. And if readers are familiar with the bread, clean their coats like cats do. These regal canines are amazingly self cleaning. But I have to admit that at times upon entry to my own condo, can not do so without noting a hit of puppy perspiration, or spunk.

So sellers, whether it be a beloved pet, or your cooking, be aware of how your home's odors as you might your own. If you think this is a bit blunt. Just imagine for a moment you were to step into your local high school boy's locker room at the completion of a football game, Ewwww!!!!.

And while we are on the subject of house hold smells, and more specifically cooking.......... It is my layman and professional opinion that if given a choice, home owners would prefer vented hoods or microwaves over recirculation units any day. Does anyone care to confirm or deny this? I pose this because most builder/developers seam to think that vented kitchens are not needed. Is this true, or are they being lazy?