Don't You Wish You Also Got Scents with Photographs?

Don't You Wish You Also Got Scents with Photographs?

I visited Monticello, President Thomas Jefferson's self-designed home this past week.  What's more amazing than the home are the grounds.  The home is on a mountaintop in Charlottesville, VA.  The scenery was simply breathtaking, especially with the explosion of autumn colors all around.  

As I strolled through the gardens, I got a wiff of the most natural and fragrant thing I have ever smelled.  Itwas earthy and sweet, and instantly calming.  As I snapped my photos of the garden and grounds, I thought about how wonderful it would be to be able to relive not just the sights, but the scents of that day with each photo.  The smells of autumn in Virginia alone can induce a very positive emotional response.  

In the world of real estate, if photos ever are able to convey a sense of smell, some Sellers are going to be in trouble.  We live in a very visual world.  Everyone wants things to look just so.  All the primping and staging in the world can't help a home that reeks of cigarette smoke or of musky dog.  Sure those photos of the perfect home can bring Buyers in the door, but an overpowering bad odor can kick them right back out.

When you are talking with perspective Listing Agents about selling your home, ask them if there are any odors in your home that should be addressed.  Since you live in the home, your nose is used to the smells that surround you.  But a Listing Agent, brand new to the home, will have the instant sense of smell for unpleasant odors.  And by asking the question, you are allowing them to answer without fear of offending you.  Believe it or not, some Listing Agents would rather win you over and deal with odor issues later in the form of Buyer Agent feedback, than to risk offending you and losing the listing.

Personally, I will tell a Seller any odors I notice that need to be addressed and discuss the best way to go about that.  Some odors are easily removed by a thorough cleaning.  Some require more effort and expense, like new carpet or duct cleaning.  Just as important as the appearance of your home, so is the absence of foul odors.  If you aren't getting feedback about any odor issues, ask the Agent you are interviewing their assessment of the smell of your home.  And when they start talking, don't take it personally.  They are attempting to help you sell your home for the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time.