Can you ask the listing agent if the seller is a heavy smoker?

Great post Jared, I'd add that even if the home is NOT listed to avoid smoking indoors.  You're right in that it's an automatic "no" if a non-smoker catches even the faintest hint of the smell.  Carpets, curtains, drywall - that smell lingers everywhere.  Better to smoke outside or at least by an open window so the smell doesn't seep into the house.

The very first listing I had in my career was a heavy smoker. He did stop smoking in the house but after 23 years, it didn't really matter. I didn't think it would sell but he was holding out for a smoker. He got what he wanted. We had in under contract in 3 weeks. Go figure.

Jared for some buyers it is a health issue.  I had a client that actually built a new home for that reason.

Oh yes, that's a huge turn off.  It really limits your buying pool and decreases your value.  Unfortunately, the smell lingers so even if they quit, the smell is still everywhere, esp if they have carpet, window treatments and any fabrics - basically, it's everywhere. - Debbie

When I enter a smokers home (like my parents home) the insides of my nostrils actually burn! The only thing up there with this problem is entering a home with a dog smell. Well... maybe the cat urine is worse than the dog smell.

Smoking is no only is detrimental to one's health but in many or most cases a big negative to selling a home.  Any sellers who smoke and would like their home sold ought to know better and always smoke outside.

Amanda and Jared, the strong smell of smoke is inescapable. Buyers will focus only on the smell and not really "see" anything in a house.

Jared,

I couldn't agree more. Nothing turns off buyers quicker that a house that smells like smoke. And if you do smoke, your house absorbs the odor.

Rich

I can rarely get them into the home, no one wants that smell to attach to them. 

I think if you can ask about it when renting a hotel room, you can ask before making the biggest investment you'll likely make in your life. The home will probably have to be re-painted with vapor barrier paint and maybe have the carpets replaced if the smell has worked its way into the fibers. I agree about people getting to do what they want to do (as long as it's not illegal) within the walls of their own homes, but you hit the nail on the head when you described the rules changing a bit when the home is listed and showing. Some people are asking due to health/asthma issues as well, so let them know.

Great catch by the buyer...in the picture?!?!  Good eye.  

I have never seen a smokey home sell around here.  And the poor sellers relist and relist, never accepting the fact that because their home smells like an ash tray it won't sell.

Hi Jared, I haven't seen that topic mentioned in quite a while.  I would not even waste my time walking through a home that the selling agent couldn't verify was "smoke-free".  Except for a casino on the outskirts of town, I don't expect to smell smoke anywhere any more.  I'm amazed when people smoke in their cars.  That is almost as bad. 

Jared, 

Absolutely, ask the question!  Ionic air filtration systems can clean the air out really well, even the carpet, but what a bunch of expense if you have to redo all the flooring.  I can see why your buyer wouldn't want to see this home.

Jared and Amanda, I wish Sellers were required to disclose where there is, or has been, a smoker residing in the home.  BTW, love your video!

I will even take this one step farther, I will not take a listing of a house where the owner smoked in the house.
I am sorry "BUTT" they are to hard to sell and I dont need a listing that I have to appologize for..

I will just ask a few agents in my office (who smoke) if they want the listing, I am not too proud to take a small referral fee just in case it somehow sells.

I agree, smoking odors are a huge negative when selling, and the odors are a lot more noticable to non smokers. Paint and/or clean the house, and smoke outside until it's sold. I wonder how many showings are lost becasue a potential buyer like your client spots smoke stains, or someone notices ash trays throughout the house in pics used in the virtual tours?

Unfortunately if someone has smoked in the house over a period of time the odor will linger for years, if not forever. It seeps into the HVAC ductwork, drywall, cabinetry, wood trim, etc.  

I had bought a smoker's car once and I thought cleaning and airing it out over time will get the smell out but it never went away, even after five years.  That's the fear non-smokers have: that the odor comes with the house as a fixture.  It isn't enough to clean, paint and stop smoking while on the market.  A non-smoker will catch a whiff and it will never have a fresh clean "non deodorized" smell.  I have never smoked so I am one of those people who can smell it from outside the front door.