How does your home smell? Inviting? Repelling? Nuetral? This is so much more important than you realize! Scent is powerfully linked to memory and mood. You want people to be in a good mood when they tour your house, and you want them to remember it!
Last weekend, I showed many, many houses, but one in particular stands out for HOW BAD IT SMELLED! It was so bad my clients and I didn't even go through the whole house! The musty smell wasn't just annoying, it was a sign that the house might have a serious problem.
On the other hand, I previewed a townhouse recently that smelled amazingly good! It was wonderful! I didn't want to leave. I took my time touring it, and I remember it for all the right reasons.
The scent of your home doesn't show up online, but it speaks volumes to the people who come through the door. Here are some things you can do:
- Deal with the source of the smell! If there is something causing that smell, (animal waste, cigarette smoke, a diaper pail, mold, mildew, or just your garbage can) get rid of it! Don't just try to cover it up!
- Use cleaners that have a nice scent. A strong smell of ammonia for example, is not very pleasant!
- Plug-in air fresheners are inexpensive and can be wonderful. In fact, you can often find good air fresheners at the the dollar store. (I don't recommend scented candles or incense! No fire hazards please!) Just make sure you smell it before you buy it!
- The smell of fresh paint is not particulary nice. Try to paint several days before listing if at all possible.
- Bake! Not only does it make the house smell great, but a plate of cookies is a nice touch for an open house. Slice and bake dough works great.
- Try this simple trick. Pour a bit of vanilla into a saucer and pop it in the microwave for a minute. It makes the house smell terrific!
- Keep in mind that you may not really notice the smells in your home. Ask a your agent, or a friend you trust to tell you if there are any lingering smells that you might have missed.
- Don't overdo it! Some people are very sensitive to smells, and smells that are too strong can make people wonder what you are trying to hide!
First impressions are vital when selling your home and how it smells leaves a lasting impression! Keep reading my blog for more tips on selling your home!
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