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You smell like my Grandmother.

Now that does not sound very polite!

On Saturday I was showing clients some great Catonsville (Maryland) homes that were at least 50 years old. Wonderful details were in abundance in all of the homes. Huge great Victorians with 3 levels and full wrap around porches. My favorite style to view. Just delightful.

In one of the homes I walked into a room and I was overwhelmed with nostalgia and childhood memories. The natural aroma, the huge fireplace and the period furniture evoked thoughts of my wonderful Grandmother and the times we would spend at her house as a child.

Smells are very thought provoking and it was very enjoyable to have such pleasant recollections.

The house was charming, but some features did not suit my clients.

Do you think the Seller would object if I returned to just smell the room again?

Posted by Ellie McIntire Real Estate in Howard County Maryland on 03/09/2009 03:44 PM

Comments (15)

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Originally posted at: Ellie's Blog: You smell like my Grandmother.

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15 Comments on You smell like my Grandmother.

MAR

Haha no wouldnt be the compliment I was searching for :) But I can see how happy memories of my grandmother would be a good thing.

Those are great memories to always have. I have great memories of my grandmother as well.

I love some grandma smells - others I can do without. But smells can bring back memories... Good blog Ellie...

Ellie - It's amazing how some smells bring back great memories :)

It is amazing how the sense of smell can bring back certain memories! That sounds like a good one!

Ellie, I can still remember the way my grandmother smelled! I bought some soap tht smelled like she did and love to use it!

I was just talking to someone else today about how powerful the sense of smell is and how closely tied it is to memory. I'm glad you were able to have those pleasant memories.

Heather- I did not mention this in my feedback to the agent.

Rebecca- Grandmothers seemed older than they do these days!

Kathy- I think it was a mixture of the wood and the fireplace.

Hi Ellie ~ I know just what you mean! My grandparents had a house in Cambridge for 80 years that was never updated - so it was the first "old and untouched" house that I loved. It is very rare for me to find a house filled with old things that has that smell. It's only happened once or twice but the impact almost knocked me over. I hope they do let you go back so you can sit and soak it in.

Liz

PS - And I agree - "old" people are starting to seem pretty young to me!

Maria- it's a good warm feeling

Brent- It was a great feeling too

Pat- What a nice thought

They say the olfactory has the closest synopses to our memories. Smells can take us back to times long gone. I know exactly what you mean.

I think the sellers will be flattered to have you back. Show the home often enough and you'll probably get the listing when it expires...

MAR

The smell of mustiness transports me back to Grandma's cellar. There was adventure in descending those wooden steps. That sniff of dampness brings back Grandma's memory spontaneously. But nope, I doubt an inspector, besides the homeowner, would have much appreciation!

Oh, and I no longer refer to someone beyond a certain age as a grandma or grandpa. I notice they've become great-grandparents. Now why do you suppose... :) kate

It sounds like you had a great "Grandma" moment. Unfortunately, most of the Grandma smells I have encountered with my clients have been the "nasty" ones. My favorite Grandma smells were the wonderful baked goods she would churn-out on a regular basis. HMMMMM

MAR

Ellie: Of course they would not mind. I would think they might even be flattered. I have some great memories of my Grandmother. Gee... is was over fifty years ago that we would all go over to Grandma's house for Sunday dinner every once in awhile. So... go back... spend some time... sit in one of the comfy chairs in the living room and just let the memories flow back. Take care...

Ellie- The wonderful memory smells of life before now. How wonderful that you are able to bring those memories back. Call, go back and enjoy.

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