Oh Please Don't Sell A Smelly House

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Working With Houses, LLC - Atlanta Real Estate Investments

Does your home have this lingering smell that just won't go away?  Oh, please don't try to sell a smelly house!

I've been to hundreds of houses like you do and I think when something smells really bad you just can't forget it.  Some houses just acquired a smell that is very noticeable once you entered the house.  Home Sellers should at least consider deodorizing the house to get rid of the odor.  A smelly house is a big turn off.  We should all have the sense to recognize the fact that it's not very likely that home buyers will just come in and buy the house right away without considering everything including the smell of the house. A smelly house just won't sell. 

If you smell a sickening odor inside your house hire a professional who can help you remove this odor but if you are not up to hiring then at least find out the source of the odor.  It can be a dead rat in the chimney. If it is, no amount of spray can help you eliminate the foul smell.  There is no way that you can cover it up.  You have to find a way to remove it and do it fast before you present your house to a buyer. 

As a seller, your job is to get your home ready for the buyers.  It should be noticed favorably. Clean it up and without pet odors or any bad odors for that matter.  Of course it is important to price your house competitively. Prepare your house to stand out and please don't try to sell a smelly house. 

Comments (4)

Trisha Bush-LeFore
Preferred Properties Land & Homes - Walla Walla, WA
Providing Realtor Services in the Walla Walla Area

Frank,

Great post. I haven't run into a really "smelly" house lately. The worst has been pet smells, no dead rats. Explaining to clients that their house smells is not one of my favorite jobs but as a professional it must be done to help them sell thier house. I guess that diplomacy should be first on our skill list.

Dec 18, 2013 01:21 AM
Frank Iglesias
Working With Houses, LLC - Atlanta Real Estate Investments - Lawrenceville, GA
Atlanta, GA Real Estate Investor

Thanks for your comment, Trisha.  It can be very awkward explaining stuff that concerns to the smell of the house.  

Dec 18, 2013 02:23 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Frank, Smelly houses really bother me. I am not afraid to tell my sellers that they need to correct it and that it will impeded the sale if they don't.

Dec 18, 2013 03:37 AM
Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections
IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581 - Canton, GA
Experience the IHI Difference

Frank,

Great advice. Although, sometimes a home has an underlying issue causing the smell - and that needs to be found in order for the smelliness to be eradicated. Usually, though it seems it is pet or smoke odor. 

Dec 23, 2013 01:33 AM

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