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You don't notice it – but most buyers will!

By
Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Synergy Realty Inc. Brokerage

 

Imagine you're viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room and like what you see. 

 

Then there's something you notice that's not quite right. An odour. You realize that it's likely cat dander and, now that you've identified it, you smell it everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn't seem as attractive as it did just moments earlier. 

 

The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn't even notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household. 

 

So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about the odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to notice. Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given off by some house plants, may not be pleasing to everyone. 

 

An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of your property. Pay particular attention to garbage bins (which can smell even when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes, and closets. 

 

The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio. 

 

Bottom line? Don't assume buyers won't notice certain smells. They will! 

 

Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price?

Call today. 613-853-5807

 

 

 

Posted by

 

Steve Sicard

 

Sales Representative

 

Seniors Real Estate Specialist

 

Keller Williams Solid Rock Realty

 

1 Antares Drive Suite 110

 

Ottawa, Ontario K2E 8C4

 

Direct: 613-853-5807

 

Office: 613-733-3434

 

Fax:      613-733-3435

 

steve@stevesicard.ca

 

www.stevesicard.ca

 

Your referrals are the ultimate compliment!  Thank you very much!!

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Jeanne Dufort
Coldwell Banker Lake Country - Madison, GA
Madison and Lake Oconee GA

This one is hard for me, because I don't have a particularly sensitive nose.  I advise all sellers to get their home smelling fresh as possible - tough when you live with animals, but worth the effort.

Nov 24, 2014 03:12 AM
Tanya Van Blake-Coleman
Van Blake-Coleman Realty, St. Thomas/www.talk-to-Tanya.com - St Thomas, VI
Improving the Quality of Your Life

Steve this is becoming a very prevalent topic in real estate. Like you stated most home owners are used to the scent and will likely not recognize it. Only when an outsider comes into the home is it pointed out. Usually the home owner will become defensive and deny that it exists but it can negatively effect the way potential buyer see the home and its value. Great post. Good luck.

Nov 24, 2014 03:23 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Steve Sicard  I had a seller who smoked cigarettes before every showing and the house reeked from the odor . It offended many buyers .It was a major complaint . Even when I told the sellers they persisted even tried to get out of the listing contract saying I was not doing my job .  This was not true we had many showing no offers the smells were offense .Finally an agent in my office sold it for less money then they could have got if they had just stopped smoking in the house .

Nov 24, 2014 03:23 AM