Best Aromas for a Home for Sale
To make a house for sale appealing, real estate experts recommend using subtle, simple, and clean aromas that evoke feelings of warmth, freshness, and calm. The goal is to set a pleasant, welcoming tone, not to cover up bad smells, which can make buyers suspicious.
Recommended aromas
- Citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit): A clean, crisp, and fresh scent that energizes a space. It works well in kitchens and entryways for a strong, positive first impression.
- Vanilla: A universally appealing, cozy, and comforting scent that can reduce anxiety. It is often associated with positive memories of home and family.
- Fresh laundry or linen: This is a simple, clean scent that creates a relaxing atmosphere and gives the impression that the house is well-cared-for.
- Pine or cedar: These woody scents can make a house feel warm and cozy, especially during the fall and winter. They work particularly well in homes with a rustic or natural feel.
- Herbs (basil, rosemary, thyme): These familiar and refreshing scents are a sophisticated choice for the kitchen. They can be introduced with a potted herb plant or by simmering a few sprigs.
- Green tea: A lively, fresh, and harmonizing scent that can make a space feel bright and airy.
Scents to use with caution
- Freshly baked goods: While this is a classic real estate cliché, some experts advise against it. The complex smell of baked goods, like cookies or bread, can be distracting and make buyers wonder if you're trying to hide something. A simpler, subtler scent is often more effective.
- Cinnamon: This is a popular scent in fall and winter. For a more authentic aroma, consider simmering cinnamon sticks and orange peels on the stove instead of using a strong artificial candle or air freshener.
- Florals (lavender, jasmine): These can be effective, particularly in bedrooms for a calming effect. However, heavy floral or perfume-like scents can be polarizing or overpowering for some people, so they should be used sparingly.
Best practices for sharing aromas
- Deep clean first: A pleasant aroma cannot mask bad odors like pet smells, mold, or strong cooking smells. Start with a deep, thorough cleaning of the entire house.
- Keep it simple and subtle: Choose one simple scent and use it lightly throughout the entire house. Avoid overwhelming buyers with a heavy fragrance or mixing different scents in different rooms.
- Opt for natural methods: Simmering ingredients on the stove (like vanilla extract in water, or cinnamon sticks) is a subtle, natural way to add aroma. You can also use a diffuser with essential oils or place cotton balls with a few drops of oil in discreet locations.
- Avoid artificial air fresheners: Strong, plug-in air fresheners can make potential buyers suspicious and cause them to think you're covering up an odor.
- Let the space dictate the scent: Match your chosen scent to the character of your home. For example, a woody pine scent might be fitting for a cabin, while a crisp lemon scent is perfect for a clean, modern kitchen.
Rose, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 2220
Canon PowerShot G11 Camera
Photograph by Roy Kelley
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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