Smelly house, smelly house why aren't you selling?

Has a ring to it, doesn't it?  Not a pleasant one though!  

Imagine a buyer finding a home online, it's everything that they wanted and more- right location, perfect price and the size and layout that they have been longing for.  They call the agent, set up a showing right away and can't focus on anything as they imagine their new life in their dream home!  The buyers pull up to the home, curb appeal is on point, they can barely hide their excitement as they open the front door...and then BAM- it hits them...SMELLY HOUSE!!!  Even though the home is the one for them, they can't get past the smell and they leave the house disappointed and keep looking.

It's a reality that no one wants to face and, sadly, it happens too frequently.  It doesn't matter if getting rid of the odor is a quick fix, or more intensive, buyers these days just do not want to deal with it.  From pet, smoking, cooking and mold/mildew smells, it can turn a dream home to the one that sits on the market and finally sells for a discounted price, if it sells at all.  Even though it can be costly to remove certain smells from homes, it can take your home from the least desired to the most desired overnight.    

I once worked with a property owner on a rental- the former tenant was excellent, but in the last 6 months of his lease he smoked in the home with all windows and doors closed, even though it was against the rules.  To get the cigarette smoke smell out of the home required new carpet, paint and a full cleaning of all of the heating and air ducts.  Quite pricey, but it did the job and there was a new home scent that everyone appreciated! 

Some smells can be removed with a good cleaning and airing out, some more difficult smells could need much more, like the situation above or worse!  (Some smells could even be a sign of a larger problem, like a moisture issue in the home that could cause harmful mold!)  The key is to locate the source of the offending smell and then prepare a plan on fully removing the smell to bring your home back to a neutral scent.  Don't be afraid to bring in professionals to help for the tougher odors- disaster restoration companies are a great source of information and could be the most affordable route to go!

The use of plug ins and candles can help a home smell comforting, but they should never be used to mask a smell.  It is always necessary to remove the offensive odor first!  Once the smell is removed, adding a desirable scent can help a buyer imagine your house as their next home can be quite welcoming!

We live in our homes everyday, we get used to the smells to the point that we do not even notice them anymore.  If you have a pet, assume that you have pet smells.  If you smoke in your home, assume your home smells like cigarettes.  If you are not sure, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to come to you home for a sniff and ask them for their honest opinion.  Take their comments to heart,  because if they are noticeable to them, a buyer will not overlook it either.  The nose knows!

Happy Selling!

Annie