Follow Your Nose...... It Always Knows

What does your home smell like? Right now, I smell coffee, my dogs, and my children even though they are at school.

When listing your home, it is a good idea to get a second opinion from someone with a sensitive nose. I know this sounds quirky, but the smell of a home can tell you a lot about the home.

A musty, humid, or wet smell can lead a buyer to believe that there has been water in your home. Basements are notorious for this. Use a dehumidifier to help alleviate this and open the windows to get some air circulation.

Do you have a shoe rack or shelf at the entrance of your home? Check for smells emanating from shoes. The entrance of your home is one of the first things people will see/smell. If you have teenagers with smelly shoes, this could be a huge turnoff for potential buyers.

Last night's supper - Some of us enjoy aromatic meals. Whether it is fish, spices, onions, or other pungent foods. Avoid cooking meals that have a heavy smell, especially when showing or before open houses.

Pets - If you have cats, dogs, or rodents, be aware that they can leave a lasting impression on your home. In litter box areas, clean the floors and walls, and make sure the litter box is cleaned. The same goes if you have rodents, rabbits, and ferrets. Throw your dog bed in the washing machine prior to listing.

Some quick suggestions are to wash all surfaces in your home, shampoo carpet and rugs, and wash linens and drapes. Open up your windows and let your house breathe. Make sure you also dust shelves, desks, and entertainment units. Avoid using pungent
air fresheners. If I walk into a home and smell a strong air freshener, I start trying to find what smell is being covered up. Also, some people react to strong scents.

Some good scents to use are:

Another alternative is to hire a professional odour removal company. While the smell of your home may not deter people from buying it, it can have an impact on the final selling price.