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The Smelly Blog Post

Smell plays a much bigger role in our perception of things than we realize. It's the sense most closely linked to memory, so it can actually cause an emotional response in people. It also influences the part of the brain that affects our mood, so a "bad" smell can trigger a visceral response in how we feel.

What does this mean for you when selling your home? You don't want it to smell bad to people. That's all.

Of course, smell is largely individual. My wife loves the smell of tea rose; I think it smells like stinkbugs. On the other hand, who doesn't love the smell of baking cookies, which is why your realtor may put a batch in your oven if you have an open house.

General Tips to Keep Your Home S(m)elling-Fresh

  • Weather permitting, open windows around your house from time to time to air the place out.
    • With the windows open, run your HVAC on fan mode for extra ventilation.
  • Replace your HVAC filters, if it's time.
  • Beware of scented room sprays and deodorizers. A) many people find their smells to be offensive and b) they can give the impression that the seller is masking other, worse odors. 
  • If you're having an open house, open some windows the night before/day of. (Again, weather permitting.)
In my post about home repairs, I recommended asking a friend to walk through your house for a fresh perspective. Maybe ask that friend to keep his/her nose tuned for unpleasant odors. Especially if you have pets or smoke, there could be off-putting smells you don't even notice.

Certain smells are commonly considered to be a major turnoff, and unfortunately, they are the ones that require the most work to eliminate.

Cigarette, Pipe, and Cigar Smoke

If you've been smoking in your home for years, chances are the odors are in your walls, furniture, carpets, etc. (I say this as fact, not judgement.)

Removing these odors can be a lot of work. But the good news is that it can be done, and pretty effectively. I'll do a deeper dive on this topic later, but the bottom line is that e-vry-thing must be cleaned (think window screens, table linens/other fabrics, etc.)

If you just had a house guest stay a few days who smokes, don't panic. Just open up some windows, and the smell should clear in a day or two.

Mildew

Mildew isn't just a bad smell; it can make you sick. Some tips for eradicating mildew:
  • Deep clean the area.
  • Throw away things in that mildewed area liberally. I'm talking clothes, papers, even "infested" furniture.
  • Open windows.
    Obviously, not if it's raining, snowing, etc. You're trying to eliminate--not add--moisture and smells.
  • Place odor absorbers in the area.
    Examples: baking soda, kitty litter (clean!)
  • Run a dehumidifier or ionizer in the area.
Note: If your "mildew smell" doesn't go away or permeates your whole home, you may have a bigger mold issue on your hands. In that case, you'll probably need to call a professional.

Pet Excrement

I'm sorry to go here, but this comes up from time to time. To say the smell of pet excrement (typically urine) is a buyer turnoff is an understatement. I'd venture to say most will walk away. The ones who don't will probably be looking for a deal of some kind. And rightfully so, since they may have to replace floors, carpeting, and even walls to eradicate the odor.

Unfortunately, there's no easy--or cheap--way I know of to get rid of the smell of pet urine. If you've had a pet with incontinence issues (or possibly an irresponsible renter with a pet), it's possible that the urine seeped through carpet, wood floors, and maybe even into sub-flooring.

Pet stores sell special odor eliminating products. I don't have one to recommend, because I've never seen one that really works. The only thing I know to have worked has been to totally replace flooring, throw away stained rugs and/or furniture, etc. Basically, purge and replace.

Spices

 If you cook a lot, chances are your home has a pervasive odor of your favorite spices. While certainly not as cringe-inducing as some of the other smells we've been talking about, it's still good to neutralize these as much as you can. Some ideas:
  • Wipe down your kitchen surfaces (including floors) with a vinegar/warm-water mix.
  • Open your kitchen windows in advance of a showing.
  • Consider treating yourself to dinner out the night before an open house.

Ready to buy or sell your home in Northern Virginia? Contact The Norris Realty Group!


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