Cookies baking in the oven has become a real estate cliché for using scent as a strategy to entice buyers to view your property favorably. However, there is a scientific basis behind this approach. The sense of smell is part of our chemosensory system that has many functions, one of them being to trigger fond memories, such as your mom making cookies.
As experienced agents, we pay attention to a property’s cleanliness and smell before it goes on the market. If you’re preparing your home for sale in the next few months, you should pay attention to the odors in your home (and we all have them), as well as the cleanliness and the clutter that collects as part of our daily lives.
Here are some tips to reduce problem odors and create a lovely ambience in your home, giving buyers the best possible experience.
Nix damp odor. To decrease any musty odors in your home, consider placing moisture-absorbing products in wet areas, such as the laundry, bathroom and under the kitchen sink.
Do the basics. Let’s rattle these off: empty the garbage, remove pet beds, stash soiled laundry and remove anything nasty at the back of the fridge. When buyers walk through your home, they’ll open drawers, cupboards and (yes!) even your fridge.
Carpet cleaning. Hire a professional cleaner to eliminate odors in your carpets and rugs. You may not think this is required, but we all become oblivious to the smells of our own home.
Curtain drop. It’s worth checking the state of your curtains. It may be neccessary to give them a quick wash, or dry clean if required. If they’re just dusty, simply placing the panels in your dryer with a damp tea towel and tumbling on the air cycle (no heat please) should spruce them up nicely.
Neutralize odors. Many excellent products in hardware stores take away smells without adding to them.
Airflow failsafe. In fine weather, open the windows before buyers arrive.
The old saying “The nose knows” can work in your favor, if you take care to ensure your showings create Fond memories for potential buyers. Plus, you get to eat the cookies afterwards, which is a win win in our books.
Sincerely,
The Rosts
INFORMATION HEREIN DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED
