There is an old wives’ tale that says that baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies just before a showing or even during an open house will sell the home. The thought process behind this is that if it smells warm and comforting, then buyers will automatically feel at home and want to buy the house. As it turns out, though, cookies and other baked goods require a lot of mental power to process and actually detract from showings: if a buyer is trying to determine whether those are snicker doodles or sugar cookies in the oven, then they really are not thinking about the property’s finer attributes.
Although the cookie trick is a dud, it is important for any house that is on the market to smell pleasant. I cannot tell you how many times I have shown my buyers another realtor’s beautiful but smelly listing and have them walk out only to comment about the odor – not about the house. There are certain smells that can really permeate a property such as cigarette smoke, mold, stinky pets, and teenagers (!) that some homeowners simply get used to living with, but boy can they deter potential buyers!
As a realtor it is never easy to tell sellers that their home is malodorous; however, I have had to do so in the line of duty. I do have some tricks up my sleeve that I can share with sellers to de-funk their house. One quick way to do so is to sprinkle baking soda on carpets, let it set, and vacuum it to pull out smells. There are also fabric refreshing products that serve the same purpose. If you have a serious odor issue from cigars or accident-prone pets, then your only solution might be to replace window treatments, floor coverings, and even painting.
Most listings on the market are of the non-smelly variety, but I still like to burn a clean-smelling candle or have nice scented oil diffusers perfume the air. Something simple and crisp like lemon or basil can definitely enhance a property’s appeal – so clean smells, but save your figure and hold the cookies!
If you need help buying or selling a home give Ashley Cusack a call at 305.798.8665, or visit her website at: Luxury Miami Real Estate.
My focused dedication as a realtor in my home town of Miami for over 25 years, consistently puts me at the top of my field. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your home, let me help you from start to finish with my results-proven: professional marketing, excellent property exposure and comprehensive experience.
As the #7 Realtor company-wide at EWM in 2014, my focus is on Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest and South Miami — specializing in luxury real estate and waterfront properties. Call me today and let’s get started!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me, Ashley Cusack at {305.798.8685, email and website}. EWM Realtors.