In the world of real estate, we often hear about the importance of curb appeal, the quality of your home's interior design, and how a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference. However, there’s one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked when preparing your home for sale: scent. A pleasant fragrance—or the lack thereof—can significantly impact a potential buyer’s first impression. In fact, scents can make or break a sale.

As a real estate professional, I always advise my clients to pay close attention to the olfactory experience of their home. Here’s what I share with sellers to ensure their home not only looks great but smells fantastic too:

1. Deep Clean or Replace Carpets

Let’s start with the carpets. Many homeowners have experienced the frustration of losing small items in the carpet and resigning themselves to the fact that they’re gone for good. Unfortunately, it’s not just lost treasures that get trapped in the fibers. Over time, carpets accumulate crumbs, dirt, pet hair, sweat, and skin cells, all of which can contribute to unpleasant odors. This buildup can make even the most pristine-looking home feel less inviting.

Investing in a professional deep clean for your carpets can work wonders. If your carpets are old or heavily worn, consider replacement options. New or freshly cleaned carpets can make a huge difference in how your home smells and feels to potential buyers.

2. Scrub the Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it can also be a hotspot for lingering odors if not properly cleaned. Grease and food residues can accumulate in places you might not think to clean, such as the top of the fridge, inside cabinets, or around the microwave. This buildup can lead to unpleasant, greasy smells that overpower the inviting ambiance you’re aiming for.

To combat this, scrub all surfaces with hot, soapy water. Pay extra attention to areas where grease tends to collect. A clean kitchen not only looks better but also smells fresher, which can significantly enhance the overall appeal of your home.

3. Avoid Strong Odors Before Showings

When preparing your home for showings, be mindful of what you cook. While the smell of freshly baked cookies or banana bread can be inviting, strong or pungent foods like fish can have the opposite effect. These odors can linger and impact the atmosphere of your home negatively. If you’re planning to cook, opt for neutral-smelling dishes and avoid anything that might overpower the space.

4. Open Doors and Windows

One of the simplest and most effective ways to refresh your home’s scent is by opening doors and windows. Creating a cross-breeze helps circulate fresh air throughout the house, which can eliminate stale or musty smells. Make sure to open multiple windows or doors on opposite sides of the house to allow for optimal airflow.

5. Add Scents Sparingly

Finally, while adding pleasant scents to your home can be beneficial, it’s important to do so sparingly. Overpowering fragrances can give the impression that you’re trying to mask a problem. Instead, opt for subtle, sophisticated scents. Some of the popular choices these days include Santal, bergamot, vetiver, and black rose. These scents are often well-received and can create a calming, welcoming atmosphere.

In summary, while a well-staged home with appealing visuals can attract buyers, a fresh, pleasant scent is equally important in making a lasting positive impression. By addressing carpets, cleaning the kitchen, being mindful of cooking odors, letting in fresh air, and using subtle fragrances, you can ensure your home smells just as good as it looks. So before your next showing, take a moment to consider how your home smells—it could be the key to a successful sale.

If you haven’t heard of “staging”, it’s a fairly straightforward concept. It simply involves cleaning, organizing and preparing your home in such a way as to make it look its best to potential buyers.

One of the most difficult rooms to stage is the kitchen because it’s one of the most used. You can’t just set it up to look nice for a viewing and then never go back in! Yet, an effectively staged kitchen can help sell your home, because it’s the room that buyers often scrutinize and remember the most.

Here are some basic kitchen staging tips:

• Be relentless when decluttering your kitchen. Stow or get rid of any unnecessary items.

• Clear the countertops. Leave no more than two appliances in view. This will give the impression that there’s a lot of counter space available.

• Make sure the sink shines. If regular cleaners don’t work, there are a number of specialty products available for cleaning sinks of all kinds, including stainless steel.

• Consider making upgrades. You could do something as simple as replacing cabinetry hardware or go as far as installing a new countertop.

• Paint or stain cabinetry. One of the most affordable and impactful improvements you can make to the kitchen is painting. A new coat of paint or other finish can make older, worn cabinets look like new.

• Add some fresh flowers in a vase. Flowers brighten up any room, especially the kitchen.

Need more tips on making your home show well, so it sells faster and for the price you want? Call today.

If you have any questions about real estate from home evaluations to mortgages to searching for properties in your area, don't hesitate to contact me today!