The Secret Deal-Breaker: What Your Home's Smell is Telling Buyers
The Secret Deal-Breaker: What Your Home's Smell is Telling Buyers As a real estate professional, I've seen countless factors influence a buyer's decision. We talk endlessly about curb appeal, staging, and pricing. But there’s a powerful, often subconscious, element that can make or break a sale before a buyer even takes in the view: the smell of your home. Scent is the sense most closely linked to memory and emotion. When a potential buyer walks through your front door, the home’s aroma is one of the very first things they register. A pleasant scent can make them feel welcome, comfortable, and positive. An unpleasant one can make them question the home's cleanliness and maintenance, sending them right back out the door. If you're preparing to sell, addressing how your home smells is not just a suggestion—it's a critical step. The "Don'ts": Common Odors That Kill a Sale Before we talk about what to do, let's cover what not to do. Many homeown...