It may sound a bit strange, but one of the most overlooked factors in selling your home fast is actually how your house smells. Most likely you have gone nose blind to however your home smells – it just smells like you. Subconsciously, the first thing we as humans take note of in our surroundings is scent. This is for varying reasons. First and foremost, our sense of smell can save our lives. We have a natural aversion towards potentially life-threatening scents, such as burning or toxic chemicals.
Often, we can smell danger before we can see it. Next, this one was especially surprising to me, who we are attracted to is largely to do with scent. Our noses are incredible tools and can tell if someone’s immune system would be compatible with our own. Crazy, right? Now, what does this have to do with selling your home?
Essentially, what I am trying to get across is that scent is a crucial part of the human experience. So much so, that it alters our perception of reality. We see the world around us as more desirable when our surrounding smell good; therefore, your house will be more desirable if it smells good. Let’s be clear, I am not saying your house smells bad. But to be frank, it should not smell like you when you are trying to sell your home. Unless you smell like the inside of a Bath and Body Works of course.
You want the potential homeowner to view your home as paradise. It is important to note that you also do not want the smell to be overwhelming. Some people are incredibly sensitive to fragrance and can have adverse reactions to too strong of smells. Something simple and light, such as a “fresh linen” or “citrus” scent, is ideal. Burn candles with your selected scent for at least an hour before the showing so the smell really sticks even after you have put it out. Wall plug ins are also essential, as they can stay in all the time without safety hazard. I hope you enjoyed this often-overlooked tip, and good luck in selling your home!