Scents and Sensibility

July 28, 2010

One of the most primal of our five senses is the sense of smell. So when you prepare your home to sell, you should pay particular attention to a potential buyer’s sense of smell and make sure your home is free of any offensive odors.

We all love our pets, but they do emit certain odors that we tend to get used to over time. But a buyer will come into your home with a fresh nose and will notice those animal smells, no matter how telltale. Even if they have pets of their own, buyers will subconsciously register strange pet smells in a negative light.

Smoke from cigarettes or a pipe also leaves an unpleasant smelling residue deeply imbedded in curtains, carpets and furniture.

If you own a pet or smoke, make sure you have your carpets, drapes and furniture professionally cleaned and deodorized; and make sure that your house is sparkling clean. From then on, you should only smoke outside the home and if possible, keep your pet confined to an area that is easy to keep clean and odor free.

            For professional advice on all aspects of buying or selling real estate, please contact me at aross@miamirealestate.com or 305-960-2575, or come by the office at 355 Alhambra Circle, 9th Floor,  in Coral Gables.