Why a Clean, Great-Smelling Home Can Help You Sell Faster (and for More)

When preparing your home for sale, you likely focus on the essentials—decluttering, deep cleaning, staging, and getting professional photos. While all of these are important, there's one detail many sellers overlook: how the home smells.

Photos help attract interest online, but in-person showings are where real connections happen. Scent is a powerful part of that experience.

First Impressions Go Beyond Visuals

Buyers form an impression of a home within the first few seconds of walking through the door. Before they notice your upgraded countertops or staged living room, they experience the atmosphere—starting with the air they breathe.

Unpleasant odors—whether from pets, cooking, smoke, or even overly strong air fresheners—can turn buyers away. Even a beautifully staged space can feel uninviting if the scent doesn’t match the visual appeal.

Why Smell Matters When Selling a Home

1. Cleanliness Builds Buyer Confidence

A fresh, clean scent tells buyers that the home has been well-maintained. This can translate into higher perceived value and fewer concerns about hidden issues.

2. Scent Triggers Emotions

Smells are directly connected to memory and emotion. A light, neutral scent can evoke calm, comfort, and familiarity—feelings that help buyers imagine themselves living there.

3. A Pleasant Scent Helps Buyers Focus

Strong or unpleasant smells distract buyers from noticing the layout, lighting, and flow of the space. A neutral, fresh scent keeps the focus on the home’s best features.

4. Scent Makes Your Home More Memorable

In a competitive market, small details can set a home apart. Buyers often visit multiple properties in one day. A welcoming scent can help your listing stand out in their memory.

How to Make Sure Your Home Smells as Good as It Looks

Here are practical steps sellers can take to ensure a clean and inviting atmosphere:

Deep Clean All Surfaces
Thoroughly clean floors, walls, baseboards, and hidden areas. Odors often linger in overlooked spaces.

Refresh Soft Furnishings
Carpets, curtains, and upholstery absorb smells. Consider steam cleaning or replacing items that retain odors.

Ventilate Regularly
Open windows to let in fresh air. Use fans or air purifiers when needed to improve air quality.

Avoid Strong Air Fresheners
Scented sprays and plug-ins can be overwhelming or seem like an attempt to mask a problem. Aim for subtle, neutral scents instead.

Neutralize Odors at the Source
Rather than covering up odors, identify and eliminate them. Use baking soda, vinegar, or odor-neutralizing sprays when appropriate.

Optional: Add a Subtle Scent Before Showings
Light scents like citrus, lavender, or clean linen are generally well-received. Freshly brewed coffee or a clean-smelling candle can also create a warm, welcoming environment.

Scents That Can Turn Buyers Away

Sellers may become "nose-blind" to smells they’ve lived with for years. However, some scents raise red flags for buyers, including:

• Pet odors or urine

• Smoke (tobacco or cannabis)

• Mold or mildew

• Greasy or spicy cooking smells

• Strong perfumes or artificial air fresheners

Addressing these concerns before listing is crucial for a successful sale.

Final Thoughts

Buyers don’t just evaluate homes with their eyes—they experience them with all their senses. Creating a clean, welcoming scent profile is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to make a strong first impression.

As your real estate professional, I guide sellers in showcasing their home’s full potential—from visual staging to creating an inviting atmosphere. If you're planning to sell, I’d be happy to provide tips on preparing your home for showings.

Kevin Scharfenberg
Personal Real Estate Corporation
250-457-1795
Brokered by: EXP Realty
Serving Kamloops, Ashcroft, Cache Creek & surrounding areas