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Does Your House Pass the “Smell Test?”

When potential buyers come to look at your house, they’re not only LOOKING, but they’re also SNIFFING, either consciously or unconsciously. When we live in a house, we tend to get used to the way it smells and don’t always notice when something is a little…stinky. But any obnoxious odors will be immediately apparent to a first-time visitor. So before you show your house, take a sniff or two, and then take these steps to de-odorize.

1. Pets. Dirty litter boxes and old “accident” stains are the obvious culprits here. Keep Kitty’s litter box scrupulously clean at all times, and consider having your carpet professionally cleaned by someone who is experienced with pet stains. Don’t forget that many people are allergic to cats, so make sure your furniture and carpet are vacuumed frequently. If possible, think about keeping your cat or other pets confined to a certain area of the house while your house is listed. If you’re thinking of getting a cat or other pet, wait until AFTER you’ve moved.

2. Cooking. We’ve all been told that we should eat more fish, but until your house sells, eat that fish at a restaurant. Strong odors from cooking fish hang around and permeate the house. Cabbage, onions and garlic are notorious offenders, too. Throwing a few lemon slices in some boiling water or running lemon peel through the garbage disposal can help clear the air. And remember to take out your kitchen garbage as often as possible.

3. Cigarettes. Smoking easily drops the value of a house by 15-30% — possibly even more. Smoke gets into the drywall, carpets, furniture, and drapes, and it is very difficult to remove. If you or a family member smokes, stop smoking inside the house as soon as you decide to sell. Paint the interior, and either shampoo the rugs or replace them. If weather permits, keep the windows open to help air out the house.

Follow the above steps, and your home will not only LOOK good, it will SMELL good. A fresh-smelling, odor-free house is much more appealing than a stinky one, and much more likely to sell at the price you want.

Author: Andrew John Cocks

Over the past 10 years, Andrew John Cocks has consistently been one of Canada’s most hard working entrepreneurs. Armed with a keen business acumen and passion for client service, Andrew has returned to his family roots and is quickly establishing himself as an authority in the real estate market in Huntsville, Muskoka and surrounding rural communities. Andrew’s consistent track record of success is attributable to a unique combination of marketing skills, personal development expertise and highly developed sense of customer appreciation. “I believe the key to a successful real estate transaction for both buyers and sellers alike is exposure and focused client service,” notes Andrew. “If you want better results, increase your exposure and focus. My practice incorporates the very latest in cutting-edge new media marketing, web-based advertising, in-depth knowledge and understanding of the marketplace, with a truly personable approach.” To ensure that client expectations are always surpassed, Andrew works with a team of professionals who share his uncompromising professionalism and integrity. Working alongside each other, skilled sales representatives and dedicated administrative assistants meet the needs of Bowes & Cocks’s steadily increasing client base. An unwavering focus on clients is what keeps things running smoothly. “Perhaps the most exciting aspect of our business,” reflects Andrew, “is that despite the success we have enjoyed, most of our business is generated primarily through referrals from satisfied clients