The sense of smell brings back strong memories. These memories may be of a certain flower from childhood or the perfume your grandmother used to wear. Whatever these memories may be, the smell is inherently linked to our brains.
So why is smell so important in selling a home? Research suggests that one of the first impressions someone has walking into your home may be of the smell. Maybe they get a whiff of your cat’s litter box or the Indian curry you were cooking last night. Overpowering smells make a home difficult to sell, according to Eric Spangenberg, Dean of the College of Business at Washington State University who has extensively studied the science of smell on consumer behavior.
Realtors suggest a few simple methods to reduce or eliminate the smell in your home.
- Clean your home thoroughly, but not with cleaning products that leave strong odors such as bleach. Lightly scented cleaners are best–and if possible, use organic smells such as lemon or orange to give a hint of scent.
- Roast coffee beans in the oven.
- Boil a pot of water with lemon or orange peels, to give a hint of organic smell.
- If you love to bake, avoid chocolate chip cookies prior to an open house. Instead, opt for baking something such as cinnamon rolls which leave the scent of cinnamon instead of the heavy scent of chocolate.
A more permanent solution to your smell problem may be found in Colorfil filters. Our revolutionary color-changing filters have been proven to eliminate odors that come from pets, especially cat litter odors, and cooking odors. Whether or not you are selling your home, having a clean smelling home may increase your confidence in having guests over and your overall satisfaction with your home.
Sources: http://www.homesandland.com/real-tips/smell-can-help-sell-your-home/
http://www.fifthsense.org.uk/psychology-and-smell/
http://www.zillow.com/advice-thread/How-to-get-rid-of-cooking-smell-while-selling-your-home/352355/