This may be a touchy subject to some, but many people sabotage their own efforts to sell their home because of how their house smells. The source is most often a food or pet odor, and in both cases it is relatively preventable, especially as the warmer weather is upon us. This is probably the under-discussed issues among professionals, and that might be rooted in the rather intensely personal nature of the culture of our food and pets.
This post isn't about how to eliminate odors; it is about creating a dialogue.
Today, I walked into a home with buyer clients and we were incredibly distracted by a pungent food odor. It was hard to concentrate.
Later, we saw a home that clearly had a big dog- bones, dishes, and a large crate in one of the rooms. But there was no pet odor-none. Having been in homes that smelled like a kennel, I know this takes some work.
The first home we saw with the bad food odor would have been perfect- the price was right, the work needed was manageable, and the location and layout were fabulous. Food odor killed their interest. Most people know if their house smells a little funky, and it should be part of the sales preparation process to fix that. If the agent doesn't address the matter, no matter how uncomfortable that may be, they are derelict in their duties to the seller.
I would address it to clients diplomatically of course, but my appeal would be to their bottom line rather than their lifestyle.
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Professional home stagers are worth their fee just for this one issue. They know how to address the issue with the sellers without involving the agent. It can be touchy for us to do it. So, find a real pro in your area, not the part time, hobby stager, someone with a thriving business. The busy ones in this market are the good ones, in demand because they get it done. You won't be sorry, they'll add to your client's bottom line and YOURS in more commissions. I know several REALLY good ones in your area.
Phillip,
It is a touch subject and must be handle with care. Some agents are able to do it themselves and others need assistance as suggested by Terrylynn. Whatever, it must be addressed and corrected in everyone's best interest.
Food or any odor is tough for buyers or the buyer's agent to concentrate. Sometimes I like to arrive at the appt few minutes early to open up windows to have some air through the property that I am showing.
I have had many a buyer refuse to enter a home after one step into the house. If they smell a cat or Smoking there is no way to drag them over the threshold.