Why Smells Are Important When Selling a Home

The first impression a homebuyer gets when approaching a for-sale house is, of course, its curb appeal. But once they step inside, that impression can shift very fast, and not necessarily because of what they see. In fact, sight might not be the first sense they even use. Imagine walking into a home and being greeted with the scent of lilies or rose petals. Now flip the script – what if it smells like dust, mothballs, or mildew? Not quite the welcome a seller wants to give.  

Reddit’s popular r/RealEstate* subreddit asked users, “Have you ever walked into a showing and immediately said, ‘Nope, not this one?’ Why?” It turns out, the top answers weren’t about staging or lighting, they were mostly about smell. Users reported walking in and then walking right back out due to overpowering odors like cigarette smoke, cat waste, or musty basements.  

Smell & Memory Go Hand in Hand 

Smell is one of the strongest senses tied to memory. That’s important when buyers are looking at multiple homes in a day. A neutral scent is highly recommended and can leave a lasting impression. But a bad smell? That’ll stick in their mind too, and not in a good way for the seller.  

According to Harvard Medicine*, “If the hippocampus (part of your brain) deems the smell important — if it were connected with a particularly emotional moment, for example — it can file the information and store it indefinitely. Even decades later, the same scent can bring the memory and emotional salience of the moment flooding back.” Buying a home? We definitely think that’s a highly emotional moment. So, what should your home smell like if you’re selling? And what should you keep a nose out for when you’re the one doing the buying? Let’s break it down.  

Keep It Neutral  

If you’re selling your home, you may already know that lighting and staging matter to buyers. But don’t forget scent. Some home sellers try to “set a vibe” with their own favorite smells such as, vanilla, eucalyptus, pine, etc. Here’s the thing: you’re not the buyer. To appeal to everyone who is buying, stick with neutral, clean scents, or none at all. A great way to start is by opening your windows about 30 minutes before a showing, weather permitting of course. This allows fresh air to circulate and clear out any odors that may linger. 

Avoid any heavily scented candles or overpowering essential oils. They may smell nice to you, but they can feel like overcompensation to buyers. The same goes for air fresheners and other deodorizers with strong scents. A light spritz is fine, but if the scent is too strong, it can raise suspicions that you’re covering something up. You’ll also want to make sure all trash and recycling bins are emptied before a showing. That includes in every room. Pay attention to areas people often forget, like entryways, basements, closets, and laundry rooms. Every inch matters when you’re trying to make a great first impression. 

Smell Check: Bathroom & Kitchen 

Your bathroom and kitchen are probably the most visited rooms during a home showing. They’re also where the most stubborn smells tend to hide. In the bathroom, take extra care to eliminate any odors related to moisture. Mildew, mold, and lingering dampness can instantly make the space feel unclean. Remove any used towels, bathmats, or laundry piles. Try to have freshly washed linens on display, or none at all. A clean, dry, and well-ventilated bathroom creates the feeling of a space that’s been well cared for.  

The kitchen also deserves some attention. Before any showing, make sure the trash has been taken out and that no food waste is sitting around. All dishes and utensils should be washed and put away, countertops wiped down, and both the garbage disposal and dishwasher given a quick sniff test. These appliances can emit odors without you realizing it. Even your pantry and counters should be clutter-free and tidy. This can also help homebuyers visualize how they might use the space themselves. Finally, make sure all surfaces, including your kitchen table, are dry and any water around the sink or floor is cleaned up. Water can leave behind more than just puddles, it can also create unwanted smells.  

Pet Owners: You Know What This Is About 

Even the most adorable pet can make a buyer pause if their smell takes over the house. While we’ve got a full blog on dealing with pet odors, here are a few reminders. If possible, take your pets out of the home during showings. Not everyone is an animal lover, and even those who are might be sensitive to smells.  

Before the showing, vacuum thoroughly to remove pet hair and dander from carpets, rugs, and linens. These pet particles can trigger allergies, even if there’s no outright odor. It’s also a good idea to wash or temporarily remove pet beds, blankets, and toys. These items tend to trap smells even when cleaned regularly. Don’t forget to clean food bowls and litter boxes, or better yet, put them away entirely. 

Other Smells to Sniff Out  

Beyond pets, bathrooms, and kitchens, there are a few other sneaky sources of odors that can derail a showing. One common culprit is the classic “old house smell.” It’s that slightly musty, and dusty scent that tends to linger in older homes. While it’s not always a sign of mold or damage, many buyers will have negative reaction or assume the worst. Good ventilation and a deep clean can usually help here.  

Another one to avoid? Strong cooking smells and anything heavy with garlic or onions can stick around long after dinner is done. This one can go either way – some buyers may like that the kitchen is being used, and that it may feel like a “lived in” home. However, that’s not always the case so it’s better to err on the side of caution. Laundry rooms can also cause trouble. Wet clothes, old towels, or overflowing hampers can create a mildew-like scent that turns people off. Keep the space clean and dry and try to avoid doing laundry right before a showing. Don’t forget garages and basements. These areas often get overlooked but can smell stale, chemical-heavy, or even like gasoline. Buyers will notice, even if you think they won’t  

Final Thoughts 

At the end of the day, buyers want to envision themselves living in your home. Scent plays a bigger role than most people realize. You don’t need your house to smell like a spa or a bakery. You just need it to smell clean, fresh, and neutral. When in doubt, fresh air and a good cleaning can go a very long way. Give your home a thorough once-over, open those windows, and trust your nose, or someone else’s, if you’ve gone nose blind. That subtle, welcoming freshness might just be the thing that turns a “maybe” into an offer.

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