During a difficult time in the property market, real estate agents and interior designers uncover their top tips to help your home sell quickly.
It has been revealed that a huge 78% of buyers wouldn’t make an offer on a smelly house – but there are some low-maintenance tricks homeowners can try to boost the scent, and appeal, of their home.
Supplies For Candles has joined forces with real estate agents and home experts to reveal four hacks those putting their home on the market need to try:
- Avoid the ‘baking bread trick’ – clean scents are best
Anyone who has researched selling a home has likely heard of the ‘baking bread’ hack; the idea that a warm, homely scent, such as bread in the oven, will ensure buyers fall in love with your home. However, this trick is often overused, and buyers may not fall for it, explains Suzanne Roynon, an Interiors Therapy expert. Suzanne says:
“Savvy buyers are aware of the fresh bread and coffee game, and most are looking for clean, fresh, energised space. If it’s impractical to open the windows due to high levels of pollution, choose neutral aromatic options which mimic fresh, clean air rather than heady floral or spicy scents as these can be overwhelming in an enclosed space.”
Real estate agent Humberto Marquez echoes this sentiment, explaining the danger of going overboard with scent:
“Once I was showing a home that had been beautifully staged but had a strong smell of lavender. One of the potential buyers had an allergic reaction to it, so the viewing had to be cut short! It taught me a valuable lesson: less is more when it comes to scents in a home.”
- Banish pesky pet smells with baking soda
On the subject of scents, removing any bad odours is an absolute must. If you’re living in a home full time, you may become accustomed to musty scents or pet smells – but potential new buyers will notice them instantly. Interiors Therapy expert, Suzanne Roynon, says:
“Viewers are very tuned in to properties they are interested in and are keenly aware of musty smells, pets and damp, which can be very off-putting. I’ve known buyers walk away before even setting foot through the front door of really beautifully staged homes because a smell of dogs wafted out.”
Mariya Snisar, the Head of Interior Design at Renowell, adds:
“You can sprinkle some baking soda over the upholstered furniture and carpets, let it sit for a few hours, and vacuum it well. You can also use a neutralising spray designed to remove pet odours.”
- Focus on fresh vibes and bring the outside in with plants
Buyers want a fresh, clean feeling home. Plants can have a huge impact when it comes to how your home is perceived, explains interior designer, Lori Jernigan. However, ensure they’re spread naturally throughout the home and are always in great condition. Lori suggests:
“A few potted plants can work wonders to make your home feel fresh and inviting. If you have a lot of plants, space them out strategically so they don’t overwhelm any one area (unless you have a greenhouse). Of course, dead and dying plants don’t do much to make your home look well-tended.”
- Boost curb appeal by painting your front door an unusual colour
No matter how busy the property market, it’s vital that your home stands out. Humberto Marquez, a licensed real estate agent, shares the importance of ‘curb appeal’ with one unique trick; paint your front door a stand-out shade! He says:
“First impressions are everything, and you want potential buyers to fall in love with the property before they even step foot inside. Fresh paint, a well-kept lawn, and blooming flowers can work wonders. A bit of offbeat advice I once heard from an experienced realtor was to paint the front door an unusual colour. It makes the house stand out and stay memorable, especially if buyers are looking at multiple properties in one day.”
Nicky Story, Founder at Supplies For Candles, comments:
“Speaking to those in the real estate industry, we found scent plays in huge role in selling your home. However, keep it subtle, as different scents work for different people. You don’t want scents to be too overpowering, as powerful fragrances may make it look like you’re trying to mask something.
“We’d recommend lighting a few fresh-scented candles before home viewings, remembering to blow them out before potential buyers arrive. Lightly scented fragrance oils, such as spring-inspired scents, are also a great option for complementing a fresh, clean home.”
