SMELLS

Bad smells kill deals. First impressions and favorable impressions are SOOOO important! You don't want a strong smell to be the first impression a buyer has of your home.


Common Odors
- cigarette smoke
- cooking (i.e., curry, rice, garlic)
- pets
- mildew (i.e., basement)
- air fresheners
- garbage (remove your kitchen garbage frequently)

Remedies
Covering an odor should be your last resort. Call me paranoid but when I smell air freshener, I always ask what is being covered up.
Do use
- a drop or two of vanilla or one or two cinnamon sticks in boiling water
- carpet deodorizer before vacuuming
- candles - use caution if leaving them unattended!
- fresh baked bread or cookies
- open windows
- commercial odor removal services (such as "The Odor Man")

Don't use
- plug in air fresheners
- perfumes

As a buyer, look for the warning signs that air fresheners may offer. As a seller, watch out for the warning signs that air fresheners may be sending.
Remember, bad smells kill deals!