When you’re preparing to sell your home, you need to make sure that everything looks - and smells! - good for your prospective buyers. Certain odors can be a real turnoff because no one wants to walk into a home that smells like cigarettes and pets or even one that’s just musty and old. That being said, here are four common smells that can turn buyers away from your home:

1. Cigarette Smoke

If you or anyone who enters your home smokes cigarettes, chances are that there’s a lingering smell. Cigarette smoke can seep into walls, furniture, and carpeting, making it difficult to get rid of. The best way to eliminate cigarette smoke is to air out the rooms, steam-clean the carpets, trap the smoke on wall surfaces with paint, and deodorize other surfaces using white vinegar.

2. Must, Mold, and Mildew

These three smells often go hand-in-hand because musty odors usually indicate the presence of mold or mildew. They can be caused by leaks, humidity, or even just poor ventilation. The key to getting rid of musty odors is to find and fix the source of the problem. Once the source is fixed, you can then use a natural odor eliminator like baking soda to get rid of the smell.

3. Pet Odors

If you have pets, chances are high that your home has a pet odor. Pet odors can be caused by urine, feces, sweat, and even just pet fur. The best way to get rid of pet odors is to first clean up any messes they may have made. Then, use a natural odor eliminator like white vinegar or baking soda to neutralize the smell. You may also want to consider using an air purifier to help remove pet odors from the air.

4. Food Odors

Food odors can come from cooking, spoiled food, or dirty dishes. The best way to get rid of food odors is to clean up any spills or messes immediately. You should also keep your kitchen counters and floors clean. Also, avoid cooking overly fragrant food like fish or curry if you know you'll have viewers over.

Selling Your Home in North Texas?

If you're thinking of selling your home in North Texas, contact Bruce Thompson today! I'll be happy to help you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Call now at (214) 415-8305 to get started!