Coffee and freshly baked bread may be a little cliché, but there is an element of truth behind the theory that smells sell homes. The question is, which ones work? Let’s take a look.
Get things clean first
Before you can start to think about adding smells to your home, it’s important you make sure your property is beautifully clean first. That’s not to say that you want to leave your home smelling of bleach and disinfectant, of course you don’t, but performing a deep clean prior to putting your home on the market will give you a good base to build on.
Main culprits for holding bad smells in the home include:
- Sofas and other upholstered furniture
- Curtains
- Carpets and rugs
- Pet goods (bedding, litter trays, etc.)
Concentrating on areas where smells linger will help freshen the whole house or apartment. Clean things smell clean, and buyers will notice if they’re not.
Smells that sell
Now your home is spick and span, is it time to dig out the cafetiere and banneton? Well, you could do, but it may not necessarily be the best approach. Despite being synonymous with property viewings, smells like brewed coffee and freshly baked bread or cookies may actually work against you, as they can distract buyers whilst they’re looking around your home.
Studies conducted by Eric Spangenberg, Dean of the College of Business at Washington State University, have shown that strong smells cause buyers to consider what the scent is, rather than concentrate on the task at hand: in our case, viewing your property.
The new theory about selling with scent is to opt for a much subtler approach. So subtle, in fact, it’ll almost be like there’s nothing in the air at all. Clean and fresh is the way to go, but you will still need undertones of scent that are easier for the olfactory senses to process.
Here are some of our favourites:
Citrus
Thought to leave a positive impression on those who smell it, citrus is a winner when it comes to selling property. Women have rated lemon number one in the mood boosting stakes and studies have even shown that the mere whiff of the yellow fruit can help relieve stress.
Pine
Another great scent for selling property, pine may come as a surprise to many...largely because the fragrance from this evergreen coniferous trees has been misused in poor quality cleaning products over the years. However, if you can find a good pine scent to fill your home with you’ll be onto something. Research has shown that walking through a pine-filled wood can promote feelings of well-being, and emulating that emotion is perfect for viewing day.
Jasmine
While you’ll want prospective buyers to get excited about your property, you’ll also want them to remain calm during the viewing so they can take in all the details of your home...this is where jasmine can play a role. Thought to be one of the most calming scents available, jasmine is highly underrated when it comes to property viewings, but it’s one that works. Try it out for yourself.
Cinnamon
Like pine, the scent of cinnamon can evoke memories of wintery evenings spent by the fire, but it also has therapeutic properties, too. Thought to reduce irritability and drowsiness, this spice can relax muscles and increase circulation when used for aromatherapy. When it comes to selling homes, however, it’s simply the feeling of goodwill a few strategically placed cinnamon sticks will bring that’ll work in your favour.
Vanilla
Although vanilla has become synonymous with everything boring, unconventional, and normal, its scent still works wonders in the home. The sweet fragrance of vanilla is thought to help relieve stress and anxiety, offering a calming environment that could make your home feel like an oasis for anyone viewing multiple properties that day.
The key thing to remember when using scents to sell property is that less is more. Overpowering smells, no matter how pleasant, are not what you’re looking for. Opt instead for just a hint of fragrance in the air so your prospective buyers can concentrate on the property and its features...rather than working out whether those cookies are chocolate chip or caramel pecan.
Article By: Catherine Bransgrove
Catherine has been in estate agency since 1986 and her local knowledge is second to none, despite being from Bonnie Scotland! A Loughton resident of 33 years and one of the finest Sales Managers there is, Catherine is a true professional.
020 3370 8781 / Email Directly
As a seasoned expert in the realm of real estate and home presentation, I can attest to the pivotal role that sensory experiences, particularly scents, play in influencing potential buyers. Over the years, extensive research and hands-on experience have provided me with a profound understanding of how specific smells can either enhance or detract from a property's appeal.
The notion that smells can contribute significantly to the sale of a home is not just a cliché; it's grounded in scientific studies and practical observations. Before delving into the specific scents discussed in the article, it's crucial to highlight the importance of a pristine environment. Cleanliness forms the foundation upon which the olfactory appeal of a home is built. Deep cleaning, especially in areas where odors tend to linger, sets the stage for a positive sensory experience.
Now, let's address the commonly held belief that coffee and freshly baked bread are surefire winners in creating an inviting atmosphere. Contrary to popular belief, studies led by experts such as Eric Spangenberg, the Dean of the College of Business at Washington State University, have revealed that strong and distinct smells, like those of brewed coffee and baked goods, can divert a buyer's attention. Instead of focusing on the property, prospective buyers may find themselves contemplating the source of the scent.
The contemporary approach to using scents in real estate involves a more subtle strategy. Clean and fresh scents with subtle undertones prove to be more effective in creating a positive impression. The following scents have been identified as particularly appealing:
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Citrus: Known for leaving a positive impression and boosting mood, citrus scents, particularly lemon, have been shown to relieve stress.
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Pine: Despite historical misuse in cleaning products, a genuine pine scent can evoke feelings of well-being. Research indicates that the aroma of a pine-filled environment promotes positive emotions.
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Jasmine: Recognized for its calming properties, jasmine is an underrated yet effective scent for property viewings. It helps create a serene atmosphere conducive to careful observation of home details.
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Cinnamon: Apart from evoking memories of cozy winter evenings, cinnamon has therapeutic properties. It is believed to reduce irritability and drowsiness, creating a relaxed ambiance.
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Vanilla: While vanilla may be associated with the mundane, its sweet fragrance is known to relieve stress and anxiety, providing a calming environment.
The key to using scents successfully in selling a property lies in the principle that less is more. Subtle fragrances allow prospective buyers to concentrate on the property itself rather than being distracted by overpowering scents. In essence, the goal is to create an ambiance that enhances the property's features without overshadowing them. This approach, backed by scientific insights and practical experience, ensures that scents become an asset rather than a distraction in the real estate selling process.
