When it comes to selling a home, first impressions go far beyond what buyers see. They’re also shaped by what buyers smell.
Psychology Today writes, "olfaction, also known as sense of smell, is the most primal and mysterious of our six senses. Throughout human evolution, our sense of smell has been a key to our survival. Humans are capable of distinguishing thousands of unique odors. Fragrances have the ability to evoke both positive and negative psychological states of mind and reactions in milliseconds."
So, how can you make a positive impact on buyers olfactory senses?
First, remember that bad smells cannot be covered up. Noses are good at telling when something stinky has been doused with fragrance. There's no better first step than deep cleaning your space and ensuring that all ouderous items are cleared. Replace stale linens with fresh ones, ensure the trash is empty, and remove any particularly potent food from the pantry. Open the windows and air out the space as much as possible to give your home a clean olfactory slate!
Next, implement scents. You can go two routes with this:
- Opt for fresh, but neutral, scents. These are not tied to any season, but can permeate a space in soft, timeless ways. Scents such as citrus, eucalyptus, lavender, sandalwood, vanilla, and cinnamon are solid options. Reed diffusers are a great way to ensure the scents release naturally and subtly, wafting through the space.
- Go for seasonal scents! During the holidays, bakery scents such as Pumpkin Spice are popular and inviting. In the summer, more fruit scents such as Raspberry are foundational. A touch of these can make a space feel inviting and personal, and will have them dreaming of spending every season in your home.
Whatever you choose, remember that less is more. No one wants to feel like they walked into a perfume shop! Be careful not to overwhelm the space with scent, especially because you never know what people will like or dislike.
What are your favourite scents in the home? Let us know in the comments below!
(Image via Canva)
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