Ok, so you made it past the title. Now, you might be thinking, “Can the smell of a house really affect its sale price?” I get it; it seems like a stretch. But believe me, odours can be more powerful than you think when it comes to real estate. Smell is a big deal — it’s been our survival guide since we evolved into humans. It tells us when food’s gone bad, when something might taste amazing, and, yes, when a house feels right (or wrong).

So, if you’re selling your property, here are some not-so-obvious takeaways to help you navigate the odour obstacle course. Let’s get your place smelling like a million bucks (without the hefty effort of baking cookies every time).

1. DON’T BAKE COOKIES

I know, I know. For decades, people have sworn by the trick of baking cookies before an open house to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked cookies? I mean, I certainly love the smell. But here’s what I’ve learned: Buyers don’t want to feel manipulated. As soon as they catch a whiff of cookies, they start thinking, “Are they trying to cover up a weird smell?” It can backfire. You might not lower your sale price by doing this, but it can make buyers feel suspicious — and who has time to bake before every single showing anyway?

2. FRAGRANCE OVERKILL

We’ve all experienced it: You walk into a place that smells like a perfume factory exploded. Just like in any office where the battle of fragrances rages on, too much scent in a house can be off-putting. Overloading your space with plug-in air fresheners or sprays will make buyers wonder, “What are they trying to hide?” Instead, keep it subtle. A light reed diffuser with essential oils can do the trick, but easy on the Fabreezy! Less is more when it comes to fragrance.

3. FLOWER POWER

Now, here’s something that does work: Fresh flowers. Not a floral explosion — just a tasteful arrangement. A nice bouquet on the table not only looks great but smells great too. And it feels more incidental than intentional, like you just casually live in a beautifully fragrant garden. Buyers usually don’t distrust the smell of flowers, and as long as it’s not overpowering, it gives off that fresh, natural vibe.

4. AVOID THE USUAL SUSPECTS

Let’s state the obvious. It has to be done. I’ve lost count of how many houses I’ve seen buyers turn their noses up at because of certain smells. The biggest offenders? Pet odours, litter boxes, mothballs, mold, fried food combined with poor ventilation and cigarette smoke. It’s time to remove the mothballs and sprinkle some baking soda around to absorb lingering scents. Clean up after your pets and, ideally, keep them out of the house during showings. A buyer with allergies won’t make it past the front door if it smells like a petting zoo. And if your basement smells musty, run a dehumidifier. Buyers might be wary, but a less damp-smelling basement is easier on the nostrils.

5. CLEANING PRODUCTS (BUT NOT TOO MUCH!)

I’m not saying you should go around spraying cleaning products before every visit. But a house that smells freshly cleaned — without being overpowering — gives buyers a good feeling. It signals that the home is well-maintained, which is a big deal for potential buyers. They want to know that the property hasn’t been neglected unless, of course, they’re looking for a fixer-upper.

A FINAL WHIFF OF WISDOM

Here’s the thing: The power of aroma isn’t universal. I’ve walked through houses with clients who couldn’t get out fast enough because of a strong cat smell, while I didn’t notice a thing. One person’s clean is another person’s chaos. But we do often agree on some basics. The right smell can build trust and put buyers’ minds at ease.

So, if you want to pass the olfactory test and sell your house quickly (and at a great price), take these tips to heart! Trust me — I’ve got a nose for these things. Smell makes a difference!