Sherlock Talk

Of all the reasons buyers turn away from a home, it seems there are two that are toughest for sellers to contend with- suspected foundation problems…and the way a home smells. The former is a complex issue that needs to be addressed during a buyer’s due diligence period. Unless a real estate agent is also a structural engineer, they are not qualified to assess the severity of a foundation issue. The guiding principle every aspiring agent hears at some point is “caveat emptor,” literally, “let the buyer beware.” If it worries you, get it checked out. For better or worse, you’ll be proceeding with your eyes open.

Let’s talk about the latter. Odor may seem trivial to some. If a home checks all your boxes, why let something you can’t even see run you off? The reality is, some odors do indicate scary things inside a home. For example, a chemical called mercaptan is added to natural gas specifically to make it smelly, and therefore, noticeable in the event of a leak. A musty smell might be benign, but you might also find bacterial growth lurking in the shadows. Only testing can determine what kind of growth you are dealing with. According to Mayo Clinic, thirdhand smoke can remain in a home for months after smoking has stopped, an issue buyers with respiratory concerns would definitely want to know about.

But what about pet smells? That’s not an album by The Beach Boys; it’s a reason homes are passed over time and time again. It’s not that sellers are careless about the way their homes smell, but they have acclimated to their fur babies’ scents over time and don’t notice them. When a new person walks in, the odor can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Again, do your due diligence to ensure the odors are not coming from something that will exacerbate medical issues you may have like allergies, respiratory concerns, etc. Those pregnant may be concerned about ammonia from litter boxes. While agents can offer a list of inspectors, we are not medical professionals and you will be the one to live in the home. It is up to you to protect yourself by discovering everything you can.

We have watched the same scenario play out so many times: a nice-looking home with pet odors gains a lot of interest, buyers flock to it for a week or so, and then it sits on the market until the seller is willing to address the smells. It’s never a fun conversation to have with a seller, but if they are receptive to feedback given by buyers and other agents and eliminate odors in a timely manner, it can have a huge impact on how quickly a home sells. The best defense against pet smells? Painting and replacing flooring. Finish with a deep clean of the entire home, and you will have witnessed a beautiful transformation.

What if sellers are unable or unwilling to do these things? Ask yourself, is this home sitting at a price point that will allow me to have this work completed after closing? If not, what would a more reasonable price be? Maybe a seller is willing to allow for a paint and/or flooring allowance. You won’t know unless you ask. Odor does not have to be a deal breaker every time.

I hope your Spooky Month celebrations have smelled like cider, spice, and everything nice. If not, follow these tips to prepare your space for the holidays to come!

XOXO-

Brit