HGTV host lead viewers on tours through spectacular remodels featuring hip designer colors, the latest

technology, and the coolest upgrades. The visual representation convinces viewers to believe that

nothing sells homes faster than smart remodels. The purveyors of visual stimulation, although correct,

missed something.

These hosts cannot be blamed for the oversight, because we do not own smellivisions.

Yes well executed remodels net bigger bucks for the sellers. However, in my book, How the Pros Sell

Their Homes in 29 Days or Less, I stress offensive smells present the largest deterrent to home sells. A

fellow real estate investor shared this piece of wisdom, “If the home stanks, people say no thanks.”

Imagine a potential buyer, standing at your front door, determining if they will enter. According to Ed

Kampf, owner of Hygienitech Solutions, “Buyers prejudge everything based on sight and smell, the

“smell” sense will determine fight or flight. The buyer’s nose will play judge and jury to determine if they

are in for a rough ride.”

Buyers list cigarette smoke, pet urine, and regional cooking as the big three smell offenders. In my

career I witnessed dozens of buyers refuse to enter a reeking home. Now, you may think your home

does not smell, as your senses are dulled to repeat scents. Still, a reputable Realtor® should offer an

honest smell-pinion.

Wait, there’s more. The odors represent the symptom not the problem. According to Mr. Kampf,

“Odors are the result of a process called off-gassing. The off-gassing process starts with malodorous

(foul smelling) molecules released by any number of sources. While you may try to use deodorizers, air

fresheners or ozone treatments, these products only mask the odors and do nothing to permanently

eliminate them. Odor molecules have a secret, migrant life about which most people are unaware. Once

let loose from the original odor source, these malodorous molecules literally take over the place.”

According to Mr. Kampf retail products only briefly mask the problem. He recommends you find a

company that “Destroys the malodorous molecules on a nanoscale. So, the entire odor cycle is

eliminated permanently.”

Offensive smells often indicate an unsafe living environment, so use an expert, like Hygienitech

Solutions to insure you reside in a non-toxic environment.

So remember, offensive smells repel, pleasant scents $ell.

By: Timothy Sojka

Springtime is associated with renewal and rebirth. In nature, spring serves as the time new plants revel in newfound warmth. Humans find themselves cleaning and decluttering items collected over the winter months and restarting garden projects.

This fits perfectly with real estate agent’s favorite endeavor, helping their clients prepare homes to maximize the best real estate market, spring.

Cindy Wall, owner of Cindy’s Grace Filled Designs, said, “identify what is broken, needs to be edited.” For example, she said, “crisp, new, white towels in bathrooms.” Don’t be afraid to ask for experts about the rule of three, accent colors and importance of decluttering.

Always use a great design expert like Wall when possible. Still, over time, our team has composed a short list of approachable things every homeowner can do to ready their home for the bustling springtime real estate bonanza.

First, focus on decluttering your home. While your home reflects you, one thing to keep in mind is you want potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home. Put away anything resembling a trinket or collectable. Having these items packed in advance will also make your move easier. Next, cut the items in your closest by half, remove items you don’t use every day from counters, etc.

Second, depersonalize your home. Remove sports memorabilia, religious and ethnic-specific items, and personal photos. This allows potential buyers to place their items in the home. Do everything possible to make your home resemble a model home.

Lastly, and possibly the most important aspect to putting your home on the market this spring, is utilizing the expertise of a realtor to price your home to sell. A realtor can do a deep dive into the temperature of the market and pull comparisons to help you price your home to sell. Having a realtor who is professional, knowledgeable, and keeps current with market trends is the key to selling your home successfully!

For more organization and design tips, call Wall at 832-334-8304.

If you are considering selling and want a free copy of my book How the Pros Sell Their Homes in 29 Days or Less, email me at tsojka@seetimsell.com.

By: London Patton & Timothy Sojka

https://www.katytimes.com/stories/the-best-time-to-sell-your-home-yep-still-spring,30502

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