12 Smells That Oakland County MI Homebuyers Hate (and How to Fix Them)
When selling your Oakland County MI home, eliminating odors plays an essential role in captivating buyers. Even the slightest smell can leave a negative impression, reducing your chances of selling quickly or at the best price. Here’s the ultimate list of **12 smells homebuyers hate**, along with actionable solutions to tackle them effectively.
1. Smoke
Smoke odors from cigarettes or fireplaces are among the most disliked smells by homebuyers. Buyers may view smoke stains or odors as a sign of poor upkeep.
Solution:
- Wipe ceilings and walls with a vinegar solution.
- Steam-clean carpets, curtains, and furniture to remove embedded smoke particles.
- Hire a professional cleaner or use an ozone generator for persistent smells.
For tips on removing smoke or other lingering smells, check HouseLogic’s odor removal guide.
2. Pet Odors
Pet smells can linger in carpets, furniture, and flooring, leading buyers to associate the home with poor maintenance.
Solution:
- Use enzymatic cleaners to remove odors from pet accidents.
- Vacuum floors and wash pet bedding regularly.
- Remove pets and their belongings (e.g., beds, food dishes) before showings.
For additional tips on preparing your home, refer to this home staging guide.
3. Mold and Mildew
The musty odor from mold and mildew not only suggests water damage but also raises health concerns for potential buyers.
Solution:
- Fix leaks or poor ventilation before listing the home.
- Clean affected areas with mold removers or engage professional remediation services.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements to prevent future moisture buildup.
Learn more about combating mold at This Old House’s maintenance guide.
4. Lingering Cooking Smells
Strong cooking odors, such as fried food, garlic, or fish, may linger in the kitchen and other areas, leaving the home less appealing.
Solution:
- Boil water with vinegar and lemon slices to neutralize lingering smells.
- Clean stovetops and range hoods thoroughly after cooking.
- Opt for takeout or cook less-fragrant meals during the showing period.
5. Dirty Laundry
Odors from dirty laundry, gym bags, or damp towels can sour a buyer’s impression of your home, even if it’s otherwise clean.
Solution:
- Do laundry frequently and avoid leaving soiled items in view.
- Run a cleaning cycle in your washing machine using a product such as **Affresh** to remove built-up mildew smells.
- Add subtle fresheners such as dryer sheets to clean laundry items.
6. Stale or Stuffy Air
Closed spaces, especially in colder seasons, lead to stagnant or stuffy smells that buyers will immediately notice during showings.
Solution:
- Ventilate the rooms by opening windows before showings.
- Place air purifiers or dehumidifiers in closed-off spaces to improve air quality.
7. Sewer or Drain Smells
Sewer-like odors in the bathroom or kitchen are a red flag for buyers, signaling potential plumbing issues.
Solution:
- Flush drains and P-traps using baking soda and hot water.
- Use professional-grade drain cleaners to address serious clogs.
- Consider hiring a plumber for long-term drain or pipe maintenance.
8. Overpowering Air Fresheners or Fragrances
While subtle scents improve a home’s atmosphere, overpowering air fresheners or incense can overwhelm buyers and suggest you’re hiding a bigger problem.
Solution:
- Limit artificial fragrances to one or two carefully selected scents.
- Diffuse light and calming fragrances like lavender or citrus in small doses.
- Let fresh air in by opening windows before showings.
9. Sewer or Drain Smells
Sewer-like odors or sulfur smells in bathrooms or kitchens often signal plumbing issues, which can scare off potential buyers as they associate it with expensive repairs.
Solution:
- Flush drains and P-traps with a mixture of baking soda and hot water to clear any blockages.
- Use professional-grade drain cleaners to address persistent clogs or odors.
- Consider hiring a licensed plumber if the problem persists to ensure the sewer system is functioning properly.
10. Overwhelming Bleach Fumes
While a clean-smelling home is important, the overpowering odor of bleach can make buyers suspicious that you’re masking a bigger issue, like mold or damage.
Solution:
- Use low-scent or natural cleaning alternatives instead of heavily scented bleach products.
- Properly ventilate all rooms after cleaning by opening windows or turning on fans to clear harsh chemical fumes.
- Focus on neutral, fresh scents to give buyers a welcoming impression of your home.
11. Stale or Stuffy Air
Homes that have been closed up, especially in colder months, often trap stale or stuffy air, which buyers will immediately notice during showings.
Solution:
- Open windows to encourage airflow and allow fresh air to circulate through the space.
- Use air purifiers or fans to improve air quality and reduce stagnant odors.
- Consider leaving bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal in rooms to absorb lingering odors.
12. Too Many Air Fresheners
Overwhelming your home with artificial air fresheners or incense can feel intrusive or mask actual problems, making buyers suspicious.
Solution:
- Keep air freshener use to a minimum—limit it to one or two subtle scents such as lavender or citrus.
- Diffuse mild fragrances sparingly, focusing on key areas like the entryway or living room.
- Air out your home naturally by opening windows before showings to prevent heavy artificial smells.
Contact Realtor Tom Gilliam
Looking to maximize your home’s appeal and sell faster? Realtor Tom Gilliam is here to help with expert tips and proven strategies in the Oakland County real estate market.