3 Aromatic Scents to Make Your Open House Smell Great

The olfactory sense is a genius tool God provided to us. From the calming fragrance of freshly cut grass to the overwhelming scents in perfume stores, we have experienced it all. This olfactory tool is surprisingly useful in the real estate business too!

I have repeatedly mentioned that first impressions matter when selling a home. While visual appeal is the dominant selling factor, scent is another powerful factor – an underdog that subtly and creatively rises to the occasion.

In my years in the business, I have found these three scents to be my absolute favorites for open houses. Since we cannot predict what kind of scents would be the most popular amongst potential buyers, we stick with the safe and simple options.

These choices discreetly do their job and there is no overwhelming aroma. And here are some details about them.

Vanilla

Vanilla is the all-star of my most cherished scents. It is delicately influential and possesses the ability to invoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. This versatile fragrance complements a wide range of interiors, creating a welcoming ambiance for prospective buyers.

Here is how Vanilla scents could be a gamechanger at open houses:

• You could use the old-school trick of a batch of freshly baked cookies. The fragrance is inviting and has a “feels like home” hint to it. Bake a batch for prospective buyers to enjoy.
• Vanilla-scented candles are another way in which you can harness the aroma. Place some candles in the living room or the washrooms to create a cozy vibe.
• Another trick is to add vanilla to essential oil diffusers for a stronger impact. But, be careful with the intensity.

At one of our friend’s open house in Philly, we put vanilla-scented sachets in the air-conditioner that helped spread the gentle fragrance throughout the house. Our friend received compliments from almost every visitor on the aroma created inside the space.

Lavender

Lavender is renowned for its calming properties. The fragrance creates a relaxing environment, which is exactly you would want when buyers come for an open house. We at As a professional home-buying company, we feel that this scent works wonders in spaces like the bedroom and the bathroom.

In our experience, the lavender scent could be useful in the following ways:

• Dried lavender bouquets in vases have a dual impact – visual and olfactory. The visual appeal in partnership with the subtle fragrance get the job done.
• I saw a real estate agent use lavender essential oil with distilled water in a spray bottle and spray it around the house. I disclosed the reasons why it smelled in certain parts of my home. He said it was the final step on his part before he let prospective buyers inside the house.
• Some agents tuck lavender-scented sachets in closets and storage spaces to ensure these overlooked spaces smell fresh just in case curious buyers come by.

Initially, Lavender was not at the top of my list. But in recent years I have learnt to appreciate the fragrance as for me it was an acquired taste.

Citrus

Citrus scents such as orange, lemon, and grapefruit are generally associated with cleanliness. These fragrances brighten spaces and create a high-spirited atmosphere. That fresh hit of citrus zest is just what you need to feel fresh during the open house.

Here is why citrus scents made our list:

• Our cleaning staff shared that a DIY lemon spray is what makes our offices smell so great. They create a homemade spray using water, a few drops of lemon-scented essential oil, and a pinch of baking soda. Misting it around the house before prospective buyers arrive could be useful in invoking feelings of freshness.
• Bowls of fresh oranges or lemons can be used as part of staging. Not only do they add visual appeal but subtly enhance the scent too.
• Diffusers with natural citrus oils is also used by many real estate agents to incorporate a fresh aroma at open houses.

How To Create A Balance of Scents?

While each of these three scents is impactful, it can get overstimulating if used improperly and at the same time. Here is what you do instead:

• Introduce vanilla in the bedroom and living spaces.
• Use the citrus fragrance in common areas and the entryway.
• Reserve lavender for quiet corners or the washrooms.

What Are The Common Mistakes With Scents

I would say that trial and error is the key. It took me a long time to understand and curate scents that were subtle, likable, and useful. It all comes down to your olfactory senses, but when it comes to open houses, it is better to be safe than sorry.

• Avoid overpowering scents. Strong fragrances can be off-putting. Use a subtle aroma to enhance rather than dominate.
• Do not be inconsistent with scents. Using too many conflicting scents could get chaotic. Stick to those that complement each other.
• Be mindful of potential allergies. Natural options are a good choice when possible.

Use These Scents For Your Open House

Creating a signature scent is not an easy task, but when you hit the sweet spot, that is the job done. A balanced aroma could enhance the experience of prospective buyers and leave a lasting impression. I believe that a welcoming fragrance is not just a detail, but a component of the overall experience that is the open house. So light that candle and spritz that spray, and watch buyers feel at home.