The sweet smell of success
It’s time. The nation is whipping out their mixing bowls, wooden spoons, pre-heating their ovens and getting ready to bake as the Great British Bake Off hits our screens once more. What perfect time to talk about the impact of baking in the property industry. Yes, it can help sell a home. There is the old cliché that baking bread and brewing a fresh pot of coffee will appeal to the senses making a house more attractive to house buyers. But, can you really cook up a plan to help the success of your sale?
According to an article published by the Daily Mail a ‘pleasant smell’ is a key factor in impressing buyers. In fact, different scents should be used in different properties. The article informs us that bread and coffee is best suited to older properties due to an association with a homely and warm feeling. In contrast white tea and fig is a perfect combination for new build homes to reflect the fresh and clean design.
Matching a scent with its surroundings is certainly an option, however for people who love those good old smells, coffee and bread are still proving popular. Decorating brand Harris conducted a poll earlier this year on the 50 best smells. Fresh bread came out on top with coffee ranked fourth and cakes baking in the oven following in fifth place.
But don’t forget about smells that pong! Dirty bins, pet smells, food such as fish and curry can have a lingering effect in your home. You only get one chance to make a first impression on a potential buyer, so appeal to their senses rather than chase them away. How?
Hang up fresh towels, bake some bread, make coffee, clean the cooker, wash the windows, hoover, bleach your bathroom and buy some flowers. Doing just some of these will make an impact and remove those unwanted smells. No one wants to come into your home and be hit with the scent of cigarette smoke or last night’s takeaway.
So what are you waiting for? Check out this recipe for the perfect loaf and start baking. As Mel and Sue would say “on your marks, get set….bake!’
And don’t forget appealing to senses is not the only way to make an impression with a potential buyer. Think about what you can do easily to swing the deal. Click here for tips for selling success.
We would also love to hear from you. Tell us on Facebook which smells make you smile when you walk through the door.