A survey of REALTORS® suggests smoking in a home can significantly reduce the amount a homeowner will get when they try to sell it (upwards of 30%). (Kirsten Neumann/Reuters).
When it comes time to selling, here are some tips to remove smoking residue:
1. Thoroughly wash the walls and ceiling of the home, removing any dust from door frames, window frames, baseboards, fan blades, and light fixtures.
2. Repaint the home, using a sealing, odor-killing primer like KILZ®.
3. Have the carpets professionally cleaned or replaced.
4. Clean the evaporator coil in the HVAC unit. Odor can permeate the coil and blasts the smell of old cigarettes into a home every time the air conditioner runs.
5. Replace all home filters.
6. Hire a professional to clean the air ducts. With years of exposure, ducts can be coated in tar, nicotine, and other smoke by-products.
7. Wash or replace window treatments.
8. Clean light fixtures and replace lightbulbs.
9. Professional ozone treatment. Ozone is the most effective way to remove odor caused by smoke damage.
When it comes time to sell a home, Nesting Effect provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to effectively stage the home. We cover everything from decluttering, decor changes, aesthetic upgrades, room planning, shopping recommendations, home maintenance advice, and open house/showing preparation.
We have you and your clients covered. Contact us today to see how we can support your next sale. For more information contact Nesting Effect at: info@nestingeffect.com.