With Thanksgiving a week away and the holiday season around the corner, the incredible aromas of baked goods are everywhere. And I mean everywhere. They are even taking over homes that are for sale!
Did you know that the way a home smells can affect your bottom line? You may have heard that it’s a good idea to light scented candles or bake cookies during an open house to appeal to visitors. This is also a great way to make a home feel welcoming and warm. However, there’s more to it than that, there is actually a psychological connection to consider as well.
According to Psychology Today, your nose processes smells in the olfactory bulb, which is connected to brain areas that are strongly related to memory and emotion. As a result, smells that evoke pleasant memories might just help people feel a stronger connection to your home.
At this time of year, there are plenty of seasonal scents that are associated with holiday cheer to tap into. So whether you are trying to sell your home this holiday season, or simply hosting a holiday gathering, here are some of the scents of the season that are known for producing positive results.
Homes and Land Magazine says that cinnamon is a scent that helps sellers get more money for their home. One way to accomplish this is to drop a cinnamon stick in boiling water. This is a great way to give your home a spicy, joyful feel. The smell is not meant to be overbearing, just familiar.
Realtor Magazine says that pine is also a scent that helps get homes sold. A simple way to do this is to use pine decorations – the pleasant, woodsy scent resonates with people around the holidays and reminds them of winter and Christmas trees. In addition, pine is a simple scent that isn’t likely to distract buyers and will allow them to focus on the features of the home while feeling comfortable there.
Around the fall holidays, candles with apple, cranberry or pumpkin scents offer a nice touch. They create an inviting environment and may help house shoppers associate themselves serving a holiday meal or baking in this home.
According to the Sense of Smell Institute, peppermint (think peppermint bark and candy canes!) has mood elevating qualities, like relieving stress and anxiety. Walking into a home that smells of peppermint may produce a calming effect; you may want to stay so long you’ll never leave!
Whether you are trying to give your home a refreshing, inviting feel or you want to appeal to house hunters on a subconscious level, these are some of the best aromas to do the trick.
By Holly Schwartz
Holly Schwartz is a realtor with Villa Real Estate who lives in Eastside Costa Mesa and has been featured on HGTV’s “House Hunters.”
