Can't sell my home because of cigarette smell - Selling a home with a smoker

Question: I really want to sell my home in Overland Park, Kansas but I'm having a problem. My REALTOR keeps giving me feedback from the showing agents that the buyers don't want  to buy a home from a smoker. My REALTOR shared with me that buyers are concerned with the smoky smell and they will not be able to remove the smoky smell. The problem is my husband and I don't smell. Any suggestions would be appreciated on dealing with the smoky smell in our home.
Amy R. from Overland Park, Kansas


Answer: This is not a first. I have dealt with this kind of feedback over the years, Amy. First, if you're blowing out candles before showings, please stop. The smoke from the candles will imitate cigarette smoking. Next, if anyone in the family visits a residence, restaurant or business that cigarette smokers visit, stop. The smoke will penetrate the clothes and then your home. Thirdly, if you have teenage kids they may invite teenage smokers by the home while your husband and yourself are away. Ask them and monitor. Fourthly, try cleaning the carpets and keeping potpouri in the home, especially during showings. I have even had sellers bake cookies and bread to mask a nonexistent smoky smell. Oh, yeah, if you burn food in the home, home buyers may confuse that with cigarette smoke.


Lastly, write a letter and leave in the home about why you love your home, End with a "Smoke Free Home".


Hope this helps, Amy.


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